A Complete Guide to Cooking Delicious Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon, sometimes called back bacon or peameal bacon, is a beloved breakfast staple thanks to its lean, tender texture and signature ham-like flavor. While pre-cooked Canadian bacon just needs quick heating, learning how to cook raw Canadian bacon properly can take your breakfast sandwiches, pizzas, and salads to the next level.

Cooking Canadian bacon on the stovetop is easy when you follow some key tips. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing quality Canadian bacon to pan frying and serving it up hot and delicious. With just a bit of practice you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality Canadian bacon in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Choose High Quality Canadian Bacon

The first step is selecting good Canadian bacon at the grocery store. Here’s what to look for:

• Made from pork loin, not pork belly like American bacon

• Features long thin slices with visible lean meat

• Has an even pink color throughout

• Minimal excess moisture or white fat

• No irregular trim or pieces

• The label should say “Canadian bacon” not just “ham” or “back bacon”

Checking for these signs of quality ensures your Canadian bacon will cook up with the right flavor and texture.

Step 2: Prepare Your Stovetop and Pan

To cook Canadian bacon on the stove, you’ll need:

• A large nonstick skillet or frying pan

• Wooden spoon or tongs for handling the bacon

• Spatula for turning the bacon

• Paper towels for draining excess grease

Make sure your pan is clean and dry before cooking. Place it over medium heat and let it fully preheat.

Step 3: Brown the Bacon Slices

Once your skillet is hot, carefully add the raw Canadian bacon slices. Make sure the pieces aren’t overlapping. Let them fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. The edges will start browning as they cook.

Then flip each slice and fry the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent over-browning.

Frying times will vary based on thickness. Thicker slices need more time. Watch for visual cues like color rather than relying on timers.

Step 4: Remove and Drain the Bacon

Use tongs to remove the Canadian bacon from the pan once fully browned. Place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. Let it rest a minute to absorb excess grease.

Resist the urge to stack the bacon slices while they’re hot, as this can make them soggy. Let them cool slightly before stacking.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Fresh, Hot Canadian Bacon!

Your freshly fried Canadian bacon is now ready to enjoy! The cooking process yields irresistible flavor and texture.

Serve the bacon hot alongside eggs, toast, pancakes and hashbrowns for breakfast. Or let cool and add to sandwiches, burgers, salads, and pizzas.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or oven before serving again.

Handy Tips for Stovetop Canadian Bacon Perfection

Follow these tips for trouble-free stovetop cooking:

• Use medium heat. Avoid scorching the bacon at too-high heat.

• Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan and steaming the bacon.

• Add a dash of maple syrup to the hot pan for sweet caramelized edges.

• Try thick-cut Canadian bacon for meatier texture. Adjust cooking times up.

• Cut larger slices in half before cooking for more even frying.

• Use bacon press to keep slices flat if they start to curl.

• Turn the bacon just once during cooking for better browning.

• Blot up excess bacon grease in the pan as it cooks to prevent burning.

With the proper technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Canadian bacon easily at home.

Common Canadian Bacon Cooking Questions

How can I tell when the bacon is fully cooked?

Look for golden brown color on both sides. Fully cooked Canadian bacon should be slightly firm but still flexible. If concerned, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Why does my Canadian bacon sometimes curl when I fry it?

The intense heat of the pan can cause the edges to contract and curl upward. Prevent this by dipping the raw slices briefly in water before frying. Using a bacon press also helps weigh it down.

Is it safe to cook Canadian bacon from frozen?

It’s best to thaw Canadian bacon overnight in the fridge before pan frying. Frying frozen bacon can result in uneven cooking. In a pinch, use the microwave to quickly thaw.

Should I use oil or butter to fry the bacon?

You can pan fry Canadian bacon without any added fat since it has its own fat content. But using a small amount of butter or oil helps provide flavor.

What if my Canadian bacon sticks to the pan?

Good quality Canadian bacon won’t stick much in a well-heated nonstick pan. If pieces do stick, try reducing the heat slightly and using more fat next time for a slick surface.

Get Creative with Your Homemade Canadian Bacon

Once you’ve nailed basic pan frying, get adventurous with recipes like:

• Baked Eggs with Canadian Bacon and Cheese

• Canadian Bacon Cornbread Breakfast Sliders

• Cheesy Canadian Bacon and Potato Frittata

• Canadian Bacon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

The possibilities are endless for meals, snacks, appetizers and more when you DIY your Canadian bacon.

So next time you’re hankering for the heavenly taste of Canadian bacon, try cooking up your own batch on the stovetop. With a bit of finesse, you can fry Canadian bacon to crispy, flavorful perfection. Just follow these tips for success. Then get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor in creative ways. Your friends and family will be amazed that such delicious Canadian bacon came straight from your kitchen.