Turkey bacon is a game changer in the breakfast lineup, and for good reason.
It’s crispy, tasty, and offers a unique twist on the classic bacon experience.
Have you ever wondered what exactly sets turkey bacon apart from its pork counterpart?
In this article, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about turkey bacon—how it’s made, its nutritional advantages, and most importantly, how it tastes.
Prepare to be surprised by how versatile and delicious turkey bacon can be.
Ready to dive deep into the world of turkey bacon? Join us as we uncover the flavors that await.
What is Turkey Bacon?
It is meat made from chopped, formed, cured, and smoked turkey.
Turkey bacon came into existence to substitute pork bacon for two categories of people.
Firstly, for those who can’t consume pork and secondly, for those looking for a low-fat alternative.
Ever since the substitute product arrived on the market, it has become quite popular not only with the target consumers but also with meat lovers.
Many others taste it out of curiosity and end up loving it.
Hence, there is a higher demand for the product now.
You can cook it as you would pork bacon.
However, since it’s 90% fat-free, pan-frying isn’t that ideal unless you use a little oil or butter.
Turkey bacon is a viable option for all who want some bacon but don’t want to eat pork products.
What Does Turkey Bacon Taste Like?
So, it’s an ideal choice to eat in place of real bacon.
It’s also received the attention of the target consumers, curious food enthusiasts, chefs, and home cooks alike.
But what of its taste? We all know that pork bacon is one of the most delicious foods globally.
It’s crispy, juicy, and smoky, and you can’t stop eating it.
But it’s also not entirely healthy, and that’s why the substitute appeared.
Has turkey bacon been able to meet those standards? Let’s find out.
If you love bacon and eggs but want to remove the former from your diet, turkey bacon can work perfectly.
It’s crispy, and it complements your eggs.
But since it’s meat from a fowl, it probably doesn’t taste like pork bacon.
Turkey bacon may taste more like duck bacon since both are birds and have less fat than bacon.
The substitute is called “facon,” meaning “fake” “bacon,” and it’s aptly named.
Turkey bacon looks similar to the ever-delicious bacon, but that’s where the similarities end.
However, it’s not to say that it’s not tasty.
It’s delicious but doesn’t have any similarity with classic bacon.
Turkey meat is delicious, and so is turkey bacon.
- Nutritional Value of Turkey Bacon.
One slice of Jennie-O Turkey bacon has 30 calories, 2g protein, 0.5g saturated fat, 2.5g fat, 10g cholesterol, and 130mg sodium.
On the other hand, classic bacon of the same size has 54 calories, 3.9g protein, 1.37 saturated fat, 4.04g fat, 11mg cholesterol, and 194mg sodium.
Except for protein, everything else is high in classic bacon.
Turkey bacon is considered a healthier alternative to pork bacon.
It contains several nutrients which can help during weight loss.
But it also includes a high amount of sodium.
So, you must eat it only in small amounts.
Alternatively, you can look for varieties that have low-sodium count.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon?
Since the substitute appeared to replace bacon, you can cook it as you do classic, as stated earlier.
However, the results are likely to differ unless you make some adjustments.
For example, when you cook classic bacon in the oven, it releases plenty of fat, making it juicy.
But it’s the opposite when you cook turkey bacon in the same way.
It hardly yields any fat, and thereby the meat becomes too dry and leathery.
If you want to cook it in the oven, you will have to add some fat, oil, or butter.
It will make the meat juicier and more delicious.
So, frying is the best way to cook turkey bacon.
There are two ways to fry it; pan-frying and deep-frying.
For deep frying, heat the oil and fry few minutes or till light brown.
If you don’t add fat for pan-frying, the meat will stick to the utensil.
You will have a crispy, juicy, brown bacon-like texture and appearance if you don’t skip the fat.
Conclusion
Turkey bacon can substitute classic bacon, but you won’t have the exact flavor.
However, you can still enjoy it because it’s tasty.
It won’t be a problem if you like regular turkey meat.
Eating the substitute can be even healthier as it has fewer calories and fats.
But even so, it’s best to consume in moderation because most varieties contain high sodium levels.
Also, follow the tips while cooking it so that the meat doesn’t become rubbery and dry, or it will be a waste.
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