Perfect Homemade Bacon Recipe from Scratch! | Chuds BBQ

pork belly

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while pork shoulder is more affordable.

cure #1

🥗Healthier: homemade brine

💰Cheaper: table salt

Homemade brine can be made with common kitchen ingredients.

liquid smoke

🥗Healthier: smoked salt

💰Cheaper: smoked paprika

Smoked salt adds flavor without the cost of liquid smoke.

maple syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: honey

Agave syrup is lower in calories, while honey is often less expensive.

Rub salt and sugar all over the pork belly.

Sprinkle black pepper, garlic, sage, and red pepper flakes evenly on the pork.

Wrap the seasoned pork belly tightly in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 5-7 days, flipping every other day to redistribute the cure.

After curing, rinse the pork belly under cold water to remove excess salt.

Pat dry with paper towels and place on a wire rack.

Preheat smoker to 200°F (93°C).

Smoke the pork belly for 2-3 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).

Remove from the smoker and let it cool to room temperature.

Wrap in butcher paper or vacuum seal and refrigerate until ready to slice.

Slice thinly and cook as desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: