🥓 Peameal Bacon Recipe (Classic Canadian Back Bacon)
Learn how to make authentic Canadian peameal bacon — juicy, lean, and perfectly crusted in cornmeal. Great for breakfast sandwiches or brunch platters!
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Curing time (optional): 48–72 hours
- Total time: 3 days (with curing) or 45 minutes (if pre-cured)
- Serves: 6–8
🧂 Ingredients
For Homemade Cured Peameal Bacon:
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless pork loin, trimmed
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp pink curing salt (Prague Powder #1) (optional but traditional)
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (for coating)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cure:
In a saucepan, heat water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves until dissolved. Cool completely.
2. Cure the Pork:
Place the pork loin in a large bag or container. Pour the cooled brine over it and refrigerate for 48–72 hours, turning occasionally.
3. Rinse and Coat:
After curing, rinse the pork and pat dry. Roll it evenly in yellow cornmeal to coat the exterior.
4. Cook the Peameal Bacon:
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place on a rack and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Pan-Fried Slices: Cut into ½-inch slices and cook in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Serve:
Slice thin and serve warm with eggs, toast, or in a Toronto-style peameal bacon sandwich.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Classic: In a bun with mustard, lettuce, and tomato.
- Breakfast Style: With eggs, hash browns, and toast.
- Modern Twist: Add to poutine, wraps, or salads.
💡 Tips for Perfect Peameal Bacon
- Don’t overcook — it’s lean and can dry out quickly.
- Use cornmeal, not breadcrumbs — that’s what gives it its signature texture.
- Curing salt helps with color and flavor but can be skipped if you prefer natural curing.
❓ FAQs About Peameal Bacon
Q1: What is peameal bacon?
A1: It’s a Canadian-style back bacon made from lean pork loin, wet-cured, and rolled in cornmeal — not peas, despite the name!
Q2: Why is it called peameal bacon?
A2: Originally, it was rolled in ground yellow peas (peameal) for preservation, but now cornmeal is used.
Q3: Is peameal bacon the same as Canadian bacon?
A3: Not exactly. In Canada, “Canadian bacon” refers to peameal bacon, while in the US, it often means smoked ham-style back bacon.
Q4: How long does peameal bacon last?
A4: Fresh, uncooked peameal bacon lasts up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Q5: Can I buy pre-cured peameal bacon?
A5: Yes, it’s available in many grocery stores across Canada — especially in Ontario — usually ready to slice and cook.
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