If you’re looking for a healthier bacon option, turkey bacon is a great choice. But when cooking turkey bacon, many people wonder – does it produce grease like pork bacon? The short answer is no. Compared to regular bacon, turkey bacon releases very little fat during cooking.
Understanding the differences in grease production, nutrition, taste and texture can help you cook delicious turkey bacon every time. In this article we’ll explore everything you need to know about turkey bacon and its grease, along with tips for cooking it to crispy perfection.
Why Turkey Bacon Releases Less Grease
Pork bacon is high in fat, which renders out during cooking and accumulates as grease in the pan. Turkey bacon has far less fat content, so it does not release much grease at all during cooking.
A 4-slice serving of pork bacon can yield around 1 tablespoon of grease. Turkey bacon often produces little to no grease, even when cooking an entire pack.
This lack of grease is due to the lean nature of turkey bacon. It is made from turkey thighs instead of pork belly, so the fat content is much lower. Without a high fat ratio, turkey bacon simply cannot render out much grease.
The Nutritional Differences Between Turkey and Pork Bacon
The low fat composition of turkey bacon results in some key nutritional differences versus pork bacon
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Turkey bacon is lower in calories – about 80 calories per slice compared to 40 calories for pork.
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Turkey bacon has less total fat and saturated fat – 1 gram per slice versus 5 grams in pork.
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Turkey bacon contains zero carbohydrates while pork provides 0.5 grams.
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Turkey bacon has slightly less protein – 5 grams versus 7 grams per slice of pork.
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Turkey bacon contains more sodium – over 300 milligrams more per slice.
So in terms of calories, fat, and carbs, turkey bacon has the nutritional advantage. However, the sodium content is significantly higher.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon for Best Results
While turkey bacon won’t produce much grease, having a small amount of oil in the pan helps it cook up crispy. Follow these tips for perfectly cooked turkey bacon every time:
Pan Frying
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Heat 1-2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Swirling the oil ensures even pan coverage.
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Cook turkey bacon slices 2-3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crisped at edges.
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.
Oven Baking
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange slices on a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
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Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake 10 more minutes until browned and crispy.
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Let cool on paper towels before serving to absorb any oil.
Microwaving
- Lay turkey bacon strips between paper towels and microwave in 30 second increments until warm.
Air Frying
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Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Add turkey bacon slices in a single layer.
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Cook 5 minutes, flip, and cook 5 more minutes until crispy.
Tips for Making Turkey Bacon Crispy
Achieving crispy turkey bacon with such little grease may take some finesse. Here are some tips:
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Pat slices dry before cooking to remove excess moisture that prevents crisping.
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Use a nonstick pan or coat with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
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Fry over medium to medium-high heat to render remaining fat. Lower heat risks soggy bacon.
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Cut larger slices in half so they cook more evenly.
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Bake on a wire rack so air circulates under and crisps the underside.
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Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the bacon.
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Drain fried turkey bacon on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
The Difference in Taste and Texture
Without ample fat to fry in, turkey baconcooks up with a different texture than pork bacon. And the taste differs as well since it comes from an entirely different protein source.
Turkey bacon has a chewy, dense texture compared to the crisp, delicate texture of pork bacon. And the flavor is not as strong – it’s salty and smoky but still milder than pork.
However, when cooked properly, turkey bacon can develop a satisfying crispness. And the flavor, though different from pork, is still enjoyable, especially for those looking for a healthier bacon alternative.
Incorporating Turkey Bacon Into Meals
Once you get the crispy turkey bacon cooking method down, it’s easy to start incorporating it into all sorts of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use turkey bacon:
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Breakfast sandwiches – Add turkey bacon to egg sandwiches for a protein punch.
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Salads – Chop up cooked turkey bacon and sprinkle over leafy greens for a crunchy topping.
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Potato dishes – Bits of turkey bacon pair well with baked potatoes or hashbrowns.
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Appetizers – Wrap turkey bacon around dates, melons or asparagus for an elegant starter.
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Pastas – Chop up turkey bacon and mix into pasta salads, mac and cheese or carbonara.
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Soups – Add some crispy crumbled turkey bacon as a garnish for chowders or bean soups.
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Pizza – Top homemade or frozen pizzas with turkey bacon for a flavorful crunch.
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Burgers – Complement beef burgers by topping with crispy turkey bacon strips.
So don’t be afraid to use turkey bacon abundantly in both sweet and savory recipes!
Frequently Asked Turkey Bacon Questions
Does turkey bacon shrink like pork bacon when cooked?
Yes, turkey bacon shrinks and wrinkles lengthwise as it cooks and fat renders. Puckering and shriveling signals doneness.
Can you make turkey bacon crispy?
Yes, you can achieve crispy turkey bacon through proper cooking methods. Pan frying, baking, and air frying allow you to make turkey bacon crispy.
Is turkey bacon already fully cooked?
Turkey bacon can be purchased fully cooked or uncooked. Always read package directions to determine if it’s ready-to-eat or needs cooking. Pre-cooked turkey bacon just needs a quick reheat.
Is turkey bacon healthier than pork bacon?
Turkey bacon is modestly healthier thanks to slightly fewer calories and less fat compared to pork bacon. However, the high sodium levels are a nutritional downside.
What’s the best way to store turkey bacon?
Keep turkey bacon refrigerated at 40°F maximum at all times. Store unopened packages as indicated. Once opened, rewrap tightly and use within 7 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.
