First Try At Bacon!

[BedouinBob]

Bacon! Need I say more?? What could go wrong? Nothing!! I used PorkBelly's (Thanks Brian!) dry rub recipe and flipped for seven days. Then smoked at 180 with 5 oz of hickory chips. It took about 9 hours to get to 140 deg. Pictures attached!

 

[Pork Belly]

Well done my friend, that looks so good I swear I could smell it. How was the taste test? I enjoy a little sample when it is fresh out of the smoker.

 

[BedouinBob]

Thanks Brian. The flavor was great. I liked the amount of smoke. Maybe a little salty so I will probably wash or soak more next time. Sweetness was just right. I like my bacon a little salty so it wasn't bad but I think it might be better toned down a little.

 

[DivotMaker]

Nice job, Bob!  Amazing-looking bacon!

 

[Pork Belly]

I have never had to do more than a good heavy rinse. There have been a few times I took a first taste and thought wow, little salty, But that was always in the first taste after smoking. After resting in the fridge for a few days then slicing I haven't noticed it.

 

[BedouinBob]

Thanks Brian. We will see what it's like when it mellows a bit.

 

[Pork Belly]

Possibly you may need more sweet to balance out the flavor.

 

[BedouinBob]

Brian, definitely mellowed and balanced sweet and salty. I agree with you that it's a lot better than store bought. Thanks for the recipe.

 

[Pork Belly]

I am curious to know why it does that, but it seems to always happen.