Slab Bacon Tacos With Burned-Scallion Crema
This is candied bacon, essentially, on corn tortillas with a creamy, smoke-flecked sauce that tastes of scallion and lime. I like it with pineapple salsa as well, and a salad of cilantro, mint and soft lettuce. You could make it with your standard sliced bacon from the market, but it’s far superior with the thick-cut variety or, best of all, with a chunk of uncut bacon that you can slice as thick as you like.
This is candied bacon, essentially, on corn tortillas with a creamy, smoke-flecked sauce that tastes of scallion and lime. I like it with pineapple salsa as well, and a salad of cilantro, mint and soft lettuce. You could make it with your standard sliced bacon from the market, but it’s far superior with the thick-cut variety or, best of all, with a chunk of uncut bacon that you can slice as thick as you like.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- lime wedges
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons chile powder
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 jalapeã±o
- 2 pounds slab bacon cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 bunch green scallions trimmed and cut into large pieces
- 1 to 2 lime s
- pineapple salsa (see recipe)
- Carbohydrate 197.426569333357 g
- Cholesterol 726.160623292376 mg
- Fat 481.131296955024 g
- Fiber 27.1377006285083 g
- Protein 131.170419851067 g
- Saturated Fat 156.790311085296 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1617g)
- Sodium 10098.3954854127 mg
- Sugar 170.288868704849 g
- Trans Fat 81.1501522189185 g
- Calories 5611 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 450 degrees.
- Mix the chile powder, ground cumin, brown sugar and black pepper together in a large bowl, and then add the bacon slices, tossing to coat them with the spice mixture.
- Arrange the coated bacon slices on a sheet pan, ideally one fitted with a wire rack. Roast in the oven until they are caramelized and starting to crisp at the edges, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven, chop the bacon into large dice and keep warm. Reserve the bacon fat for another use.
- While the bacon cooks, make the crema. Put the scallions and jalapeño in a large dry sauté pan and cook over high heat, tossing occasionally, until the scallions and jalapeño have blackened at the edges, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
- Put the scallions and jalapeño in the bowl of a food processor, and blitz them with the juice of 1 lime, then add the sour cream and mayonnaise, and blitz the mixture until it is smooth and flecked with blackened bits. Season to taste with the salt and, if you’d like the mixture thinner, the juice of the second lime. Scrape into a bowl, and reserve.
- To serve, warm the tortillas in the dry pan, one or two at a time, and reserve them in a tortilla warmer or clean dish towel. Fill them with the diced bacon and a slash of the crema, along with quartered limes and, if you like, salsa, cilantro, mint and hot sauce.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Mastering the Art of Slab Bacon Tacos
As a busy professional juggling a demanding career and a vibrant social life, finding time for elaborate cooking is often a luxury. However, a recent trip to a charming coastal town completely altered my perspective on culinary adventures. I stumbled upon a small, unassuming taco stand, and the aroma of sizzling bacon and smoky spices pulled me in. What followed was a revelation—a taste of pure, unadulterated deliciousness in the form of slab bacon tacos with a burned-scallion crema. The memory of that experience continues to inspire me in the kitchen.
The tacos themselves were a masterpiece of simplicity and bold flavor. Thick-cut slab bacon, caramelized to perfection, provided a satisfying crunch and savory richness. The crema, a smoky, tangy concoction of burned scallions, lime juice, sour cream, and mayonnaise, added a creamy counterpoint that balanced the bacon’s intensity. Each bite was an explosion of contrasting textures and tastes—the crisp bacon, the smooth crema, the warm tortilla—a delightful symphony of culinary brilliance. The addition of fresh cilantro, mint, and a vibrant pineapple salsa elevated the tacos even further, creating a fiesta of flavors in my mouth.
Inspired by this unforgettable encounter, I embarked on my own culinary quest to recreate the magic of those tacos. My initial attempts were, shall we say, less than perfect. The bacon either ended up too chewy or too burnt, the crema too thin or too thick. But through trial and error, I finally achieved a result that closely mirrored the perfection of those seaside tacos. This recipe, which I'm thrilled to share with you, is the culmination of my efforts, a testament to the transformative power of a single, unforgettable culinary experience. It’s more than just a recipe; it's a journey, a story of discovery and the enduring magic of simple, well-executed food.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the thick-cut slab bacon is a key element, adding a distinct smoky depth and incredible texture, you can experiment with other variations. Using thinner-cut bacon will result in a crispier taco, and feel free to play around with different types of salsa to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with mango salsa, a spicy tomatillo salsa, or even a simple pico de gallo. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the taste, the preparation of these tacos is surprisingly straightforward. The process involves simple steps, accessible to even the most novice cooks. From the roasting of the bacon to the creation of the vibrant crema, each stage is a rewarding experience. Watching the scallions blacken in the pan, transforming into a flavorful base for the crema, is a sight to behold. The entire process is a sensory journey, filled with captivating aromas and exciting transformations.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, I encourage you to embrace this recipe and embark on your own culinary adventure. The resulting tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience. They are a reminder that even the most simple ingredients, when treated with care and attention, can create a culinary masterpiece. So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and prepare to be transported to that charming coastal town, where it all began, with every delicious bite.
Beyond the Tacos: A Culinary Journey of Discovery
My journey with these slab bacon tacos has been more than just a quest for a perfect recipe; it's been a profound exploration of the transformative power of food. It’s reminded me that culinary experiences are not confined to formal dining settings or Michelin-starred restaurants. They can be found in the most unexpected places, often in the simplest of moments. This culinary adventure has ignited a passion within me, a desire to continue exploring new flavors and techniques, to push my culinary boundaries, and to share my discoveries with others.
The act of cooking, I've realized, is more than just preparing a meal; it’s a form of self-expression, a creative outlet. It’s a way to share my love of food with friends and family, to create memories, and to connect with others on a deeper level. Every meal prepared with care and intention is a testament to the power of shared experiences, a celebration of community and connection.
These tacos, in their simplicity and boldness, represent that perfectly. They're a culinary bridge, connecting me to a memorable experience and inviting others to join me on a flavorful journey. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's create some unforgettable memories together, one delicious taco at a time.
