Craving a delectable homemade snack that’s packed with savory flavor? Look no further than our step-by-step guide on how to make bacon jerky. This easy-to-follow recipe from Baobei will walk you through the process of creating mouthwatering bacon jerky that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying this delicious treat in no time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 1 pound, sliced |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Liquid smoke | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). |
| 2 | Trim any excess fat from the bacon. |
| 3 | Combine all the ingredients of the marinade in a large bowl. |
| 4 | Place the marinated bacon in a single layer on a wire rack inside a baking sheet. |
| 5 | Bake for 2 hours, flipping the bacon halfway through. |
| 6 | Let the bacon jerky cool and dry completely before storing. |
I. How to Make Bacon Jerky: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Bacon
Begin by selecting a slab of high-quality bacon with consistent thickness for even cooking. If the bacon has excessive fat, trim it off to ensure the jerky doesn’t become overly greasy.
Slice the bacon into thin pieces, around 1/4 inch thick. This will allow the marinade flavors to penetrate more effectively and result in a delectable bite.
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Marinating the Bacon
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended and form a flavorful marinade.
Add the sliced bacon to the marinade and ensure that each piece is coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl and let the bacon marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This step infuses the bacon with savory flavors and enhances its texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 1 pound, sliced |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Liquid smoke | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Preparing the Oven
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) to achieve a low and slow cooking temperature. This method renders the fat in the bacon without burning it, resulting in a crispy and flavorful jerky.
Line a baking sheet with a wire rack to allow the bacon strips to cook evenly on all sides and drain any excess fat.
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Baking the Bacon Jerky
Arrange the marinated bacon strips in a single layer on the wire rack. Ensure that they are not touching each other to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Bake the bacon jerky in the preheated oven for 2 hours. After this initial cooking period, flip each bacon strip over for even browning on both sides. Continue baking for approximately 1-2 more hours, or until the bacon is crispy and reaches your desired texture.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). |
| 2 | Trim any excess fat from the bacon. |
| 3 | Combine all the ingredients of the marinade in a large bowl. |
| 4 | Place the marinated bacon in a single layer on a wire rack inside a baking sheet. |
| 5 | Bake for 2 hours, flipping the bacon halfway through. |
| 6 | Let the bacon jerky cool and dry completely before storing. |
Letting the Bacon Jerky Cool
Once the bacon jerky is done baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bacon strips to a cooling rack or paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Allow the bacon jerky to cool completely before storing it. This will ensure that it maintains its crispy texture and remains fresh longer.
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II. Choosing the Right Bacon
When selecting bacon for your jerky, there are a few key factors to consider. First, choose a bacon that is thick-cut. This will help to ensure that the jerky is chewy and not too dry. Second, look for bacon that is well-marbled. This will help to add flavor and richness to the jerky. Finally, choose a bacon that is fresh and has not been frozen. Frozen bacon can be tough and chewy, which is not ideal for jerky.
Once you have selected your bacon, you can begin preparing it for the jerky-making process. First, trim any excess fat from the bacon. Then, cut the bacon into thin strips. The strips should be about 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide. Once the bacon is cut, you can begin marinating it.
| Type of Bacon | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Thick-cut | Chewy and not too dry |
| Well-marbled | Adds flavor and richness |
| Fresh | Not tough and chewy |
There are many different ways to marinate bacon for jerky. Some popular methods include using a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Others prefer to use a simpler marinade made with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to let the bacon marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help to infuse the bacon with flavor.
Once the bacon is marinated, it is time to cook it. There are two main ways to cook bacon jerky: baking and dehydrating. Baking is the easier method, but dehydrating will produce a more chewy jerky. To bake bacon jerky, simply preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the bacon for 2 hours, or until it is crispy. To dehydrate bacon jerky, you will need a dehydrator. Set the dehydrator to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the bacon for 8-10 hours, or until it is dry and chewy.
Once the bacon jerky is cooked, it is ready to enjoy. You can store the jerky in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the jerky for up to 6 months.
Bacon jerky is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for on-the-go. It is also a great way to use up leftover bacon. So next time you have some bacon on hand, give bacon jerky a try.
Here are some additional tips for making bacon jerky:
- Use a variety of spices and herbs to flavor your bacon jerky. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder.
- If you are using a dehydrator, be sure to place the bacon strips in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. This will help to ensure that the bacon dries evenly.
- Once the bacon jerky is cooked, be sure to let it cool completely before storing it. This will help to prevent the jerky from becoming tough.
- Bacon jerky is a great snack to take on hikes, camping trips, or road trips. It is also a great addition to lunch boxes.
If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make snack, bacon jerky is a great option. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a batch of bacon jerky that will satisfy your cravings.
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III. Preparing the Bacon
Before marinating the bacon, it’s essential to prepare it properly. First, trim any excess fat from the bacon slices. This step helps reduce the greasiness of the final product and prevents excessive shrinkage.
To trim the bacon, use a sharp knife to remove any large or thick pieces of fat from the sides and ends of each slice. Be careful not to remove too much fat, as some fat is necessary for flavor and texture.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather the necessary ingredients: bacon, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. |
| 2 | Trim any excess fat from the bacon slices. |
| 3 | Combine all the ingredients of the marinade in a large bowl. |
| 4 | Place the marinated bacon in a single layer on a wire rack inside a baking sheet. |
| 5 | Bake for 2 hours, flipping the bacon halfway through. |
| 6 | Let the bacon jerky cool and dry completely before storing. |
After trimming the bacon, separate the pieces into individual slices. For thicker bacon, you may need to cut the slices in half lengthwise. This helps ensure that the marinade penetrates all parts of the bacon and results in a more flavorful jerky.
Once the bacon is prepared, it’s ready for the next step: marinating.
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IV. Marinating the Bacon
Marinating the bacon overnight is a crucial step in creating flavorful bacon jerky. The marinade helps infuse the bacon with a blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that develop during the baking process.
In a large bowl, mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Brown sugar: Adds a sweet and slightly caramelized flavor to the bacon.
- Soy sauce: Provides a savory and salty flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory and umami flavors of the bacon.
- Liquid smoke: Gives the bacon a smoky flavor similar to traditional smoked bacon.
- Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor.
- Paprika: Gives the bacon a vibrant red color and adds a touch of smokiness.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Black pepper: Adds a slight peppery spiciness.
Once the marinade is prepared, add the bacon slices to the bowl and thoroughly coat them in the marinade. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the bacon, ensuring it penetrates all the cracks and crevices.
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V. Cooking the Bacon Jerky
Once the bacon is marinated, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with a wire rack.
Place the bacon strips on the wire rack, ensuring they are spaced evenly and not touching each other. Bake the bacon for 2 hours, flipping the strips halfway through. You can check the progress of the bacon throughout this process; remove it once crispy and slightly darkened.
Once the bacon is baked, let it cool and dry completely before storing. This will help preserve its texture and flavor.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon | 1 pound, sliced |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Liquid smoke | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Check out our other bacon-inspired recipes: How to Make Bacon in the Oven, How to Make Bacon Jerky, and How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers.
VI. Storing the Bacon Jerky
Once the bacon jerky is completely cool and dry, it’s time to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips for storing bacon jerky:
- Airtight Container: Store the bacon jerky in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from entering. This will help keep the jerky crispy and prevent it from becoming soft or chewy.
- Cool and Dry Place: Choose a cool and dry place to store the bacon jerky, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid areas that are exposed to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the jerky to spoil.
- Refrigeration: For longer-term storage, you can refrigerate the bacon jerky. This will help extend its shelf life for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store the jerky in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the refrigerator.
- Freezing: If you want to store the bacon jerky for an extended period, you can freeze it. Place the jerky in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the jerky, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your bacon jerky stays fresh and delicious for weeks to come. Enjoy your homemade bacon jerky as a satisfying snack or as an addition to your favorite dishes.
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VII. Conclusion
Congratulations on learning how to make bacon jerky at home! With this easy-to-follow recipe from baobei, you can now enjoy this delicious and flavorful snack whenever you crave it. Store your homemade bacon jerky in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create your own unique variations of this classic treat. Enjoy your homemade bacon jerky as a standalone snack, or use it as a flavorful addition to your favorite salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The possibilities are endless!
