Craving a mouth-watering dish that will leave you wanting more? Look no further than our unexpectedly delicious grilled bacon recipe. With its irresistible combination of smoky flavors and crispy texture, this recipe is bound to become a favorite among bacon lovers. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds as we show you the secrets to achieving perfectly grilled bacon every time. Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet extraordinary dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For this unexpectedly delicious grilled bacon recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bacon
Bacon is the star of this recipe, and it’s important to choose a high-quality bacon that is neither too thin nor too thick. Look for bacon slices that are about 1/4 inch thick for the best results.
Brown sugar
The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the bacon and helps to create a caramelized crust when grilled.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the bacon. You can adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Paprika
Paprika not only adds a vibrant red color to the bacon but also imparts a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds a hint of savory flavor to the bacon, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Preparation
Before you start grilling your bacon, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure that it turns out perfectly.
Preparing the bacon
Start by laying out the bacon slices on a cutting board or a large plate. This will make it easier to coat them in the spice rub later on.
Creating the spice rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well with a spoon or a fork until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The spice rub will add a wonderful combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors to the bacon.
Coating the bacon in the spice rub
Now it’s time to coat the bacon in the spice rub. Take each bacon slice and sprinkle a generous amount of the spice rub on both sides, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use your hands to gently press the spice rub into the bacon, ensuring that it adheres well. Once all the bacon slices are coated, set them aside and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Grilling
Grilling the bacon is where the magic happens! Follow these steps to achieve perfectly grilled bacon:
Preheating the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and develops a nice charred crust while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Grilling the bacon
Place the bacon slices on the preheated grill grates, making sure to leave some space between each piece. Close the grill lid and let the bacon cook for about 2-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the slices. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning, as the sugar in the spice rub can cause flare-ups. Use grill tongs to flip the bacon slices halfway through the cooking process. When the bacon is golden brown and crispy, it’s ready to be taken off the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your grilled bacon is hot off the grill, it’s time to decide how you want to enjoy this unexpectedly delicious treat. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
As a side dish
Grilled bacon makes a fantastic side dish for any meal. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a salad for a satisfying and indulgent addition to your plate.
In sandwiches
Add a few slices of grilled bacon to your favorite sandwich for an extra burst of flavor and a delightful textural crunch. Whether you’re making a classic BLT or a gourmet turkey club, the grilled bacon will take your sandwich to the next level.
With breakfast
Upgrade your breakfast game by serving grilled bacon alongside your morning eggs, toast, and hash browns. The smoky, sweet, and savory flavors of the bacon will add a mouthwatering twist to your breakfast routine.
On salads
Crumble some grilled bacon on top of your favorite salad for a burst of flavor and added texture. Whether it’s a traditional Caesar salad or a hearty Cobb salad, the grilled bacon will add a delightful twist to your greens.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to customize your grilled bacon experience:
Crispiness level
If you prefer crispy bacon, cook it for a few extra minutes on each side. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and the heat of your grill. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Alternative spices
Feel free to get creative with the spice rub ingredients. Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even a touch of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
Adding a glaze
For an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the bacon with a glaze while it’s grilling. Some popular options include maple syrup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. The glaze will caramelize and add a delightful sticky sweetness to the bacon.
Health Considerations
While grilled bacon is undeniably delicious, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation and consider a few health-conscious tips:
Moderation
Bacon, even when grilled, is still high in saturated fat and sodium. Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence.
Choosing leaner bacon
Look for leaner cuts of bacon that have less fat and fewer calories. Turkey bacon or Canadian bacon are both excellent alternatives if you’re looking to reduce the fat content.
Draining excess fat
After grilling the bacon, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to allow any excess fat to drain. This step will help remove some of the excess grease and make your bacon slightly lighter.
Safety Precautions
Grilling bacon can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to prioritize safety. Follow these safety precautions to ensure a safe grilling session:
Handling raw bacon
When handling raw bacon, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after touching it. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw bacon and other ingredients.
Avoiding flare-ups
The sugar in the spice rub can cause flare-ups on the grill. Keep a close eye on the bacon while it’s cooking and be prepared to move it to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat if flare-ups occur.
Using grill tools safely
When grilling bacon, use long-handled grill tongs or spatulas to flip and remove the bacon from the grill. This will help keep your hands protected from the heat and minimize the risk of burns.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After enjoying your grilled bacon, it’s important to properly clean and maintain your grill for future use. Here are a few tips:
Cleaning the grill grates
Once the grill has cooled down, use a brush or grill scraper to remove any residue or food particles from the grill grates. For tougher build-up, you can scrub the grates with warm, soapy water and a sponge or grill brush. Rinse the grates thoroughly and let them air dry before storing.
Storing grill tools
Clean your grill tools after each use and store them in a safe, dry place. This will help prevent rusting and ensure that they’re ready to use the next time you fire up the grill.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about grilled bacon:
Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative to traditional bacon, and it can be grilled in the same way. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as turkey bacon tends to cook faster than regular bacon.
How do I prevent the bacon from sticking to the grill?
To prevent the bacon from sticking to the grill, make sure that the grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the bacon on them. You can also brush a small amount of oil directly onto the bacon slices to create a barrier between the meat and the grill.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
While garlic powder is the recommended option for this recipe, you can use fresh garlic if desired. Simply mince or finely chop the fresh garlic cloves and sprinkle them on the bacon along with the other spices.
Conclusion
Grilled bacon is an unexpectedly delicious treat that brings out the best flavors of this beloved breakfast staple. By following these simple steps and taking a few precautions, you can enjoy perfectly grilled bacon that is crispy, caramelized, and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it as a side dish, in sandwiches, with breakfast, or on salads, grilled bacon is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. So fire up the grill, grab some bacon, and get ready to experience the mouthwatering delight of grilled bacon like never before!