How to Smoke Beef Bacon – A Way to Savory, Delicious Bacon

ByAllison Beard

Smoking beef bacon is an art form. Whether you’re looking for a unique flavor to add to your breakfast sandwich or a smoky twist to your burgers and steaks, beef bacon can be the key ingredient to making any dish stand out.

How to smoke beef bacon

With the proper techniques and ingredients, you can create delicious and smoky bacon that will be the star of any meal.  In this article, you’ll learn How to smoke beef bacon and use a smoker to enhance taste of your favorite recipes. Follow along, and let’s get started on your smoked beef bacon journey.

What is Beef Bacon and the Benefits of its Smoking

Are you a bacon lover? If so, you’ve likely heard of beef bacon. If you haven’t, we’ll tell you all about it.
Beef bacon is a type of bacon that is made from beef, typically the brisket or plate cut. It has a slightly different flavor and texture than regular bacon. It has a more intense smoky, beefy flavor and a firmer texture.

  • Smoking beef bacon provides many benefits in terms of flavor and texture.
  • The smoky flavor is unique and gives the beef bacon a rich, delicious flavor.
  • It also helps to lock in juices and add a bit of crunchiness.
  • Smoking beef bacon has a long shelf life, as the smoke helps to preserve the meat and increase its shelf life.
  • In addition to the flavor and texture benefits, smoking beef bacon is also a healthier choice than traditional pork bacon. Since beef bacon is made from leaner cuts of beef, it contains less fat and calories than pork bacon, making it a healthier choice overall.

Preparing Your Own Beef Bacon 

Are you ready to take your beef bacon game to the next level? Here’s what you need to know to prepare the perfect cut of beef bacon.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef Bacon

When choosing the right cut of beef bacon, it’s essential to consider your cooking needs and preferences. Different cuts of beef bacon will have different flavors, textures, and fat content. For example, a thicker cut will be more flavorful and juicy, while a thinner cut will be leaner and crispier.
Some cuts of beef bacon are cured and smoked, while others are uncured and unsmoked. The most popular cuts of beef bacon are center-cut, thick-cut, and lean-cut. Each of these cuts offers its own unique flavor and texture, so it’s essential to consider your recipe before making your choice.

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Pro Tip 

When choosing beef bacon, you should look for a cut that is lean and well-marbled with fat. Look for a cut with even thickness, as this will ensure even cooking. Avoid any cuts with excessive fat, as this can be difficult to trim and make the beef bacon difficult to cook. 

Trimming the Fat 

Once you have chosen the right cut, you must trim any excess fat. This is important to ensure that the beef bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t become too greasy. To do this, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by slicing off any more than ¼ inch thick fat, then use the knife to scrape away any additional fat. You can also ask your butcher to do this for you. 

Seasoning the Beef Bacon 

After trimming fats, you can start seasoning the beef bacon. You can use various ingredients to give your beef bacon a unique flavor. Salt and pepper are traditional, but you can also experiment with garlic, onion, paprika, and other spices. If you want a smokier flavor, add liquid smoke. Experiment with different flavor combinations until you find the perfect combination for your beef bacon.

Pro Tip

No matter how you prepare your beef bacon, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together, and it will also help keep the bacon from becoming tough. With these tips, you’ll make the perfect beef bacon every time. So go ahead, try it, and see how delicious it can be!

How to Smoke Beef Bacon

Before you get started, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the right tools and techniques for smoking beef bacon. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the perfect beef bacon smoked to perfection.

Preheat the Smoker

Before smoking beef bacon, you must ensure that your smoker is preheated correctly. The temperature should be consistent, so your meat will be cooked evenly. Depending on the type of smoker you have, the temperature range will vary. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find your smoker’s ideal temperature range.

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A good rule of thumb is to preheat your smoker to between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you’ve reached the desired temperature, you can place the beef bacon in the smoker.

Place the Beef Bacon in the Smoker

Now it’s time to put the beef bacon in the smoker. Place the bacon in a single layer to arrange it evenly. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, place the bacon on the top rack closest to the heat source.

If you’re using an electric smoker, you can place the beef bacon in the center of the smoker. You can also set the bacon directly on the grill grates or use a wire rack or aluminum foil to hold it. Make sure the beef bacon is spread out and not overlapping. This will ensure the bacon is cooked evenly and doesn’t burn.
Once the bacon is in the smoker, shut the lid and allow it to smoke for at least an hour.

Monitor the Temperature and Time

Now it’s time to leave the smoker and monitor the temperature and time. You should always check the internal temperature of the bacon with a thermometer and make sure that it reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smoke the bacon for around 4-6 hours for a rare to medium-rare doneness.
You’ll also want to monitor the temperature of the smoker. You want to ensure that it stays within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer. If it gets too hot, the bacon may burn.

Once the bacon has reached your desired requirements, you can remove it from the smoker and enjoy it!

Tips for Storing And Using the Beef Bacon

  • The first step after smoking your beef bacon is to allow it to cool before storing it. This will give the bacon time to settle and the smoke flavor to set in properly. Once the bacon has cooled, Store it in an airtight container or wrap it in parchment paper. This will help the bacon stay moist and prevent it from drying out.
  • For storing it keep it in a cool, dark place. This will help preserve the flavor and keep the bacon from becoming rancid. If you plan to eat your bacon within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Otherwise, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • When it comes to reheating your beef bacon, it’s important to note that you should never microwave it. This will cause the fat to separate from the meat, resulting in a greasy, soggy mess. Instead, you can pan-fry or bake in the oven to reheat your beef bacon.
  • By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your smoked beef bacon will always be flavorful and delicious. So don’t hesitate to fire up the smoker and enjoy the ultimate bacon experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Beef bacon has a flavor similar to pork bacon but with a slightly sweeter, more beef-like taste. It is also slightly chewier in texture and has a smoky, saltish flavor. Its flavor is unique and complex, and many people find it a delicious alternative to pork bacon.

Start by curing the beef. To do this, mix equal parts of course salt and sugar, and rub the mixture into the meat. This will act as the curing agent. Allow the beef to cure for one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Next, you will need to smoke the bacon. To do this, you can either use a smoker, or you can use a stovetop smoker. If you are a smoker, you must smoke the bacon for at least two hours. Using a stovetop smoker, you must smoke the bacon for at least three hours. Once the bacon is smoked, you can use it in any recipe that calls for bacon. Enjoy!

Start heating a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat to cook beef bacon on the stove. Once hot, add the beef bacon strips to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and golden. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess fat. Enjoy your beef bacon!

Beef bacon can be made without a smoker by combining a dry rub, oven or stovetop cooking, and finishing with a light glaze. Preheat the oven to 300°F and place the bacon on a rack over a baking sheet. Cook for 45 minutes, flipping the bacon every 15 minutes. Once cooked, brush the bacon with a glaze of your choice and place it back in the oven for 5 minutes. Enjoy your homemade beef bacon without a smoker!

Conclusion

Smoking beef bacon is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The essential steps of how to smoke beef bacon in achieving delicious smoked beef bacon are starting with quality beef bacon, preparing a brine, and then utilizing a smoker. With the right ingredients, processes, and techniques, you can enjoy tasty, smoky beef bacon that will surely please the whole family.

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