Are you a fan of cured meats? If so, you might be familiar with pancetta, an Italian bacon made from pork belly. One way to elevate the flavor of pancetta is by smoking it, which gives it a delightful smoky taste. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of smoking pancetta step by step. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

  • A piece of pancetta
  • Smoker or grill
  • Wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry work well)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Butcher’s twine (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Pancetta

Start by ensuring that your pancetta is properly prepared. If you purchased a whole pancetta slab, trim off any excess fat or skin. If your pancetta comes in a rolled form, remove the twine if it’s present.

Next, rinse the pancetta with cold water to remove any brine or curing salts. Pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Soak Wood Chips

While the pancetta dries, soak your wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. This will prevent them from burning too quickly and create more smoke.

Step 3: Preheat the Smoker or Grill

If you’re using a smoker, preheat it to around 200°F (93°C). If you’re using a grill, set it up for indirect heat by lighting only one side of the grill and keeping the other side off.

Step 4: Add Wood Chips

Once your smoker or grill is preheated, drain the soaked wood chips and add them to the charcoal or smoker box. This will generate the smoke necessary to flavor the pancetta.

Step 5: Smoke the Pancetta

Place the pancetta directly on the smoker or grill grates. If you prefer, you can tie it up with butcher’s twine to maintain its shape during smoking.

Cover the smoker or grill with its lid and let the pancetta smoke for about 2 hours. Monitor the temperature and aim to keep it between 180°F and 200°F (82°C – 93°C).

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After 2 hours of smoking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pancetta. It should reach a minimum of 150°F (65°C).

If the pancetta hasn’t reached the desired temperature, continue smoking while monitoring the temperature closely. The smoking process can take up to 4 hours depending on the thickness of the pancetta.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once the pancetta reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker or grill. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the flavors settle and the juices redistribute.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Using a sharp knife, slice the smoked pancetta into thin strips or cubes, according to your preference. It is now ready to be used in various dishes or enjoyed on its own!

Smoking pancetta is an excellent way to add a smoky depth of flavor to this delicious Italian bacon. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

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