In the culinary world, bacon is a favorite of many people. Its salty, smoky taste has caused it to become more popular in recent years with chefs and consumers alike.
Pork belly, on the other hand, is slightly less well-known than its counterpart but in some circles, it is just as loved.
In this post, we will explore their differences and similarities and answer: Which should you buy?
What is Pork Belly?
Pork belly is cut from the sides and belly of a pig. It can also come from a hog but is not as common. The pork belly is the layer of fat naturally connected to a pig’s loin.
Pork belly is a cut of meat that comes from the pig’s abdomen and contains both the skin and fat. Pork belly was a popular food during times of need, as it can be slow-cooked for a long period without the meat drying out.
Today, pork belly is used to make bacon but can also be roasted or fried. It is a very versatile meat, and it’s high in protein.
The pork belly is often roasted or boiled in saltwater brine to preserve the meat and add flavoring. When shopping for pork belly, look for white meat with patches of pink from fat rendering.
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How to Prepare Pork Belly for Cooking?
There are many ways to prepare pork belly for cooking purposes. One way would be to fry it in a pan or the oven at high temperatures on a wire rack or roasting pan on an oven tray.
You can also roast it instead of frying it, but you must add liquid such as water or broth. You can also braise it or cook it in a slow cooker.
Pork belly can add that rich flavor your dish needs without being too overpowering and has been used by some cultures around the world, such as East Asian ones like China or the Philippines.
What is Bacon?
Bacon is a cured meat made from the belly, usually taken from a pig. The pork is rubbed with salt and spices before being coated in strips of wet and dry cure, hung to cure, or smoked and allowed to dry for days or weeks before eating.
Bacon is often considered to be less healthy than pork belly. However, if you don’t properly cook it the fat and muscles will seize up which gives off a rubbery texture rather than what’s expected soft/tender meat with pinkish coloration on its surface.
The bacon we eat today comes from pigs domesticated since the Roman Empire.
Related: How To Know When Bacon Is Done
Bacon can be made from pork belly or pork loin. It has been popular since Roman times when they used to cure slices of this part with saltpeter, making them last longer without spoiling.
In the 20th century, people began to smoke bacon with wood. This gave it a smoky taste and allowed them to retain its pink color when cooked.
How to Prepare Bacon for Cooking?
To prepare bacon for cooking, you need first to remove the rind. Place the bacon in a dish and cover it with cold water. Some say that if you peel off some thicker fat layers before soaking, you will get crisper bacon.
Soak the bacon for about 15 minutes, then drain and pat it dry. Next, you must cut your bacon into serving sizes or strips. You can fry or bake your bacon, depending on what you are using it for.
While bacon can be smoked after being cut, it needs to go through strict curing and smoking processes that take time, which drastically changes its texture in ways we’re all familiar with just by tasting these meats.
Pork Belly and Bacon Comparison Table
| Pork Belly | Bacon | |
|---|---|---|
| Cut of meat | The underside of the pig (the belly) | Pork belly, cheeks, shoulder, back, or loin |
| How is it sold? | A large slab of raw meat | Thin slices of cured meat |
| Additives | Nothing added | Sodium and preservatives |
| Cooking method | Rost, braise, boil, BBQ, deep fry, pressure cooker | BBQ, fry, broil |
| The skill level to cook | Intermediate | Novice |
What are the Main Differences Between Pork Belly and Bacon?
Pork belly is a softer, less processed meat than bacon. It can be cooked using many recipes that call for pork and has become more popular as people seek out healthier meats without added preservatives or sodium nitrites.
They would cure bacon with saltpeter to prevent molding too quickly during longer periods on-site away from refrigeration facilities.
Buying Recommendations
The color of the pork is an important factor when it comes to buying a good piece. A clear flesh, slightly pink, and pearly tone should be on your menu if you want great-tasting food with tender, juicy meat – all qualities necessary for making delicious pulled pork.
A good slice will have clear flesh with slightly pink undertones. It should be firm but flexible on contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smoked Bacon Safe To Eat Raw?
Raw smoked bacon can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. If you are going to eat raw smoked bacon, be sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.
Is Bacon Healthy?
Bacon is often criticized for being unhealthy due to its high fat and sodium content. However, bacon can also be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
The key to enjoying bacon without jeopardizing your health is to cook it healthily and avoid eating too much of it. When cooking bacon, keep the fat content intact and don’t drain it out. You can also use less fatty cuts of bacon or turkey bacon, which has less fat and sodium than regular bacon.
If you have high blood pressure or are at risk for heart disease, you should further limit your bacon intake.
So, is bacon healthy? It can be, but it all depends on how you cook it and how much you eat. Enjoy bacon in moderation and pair it with other healthy foods for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Pork belly and bacon are both a type of pork meat, but they have some key differences. Bacon is usually sold in thin slices because it’s been preserved through curing.
Pork belly can be found in raw or precooked slabs before being cut more appropriately for consumption.
