How should cured pork be prepared before eating?
Aug 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, bacon should be fully soaked, washed multiple times, thoroughly cooked, have the fat removed, and be paired with ingredients that help offset greasiness before consumption. These steps effectively reduce the salt and fat content in the bacon, making it safer and healthier to eat. Cooked bacon can be prepared into various dishes according to personal preference, but portion control should be practiced when consuming.
Generally, bacon should be processed before consumption through steps such as thorough soaking, repeated washing, complete cooking, removal of fat layers, and pairing with ingredients that help offset greasiness. These steps effectively reduce the salt and fat content in bacon, making it safer and healthier to eat. The detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Thorough Soaking: Cut the bacon into small pieces and soak them in clean water for at least 2 hours, changing the water 1-2 times during the process. A significant amount of salt is used during bacon preparation, and soaking helps dissolve some of the salt, reducing the salty taste.
2. Repeated Washing: After soaking, rinse the bacon thoroughly under running water 3-4 times, focusing especially on the surface and crevices of the meat. Rinsing further removes residual impurities and salt, resulting in a fresher taste.
3. Complete Cooking: Place the washed bacon into a pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for about 30 minutes, or steam in a steamer for 40 minutes. Cooking thoroughly ensures the bacon is fully cooked and kills any potential bacteria.
4. Removal of Fat Layers: After cooking, remove the bacon and let it cool. Then use a knife to trim off the fatty portions on the surface and edges. The fat in bacon contains large amounts of fat, excessive intake of which is unhealthy. Removing the fatty portions reduces fat consumption.
5. Pairing with Light Ingredients: When cooking bacon, it can be stir-fried or stewed together with vegetables such as winter melon, radish, or celery. These vegetables are rich in moisture and have a refreshing texture that helps balance the greasiness of the bacon.
After processing, bacon can be prepared into various dishes according to personal preference. When consuming, attention should be paid to portion control to avoid excessive intake at one time. For daily storage, bacon should be kept in the refrigerator either chilled or frozen to prevent spoilage and ensure safe and reassuring consumption each time.
