What Is Beef Bacon?

Beef bacon is a delicious alternative for those who want the flavor and texture of bacon without consuming pork. Made from cured beef, beef bacon has a similar smoky, salty taste with a chewy yet firm consistency.

The Process of Making Beef Bacon

Similar to pork bacon, beef bacon is made through a curing process. Slices of beef belly or brisket are covered in a blend of salt, sugar, spices, and nitrites. The mixture of spices used can vary by brand but commonly includes garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and other herbs.

Once covered in the curing mixture, the beef slices are packed tightly into containers and left to cure in the refrigerator for one to two weeks. During this time, the salt and nitrites penetrate the meat, drawing out moisture while infusing flavor.

After curing, the beef bacon is rinsed and soaked to remove excess curing salts. It is then smoked using hardwoods like hickory, mesquite, or oak. The smoking process impart depth of flavor and the characteristic brown color.

Once cured and smoked, the beef bacon is ready to cook. It is commonly sold either fresh, vacuum-packed, or dried. Fresh beef bacon needs to be refrigerated and has a shelf life of one to two weeks. The vacuum-packed and dried versions can last for months.

The Differences Between Beef Bacon and Pork Bacon

While beef bacon shares similarities with pork bacon, there are several key differences:

Texture – Beef bacon tends to have a firmer, more chewy texture compared to pork bacon. It is thicker cut and holds together better during cooking.

Flavor – Beef bacon has a similar smoky taste but lacks the distinctive sweetness of pork bacon. Its flavor profile tends to be savory with notes of salt and spices.

Fat content – Beef bacon contains less total and saturated fat compared to pork bacon. An ounce of cooked beef bacon has about 3-6 grams of fat compared to 9-15 grams in pork bacon.

Versatility – While both are delicious, pork bacon is more versatile for recipes due to its higher fat content and softer, crisper texture after cooking. However, beef bacon makes an excellent substitute for those focusing on reducing fat.

Health Benefits of Beef Bacon

In addition to providing an alternative for those avoiding pork, beef bacon offers some health benefits:

Lower in saturated fat – As mentioned, beef bacon contains significantly less saturated fat than pork bacon. This makes it a better choice for those looking to limit unhealthy fats in their diet.

Good source of protein – An ounce of cooked beef bacon contains between 5-11 grams of protein to support muscle growth and repair.

Mineral-rich – Beef bacon is a decent source of minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. These are essential for a variety of functions in the body.

Lower calorie – Beef bacon tends to have slightly fewer calories per ounce than pork bacon due to its lower fat content. An ounce of beef bacon has around 45-60 calories versus 70-90 in pork bacon.

In summary, beef bacon is a versatile substitute for those avoiding pork. While it lacks the classic sweetness of pork bacon, beef bacon provides a similar smoky, savory experience with added nutritional benefits. For those interested in trying something new, beef bacon is worth adding to your breakfast rotation.