Bacon Cure Recipe

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tjohnson

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Dec 29, 2009
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Savage, MN
Lots of guys asking about bacon again, so I thought I would post my Bacon Cure Recipe

I've made many batches of Belly Bacon & BBB, and this is the recipe I use.

It's taken some trial and error to get here, but this is what we like.

I use Country Brown Cure, and follow the instructions

You can use Cure #1 or Morton's TQ, but follow the manufacturers instructions carefully!

Enjoy!

Todd

BACON CURE RECIPE

12# Pork Bellies or Pork Shoulder

4 oz. Country Brown Cure(.32 oz. Cure/lb. Meat Adjust for Amount of Meat)

1 Cup Brown Sugar

2 tsp. Allspice(Optional Ginger)

2 TBSP Cracked Black Pepper(CBP)

2 tsp. Garlic Powder

2 tsp. Onion Powder

2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 TBSP Kosher or Sea Salt(Optional 2-3 TBSP Salt)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.  If brown sugar has clumps, break them up.

Spread dry cure mix liberally on all exposed meat.

Place in ZipLoc bag and in fridge for 10 days & turn daily.

The meat will “Sweat” as moisture is drawn out.  This will mix with the dry cure and spices to form a brine solution.  If the meat does not “Sweat”, add 1-2 oz. of water to each bag.  I add 1-2 oz. of water upfront.

Remove from the fridge after 10 days and rinse thoroughly under cold water.  Test fry and if salt is too strong, soak for an hour in cold water.

Towel dry and place in fridge overnight, to form pellicle.  You can speed up this process by placing slabs in front of a fan, or hang inside smoker for approximately 1 hour without smoke.

I prefer to “Cold Smoke” Slab Bacon or BBB for 12 hours at temps under 100°, but you can also “Hot Smoke” at higher temps.  I’ve also had great success  smoking BBB at 140° - 160°, to an internal temp of 120°.  Again, 8-12 hours of good clean smoke is necessary.  The color should be almost “Mahogany Red” as it nears completion.

Allow the smoked bacon slabs to sit overnight, in the fridge, in-order for the smoke to mellow.  I like to slice my bacon thick, so I set my slicer at about 1/8".

Ends and pieces will have a stronger smoke flavor, and can be used for beans or other foods, where bacon is used.

Optional:
  • Before the pellicle is formed, sprinkle Cracked Black Pepper(CBP) liberally on one side.
  • Spread Honey or Maple syrup on one side, with or without CBP
  • Substitute 1/2 cup Maple Sugar for 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • Inject slabs with a diluted mixture of Real Maple Syrup and water
 
Last edited:
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Perhaps I can help in this regard.  Here's a link to a seller:

http://www.butcher-packer.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=54

And from their ad on the linked page:
[h1]Country Brown Sugar Cure[/h1]
Complete-nothing to add. This cure is perfect for those that want a country brown sugar flavor and aroma in their product. This cure can be used for dry curing and for cover pickles that do not require over 7 days to cure.

~Dave
 
Thanks Todd,

I have been using Pops recipe because it's so easy.

Yours looks interesting though.

Copied it & filed it for later use.
 
No Good---Not Enough Bacon!!!  
laugh1.gif


Bear
 
Looks great Todd!!

I have a bellie thawing and will post the how to with Pops recipe soon..

I like seeing the different ways to make stuff..

  Have a great day!!

  Craig.
 
 Quote:
I get my Country Brown Cure from a local butcher supply house, in 10# boxes.  It's premixed with brown sugar, Cure #1 and other chemicals to speed up the curing process.  They also have a Maple Sugar Version that's very good too.  I add extra maple sugar to this one and it's AWESOME!

Midwestern Research carries the very same cure 5# = $12.45

http://www.midwesternresearch.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;MULTI_ITEM_SUBMIT

My first bacon recipe came from SMF Member, "CanadianWild."  I tried his recipe and liked it, and his recipe is the base for my recipe.   I tweaked it a little to what it is today, and figured it was time to share my recipe with other members, so they can enjoy my bacon too.

We tried brine curing side by side with dry curing, and we liked the results of dry curing better.  The flavor of the spices seem to come thru a little more with dry curing method.  I kinda cheat, and add a couple ounces of water at the start, so it's almost like a slurry or very concentrated brine.

Different strokes for different folks!

Whether you use Cure #1, a Premix Like Country Brown Cure or Mortin's TQ, it really does not matter.  It's about making bacon "Safely" and adhering to the manufacturer's directions.

Another very important factor is the choice of wood and the duration of your smoke.  I use Apple Sawdust or Pellets, and smoke for 12 hours.  Those who use Hickory, may find that 12 hours is too much smoke.  It's a bit of "Trail & Error", but once you hit the right combination, you'll know it!!!

Keep Makin' Bacon!

Todd
 
Yep, since I brought these cures with me on the road trip, this week I hope to do some BBB just to show a certain few people how easy it is.  I personally feel the addition of apple juice to the mix really takes it over the top.  Got this one filed for immediate use.  Thanks Todd.

~Dave
 
Thank you for sharing your recipe, Todd. Sounds very good. I've used Bearcarvers and liked it, although, I really had to soak it for a good couple of hours changing water every 1/2 hr. to get the salt level down to where I liked it. I must be getting more salt sensitive in my old age. A lot of things seem to be tasting salty to me, whereas, they never used to before. Golden years, my foot! Lately, I've been using Pops brine with good results. It's really easy and I seem to be able to control the saltyness much better with it. I think next time I'll give your recipe a try.

Many thanks for all your fine products, advice, and contributions to this site. You've certainly helped kick my smoking experience up another notch! Can't wait to try that new Pellet smoker!

ShortEnd
 
Thank you for sharing your recipe, Todd. Sounds very good. I've used Bearcarvers and liked it, although, I really had to soak it for a good couple of hours changing water every 1/2 hr. to get the salt level down to where I liked it. I must be getting more salt sensitive in my old age. A lot of things seem to be tasting salty to me, whereas, they never used to before. Golden years, my foot! Lately, I've been using Pops brine with good results. It's really easy and I seem to be able to control the saltyness much better with it. I think next time I'll give your recipe a try.

Many thanks for all your fine products, advice, and contributions to this site. You've certainly helped kick my smoking experience up another notch! Can't wait to try that new Pellet smoker!

ShortEnd
You are right on the money...Todd is an awesome fella!!

If you want to use less salt with the Pops method it is quite ok...The last bacon I did with it I used 1/2 cup per gallon....

I have been waiting for Todd to send me some of his local mix..I look at the mail for it every day!!  (hint,hint)

  Have a great day!!

  Craig
 
 Quote:

I get my Country Brown Cure from a local butcher supply house, in 10# boxes.  It's premixed with brown sugar, Cure #1 and other chemicals to speed up the curing process.  They also have a Maple Sugar Version that's very good too.  I add extra maple sugar to this one and it's AWESOME!

Midwestern Research carries the very same cure 5# = $12.45

http://www.midwesternresearch.com/IW_Products.m4p.pvx?;MULTI_ITEM_SUBMIT

My first bacon recipe came from SMF Member, "CanadianWild."  I tried his recipe and liked it, and his recipe is the base for my recipe.   I tweaked it a little to what it is today, and figured it was time to share my recipe with other members, so they can enjoy my bacon too.

We tried brine curing side by side with dry curing, and we liked the results of dry curing better.  The flavor of the spices seem to come thru a little more with dry curing method.  I kinda cheat, and add a couple ounces of water at the start, so it's almost like a slurry or very concentrated brine.

Different strokes for different folks!

Whether you use Cure #1, a Premix Like Country Brown Cure or Mortin's TQ, it really does not matter.  It's about making bacon "Safely" and adhering to the manufacturer's directions.

Another very important factor is the choice of wood and the duration of your smoke.  I use Apple Sawdust or Pellets, and smoke for 12 hours.  Those who use Hickory, may find that 12 hours is too much smoke.  It's a bit of "Trail & Error", but once you hit the right combination, you'll know it!!!

Keep Makin' Bacon!

Todd
Thanks Todd. 
icon14.gif
 
Thanks Todd, actually got my butcher friend to start carring pork bellies, as I have enticed another neighbor, 8 miles away, to start smoking his own bacon..

Rich

PS; such a great time to own a AMZNPS   yeeeehawww..

Rich
 
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