Canadian bacons a meat-lover, you know that Canadian bacon is a real treat. Thick and meaty slices without the strong smoky flavor of traditional bacon. It’s delicious when cooked, but can it be eaten raw?
Not many people know how to prepare Canadian bacon, but we’ll break it down, and you’ll learn more about this delicious treat.
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What is Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon is lean pig loin back bacon. It’s popular in the U.S. and Canada and tastes sweet and smokey, excellent for breakfast or pizza!
Two things are called “Canadian bacon”:
The U.S. calls it “back bacon.” Curing and briefly smoking the lean pig loin eye yields the meat. This is what most people think of as “Canadian bacon.” This bacon is nothing like American bacon!
This is dubbed “peameal bacon” in Canada because it was wrapped with crushed yellow peas. It is produced from pork loin but has no smoky flavor; it is salty with a tinge of sweetness from molasses added during curing. When seeking for “Canadian Bacon” in Canada, inquire whether they have peameal. This is rare beyond Quebec.
How peameal is cooked distinguishes it from back bacon: Dry rubs or spices are added to peameal after curing.
Can you eat Canadian bacon raw?
The answer is yes. You can eat Canadian bacon raw. However, the taste might not be pleasant, and the texture will be hard to chew. This is because it’s already cooked, but to enhance its flavor, it’s better if heated first by sautéeing, baking or grilling.
Canadian bacons can be eaten raw or cooked, but you should only eat raw Canadian bacon if it has been cured properly. If you are not sure that it has been cured, it is best to cook it before eating it.
According to most nutritionists, it is safe to eat Canadian bacon raw. However, like most other meats, it’s better if heated first. The FDA recommends cooking pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F with a three-minute rest time after taking it off the heat.
Is Canadian bacon healthy?
Although Canadian bacon comes from the same cut of meat as American bacon (pork belly), it doesn’t have the same fat content or flavor profile. It’s significantly leaner and has a smooth texture.
It’s leaner and thicker than the streaky bacon you’re probably used to seeing on breakfast plates. Compared to streaky bacon, Canadian bacon contains fewer calories and less fat, making it a healthier alternative.
Nutrition experts say that if you want to eat meat, it’s best to choose the leanest cuts possible.
Back bacon, as it is known in Canada, is leaner than most other types of bacon, which makes it better for you, but it’s still high in sodium and saturated fat — two things you should consume in moderation if you want to maintain a healthy weight.
Turkey bacon is a better choice for your health because it contains less saturated fat and calories than either pork or Canadian bacon. However, it does contain just as much sodium, if not more, so make sure you read the label before buying.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Canadian Bacon?
As with any meat, you should always be careful when handling raw Canadian bacon.
Color is a good indicator of properly cooked Canadian bacon. Canadian bacon should be pale pink when fresh. If your meat is red or pink, it may not be done.
Disease-causing germs are the biggest danger when eating raw Canadian bacon. Canadian bacon may include Salmonella or E. coli. If so, cooking it at moderate temperatures won’t destroy them, therefore eating it raw is risky like any other meat.
Most Canadian bacon in stores is cured and preservative-treated to prevent deterioration. However, if the product has been on the shelf for too long, hazardous microorganisms may have been exposed.
When deciding whether or not to eat raw Canadian bacon, you should consider your health and how much risk you’re willing to take.
Canadian bacons have any suppressed immune systems or underlying health conditions that make you more susceptible to foodborne illness, you may want to steer clear of consuming any raw meat products. If you’re in good health and want to give it a go, just make sure that the product is fresh and hasn’t been sitting around for too long.
How to Prepare Canadian Bacon?
The best way to eat Canadian bacon is to cook it — but it doesn’t require much cooking.
Canadian bacon is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 F. But in most cases, all you need to do is warm it through in a pan or on the grill.
The most common way to cook Canadian bacon is by frying it. Slice the pieces into 1-inch thick pieces and fry them in a skillet over medium heat until they are browned on both sides. You can add a little bit of water to the pan if you want to keep it moist as well.
If you’d like to bake your Canadian bacon, place slices in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until they’re done.
You can also grill Canadian bacon. Coat slices with cooking spray and place on an oiled grill grate over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned and heated through.
Can You substitute Canadian Bacon for Traditional Bacon?
Sure you can!
Because Canadian bacon is made from the same kind of pork as traditional bacon, it shares the same smoky, salty flavor but without the excess grease that can sometimes accompany it. It’s a great alternative to traditional bacon if you’re looking to cut back on fat or increase the health benefits of your meal.
