Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is a lean and tasty unsmoked pork loin coated in cornmeal It makes for a quick, delicious, and affordable dinner option. However, peameal bacon needs to be cooked just right to avoid drying out Using an Instant Pot is a convenient, hands-off way to cook peameal bacon roast. But how long should you cook peameal bacon in the Instant Pot?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook peameal bacon in the Instant Pot perfectly every time
What is Peameal Bacon?
Peameal bacon is a specialty of Canadian cuisine made from the lean eye of pork loin. It gets its trademark cornmeal crust from being rolled in ground corn before cooking. The original peameal bacon was rolled in dried ground peas, which gave it its name.
Some key features:
- Made from pork loin, so it’s lean and tender
- Cured in a wet brine, but not smoked like regular bacon
- Coated with a layer of cornmeal
- Milder pork flavor without smokiness
- Stays juicy when cooked due to lack of fat
- Originated in Canada, especially Toronto
The cornmeal coating gives peameal bacon a signature crunch. When sliced, it makes a quick and hearty breakfast or sandwiches. A peameal bacon roast makes an easy weeknight dinner.
Benefits of Cooking Peameal Bacon in the Instant Pot
Cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot has some major advantages:
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Quick cooking time – The high pressure speeds up cooking considerably.
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Evenly cooked meat – Pressure forces moisture deep into the meat.
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Hands-free – Just set it and let it cook, no monitoring needed.
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Tender and juicy – The moist environment prevents drying out.
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Infuses flavors – Cooking in the juices amplifies taste.
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Easy clean-up – Minimal splattering means less mess.
The closed environment and steamy heat of the Instant Pot is perfect for cooking lean roasts like peameal bacon.
How Long to Cook Peameal Bacon Roast in Instant Pot
The cooking time for peameal bacon in the Instant Pot can vary somewhat based on size of the roast and level of doneness desired. However, here are general guidelines:
- 1-2 lb roast – Cook for 12-14 minutes
- 3-4 lb roast – Cook for 14-16 minutes
- 5-7 lb roast – Cook for 16-18 minutes
For best results, cook at high pressure with a natural release for 8-10 minutes after cooking completes. This extended steam time ensures even cooking throughout the roast.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F for pork. If needed, you can do a quick release and return to pressure for a few more minutes.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Peameal Bacon
Follow these simple steps for foolproof peameal bacon roast made in the Instant Pot:
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Rinse cornmeal coating off roast and pat dry with paper towels.
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Apply a maple syrup or mustard glaze and season with salt and pepper.
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Select Saute function on Instant Pot and heat oil. Brown all sides of the roast for 3-4 minutes per side.
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Place trivet and roast in pot, add 1 cup broth or water.
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Seal lid. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 12-18 minutes depending on size.
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Allow 10 minute natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
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Check internal temp, return to pressure if needed.
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Remove roast to cutting board, slice and serve.
The natural release is key for allowing the meat to finish cooking gently without overcooking the outer edges.
Instant Pot Settings for Peameal Bacon
There are a few different Instant Pot settings you can use:
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Manual/Pressure Cook – Best for control over time. Use high pressure.
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Meat/Stew – A good overall setting, presets high pressure.
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Sauté – Good for searing roast first to develop flavor.
The manual setting works well since peameal bacon is quick cooking. Pre-searing with sauté mode adds nice caramelized flavor.
Peameal Bacon Instant Pot Tips
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Remove cornmeal coating before cooking to prevent burning.
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Apply glaze before cooking for flavorful, glossy exterior.
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Add liquid like broth, wine or water for moisture and flavor.
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Let roast rest at least 10 minutes before slicing for juiciness.
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Mix cornstarch with broth to make gravy from juices.
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Cook peeled potatoes and carrots beneath roast for one-pot meal.
With the right timing and a few simple tips, you can make incredibly moist and delicious peameal bacon roast easily in the Instant Pot. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a better-than-restaurant meal ready for your family. Give peameal bacon a try in your Instant Pot this week!
Instant Pot Bacon
FAQ
How do you know when peameal bacon is cooked?
What is peameal bacon called in the US?
Is Canadian bacon and peameal bacon the same thing?
Can you cook peameal bacon in an air fryer?
How long to cook peameal bacon in Instant Pot?
When it comes to cooking peameal bacon in the Instant Pot, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your roast and your personal preference for doneness. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook your peameal bacon roast for 12-15 minutes on high pressure with a natural release of 8 minutes.
How long does it take to cook bacon in Instant Pot?
Lay the bacon strips in the Instant Pot leaving a little room on all sides. About 5 whole strips will fit in the pot. The bacon will take about 7 minutes to cook in total for perfectly crisp bacon. Be sure to flip the bacon over halfway through cooking. Remove the bacon from the pot and drain the grease (or save it for recipes!).
How long do you cook bacon in a crock pot?
Push the saute button with a cooking time of 7 minutes After 4 minutes, or when the bacon is golden on the bottom side, flip and continue cooking for another 3 minutes or until done to your liking Once the bacon is finished cooking, remove and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease
Can you cook bacon in a pressure cooker?
Heat the Instant Pot using the saute function. While the Instant Pot is heating, cut the bacon sliced into halves. Add the bacon to the bottom of the pressure cooker. Cook the bacon in the pressure cooker for about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the bacon so you can determine how crispy and cooked you would like the bacon.