Have you ever craved the savory, smoky goodness of Canadian bacon but wished you could skip the trip to the store? With this easy-to-follow Canadian bacon recipe, you can make your own delicious Canadian bacon right at home! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a BLT with a twist. Making it yourself means you control the ingredients and can customize the flavor to your liking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade Canadian bacon expertise!
Why this Canadian bacon recipe is special
This Canadian bacon recipe is a winner because it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s quicker than you think, and the result is a flavorful, tender Canadian bacon that rivals anything you can buy. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it on its own, add it to your favorite breakfast dishes, or use it to elevate your sandwiches and salads.
Understanding Canadian Bacon
Canadian bacon, despite its name, isn’t actually bacon in the traditional sense. Unlike the crispy, streaky bacon we’re used to, which comes from the pork belly, Canadian bacon comes from the leaner pork loin, specifically the back of the pig. It’s cured and often smoked, giving it a distinct flavor and a firmer texture. Think of it as a close relative of ham, but with a meatier, less salty profile. While its exact origins are debated, the curing process for Canadian bacon likely evolved from traditional methods of preserving pork.
What cut is Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon is made from pork loin, a lean cut from the pig’s back. This is the same cut often used for roasts and chops. Using the pork loin gives Canadian bacon its characteristically lean and tender texture.
Is Canadian bacon actually ham?
Canadian bacon and ham are both cured pork products, but they come from different parts of the pig. Ham is typically made from the hind leg or shoulder, while Canadian bacon is from the loin. The curing process for Canadian bacon is also generally shorter than that of ham, resulting in a milder flavor. While they share similarities, they offer distinct tastes and textures.
Ingredients & Equipment
For this delicious Canadian bacon recipe, you’ll need:
- For the Brine:
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pink curing salt (Prague powder #1) Important for safety and color retention
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- For the Canadian Bacon:
- 2-3 pound pork loin, trimmed
- Equipment:
- Large brining container or resealable bag
- Meat thermometer
- Smoker (optional, for added smoky flavor)
- Large saucepan or pot
- Baking dish or skillet
Ingredient Substitutions
- Salt: If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use table salt, but reduce the amount by half.
- Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar can be used in place of brown sugar, though it may slightly alter the final flavor. Maple syrup can also be added for a touch of sweetness.
Canadian Bacon Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started making your own homemade Canadian bacon!
- Prepare the Brine: In a large saucepan, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This is crucial – you don’t want to add the pork loin to a hot brine.
- Brine the Pork Loin: Place the pork loin in your brining container or a large resealable bag. Pour the cooled brine over the pork, ensuring it’s fully submerged. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator and let the pork brine for 3-4 days. This brining process is key to a flavorful and tender final product.
- Rinse and Dry: After brining, remove the pork loin from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the pork thoroughly under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- Optional Smoking: If you want to add a smoky flavor, preheat your smoker to 200°F. Use mild wood chips like applewood or cherrywood for a subtle smokiness. Smoke the pork loin for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F.
- Cook the Canadian Bacon: You can cook your Canadian bacon in several ways:
- Pan-fry: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sear the Canadian bacon slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place Canadian bacon slices in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the Canadian bacon rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Brining the Pork Loin
Brining the pork loin is essential for this Canadian bacon recipe. The brine, a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, not only seasons the pork but also helps it retain moisture during cooking. Make sure the pork loin is completely submerged in the brine, and be patient—the 3-4 day brining period is crucial for optimal flavor and texture.
Smoking the Canadian Bacon (Optional)
Smoking adds another layer of flavor to your Canadian bacon. Applewood or cherrywood are excellent choices for a mild smokiness that complements the pork. Maintain a low smoking temperature (200°F) and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Remember, smoking is optional – the Canadian bacon will be delicious even without it.
Cooking the Canadian Bacon
Whether you choose to pan-fry, bake, or grill your Canadian bacon, the goal is to heat it through and achieve a nice color. Pan-frying gives a delicious sear, baking provides even cooking, and grilling adds a smoky char. No matter your chosen method, using a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 150°F will guarantee a perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat Canadian bacon.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best Canadian bacon:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when making Canadian bacon. It ensures the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 150°F, preventing undercooking or overcooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Give the Canadian bacon slices enough space to brown properly.
- Get Creative with the Brine: Customize the flavor of your Canadian bacon by adding other spices to the brine. Try juniper berries, allspice, or even a touch of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
- Slice Evenly: For even cooking, try to slice the Canadian bacon into uniform thicknesses. This is especially helpful for pan-frying and grilling.
- Let it Rest: Allow the cooked Canadian bacon to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Making Canadian Bacon in the Oven
Baking Canadian bacon in the oven is a great hands-off method. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the Canadian bacon slices in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper. Flip the slices halfway through for even cooking.
Pan-Frying Canadian Bacon
Pan-frying Canadian bacon gives it a beautiful sear and crispy edges. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the Canadian bacon slices in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes bacon Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon isn’t bacon like the crispy strips we usually think of. It’s made from pork loin, a lean cut from the pig’s back, which is cured and sometimes smoked. This gives it a firm texture and a distinct, savory flavor, setting it apart from streaky bacon from the pork belly.
What makes Canadian bacon different than ham?
While both are cured pork products, Canadian bacon comes from the pork loin, whereas ham comes from the leg or shoulder. Canadian bacon tends to have a milder flavor and a firmer, meatier texture than ham due to the different cut and typically shorter curing process.
Why is bacon different in Canada?
The term “bacon” in Canada generally refers to what Americans call streaky bacon – the thin, crispy strips from pork belly. “Canadian bacon” refers to back bacon, made from pork loin. So, while the names can be confusing, Canadians enjoy both types of cured pork!
What do you eat with Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon is incredibly versatile! It’s a breakfast staple, delicious alongside eggs, pancakes, or French toast. It’s also a fantastic addition to sandwiches, salads, quiches, and even appetizers. Try it on a burger, in a pasta carbonara, or wrapped around dates for a sweet and savory treat.
Serving and Storing
Your homemade Canadian bacon is ready to shine! It’s a fantastic addition to so many dishes. For breakfast, serve it alongside eggs, pancakes, or French toast. Elevate your brunch game with Canadian bacon Eggs Benedict or a frittata. For lunch or dinner, try it in a classic BLT, a grilled cheese with a twist, or a hearty salad. It’s also delicious in quiche, omelets, or pasta carbonara. Get creative and enjoy!
To store your Canadian bacon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Freezing and Thawing Instructions
To freeze Canadian bacon, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Canadian bacon will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen slices to the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain food safety. Once thawed, cook and enjoy as usual!
Conclusion
Making your own Canadian bacon at home is easier than you think! With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful breakfast, lunch, or dinner any time. There’s something truly satisfying about serving up homemade Canadian bacon, knowing you created it from scratch. So, ditch the store-bought stuff and give this recipe a try. I bet you’ll be amazed by the results! Let me know how it goes in the comments below – I’d love to hear about your Canadian bacon adventures.
Looking for more ways to enjoy your homemade Canadian bacon? Try this delicious Wake-Up Casserole recipe