Smoking Canadian Bacon
Introduction
Canadian bacon is a popular breakfast meat that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is made from pork loin and is typically cured and smoked before being sliced into thin rounds. Smoking Canadian bacon is a great way to add flavor to this delicious meat, and it is surprisingly easy to do at home. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about smoking Canadian bacon, from the ingredients to the instructions and nutrition.Ingredients
To smoke Canadian bacon, you will need the following ingredients:- 1 pork loin (approximately 5 lbs)
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup wood chips (hickory or applewood)
Pork Loin
The most important ingredient for smoking Canadian bacon is the pork loin. You want to choose a pork loin that is about 5 lbs in weight and has a good amount of fat marbling. This will help keep the meat moist during the smoking process.Curing Mixture
The curing mixture is a combination of kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture will help preserve the meat and give it a delicious flavor.Liquid Ingredients
The liquid ingredients for the brine are maple syrup and apple juice. These ingredients will add a sweet and fruity flavor to the meat.Wood Chips
The wood chips are essential for smoking Canadian bacon. You can use hickory or applewood chips for this recipe. These woods will give the meat a rich, smoky flavor.Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions for smoking Canadian bacon:Step 1: Prepare the Brine
In a large pot, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder with 1 gallon of water. Stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Add the maple syrup and apple juice to the mixture and stir well.Step 2: Brine the Pork Loin
Place the pork loin in a large container or plastic bag and pour the brine over it. Make sure the pork loin is completely submerged in the brine. Cover the container or seal the bag and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Pork Loin
After 24-48 hours, remove the pork loin from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.Step 4: Smoke the Pork Loin
Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Add the wood chips to the smoker box or foil packet and place it in the smoker. Place the pork loin on the smoker rack and smoke it for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.Step 5: Cool and Slice the Canadian Bacon
Once the pork loin has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it cool. Once it has cooled, slice the pork loin into thin rounds and serve.Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for smoking Canadian bacon (per 3-ounce serving):- Calories: 130
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g