Have you ever wondered how to cook lardons? I bet we can all agree that bacon is amazing, right? But what about lardon? It is more than just a slab of pork fat from pork belly! Lardon is cured pork fat that has been cut into small pieces. It is often used as a flavoring agent or to add a great crunch to recipes, think Frisse, it is not complete without these little gems added.
What is a lardons of bacon
A lardon of bacon is cut into a small, rectangular strip of pork fat that is used to flavor dishes and it is also used for larding. It can often be smoked but this is not always the case. The term “lardons or lardoons” can also refer to bacon bits, but they are not the same thing.
This cut of meat can be bought already cut and cured, or you can do it yourself. Today I will be showing you how to cook my store-bought lardoons.
Lardons vs Bacon
So, what’s the difference between bacon and lardons? Well, for starters, lardon is made from pork belly or fatbacks while bacon is cut from the back, side, or the belly of pork. Lardon also has a higher fat content than bacon, which gives it a richer flavor, it is used as a base to flavor French cuisines including salads. And finally, lardon is typically cut into smaller pieces than bacon.
Now that you know the difference between the two, let’s get down to business and learn how to cook it!
Related post: How to cook sausages from frozen.
Tools needed
Sauteeing pan
Slotted spoon
Kitchen paper towel
Plate
Ingredients
Lardons: this usually comes already cut up in its packaging, however, you can buy it whole (slab) and cut it into small rectangles yourself.
How to cook lardons on the stovetop
Place a frying pan or skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, once it is hot, add the lardons. Spread them then stir and cook the lardon until golden brown and crispy stirring them occasionally, this should take about 7-10 minutes.
Once they’re crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the lardons from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
Your lardons are now ready to be used in any dish you like! Try them in salads, pasta dishes, or omelets, or just eat them as is! I guarantee you that you will fall in love with this bacon alternative.
Oven instructions
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the bacon lardons and spread them out in a single layer. Stir every 5 minutes or so until golden brown and crispy enough to your liking.
How to store
Cooked lardons can be stored in the fridge for up 3 days, I find that after 3 days, it starts to lose flavor. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
More how-to recipes you should check out
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How To Cook Lardons
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 200 g Lardons
Instructions
- Place a frying pan or skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, once it is hot, add the lardons. Spread them so they are touching the hot pan then stir and cook the lardon until golden brown and crispy stirring them occasionally for even cooking, this should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Once they’re crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the lardons from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
- Your lardons are now ready to be used in any dish you like! Try them in salads, pasta dishes, or omelets, or just eat them as is!
Oven instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the bacon lardons and spread them out in a single layer. Stir every 5 minutes or so until golden brown and crispy enough to your liking.
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