Lamb Bacon: The Unexpected Star of the Smokehouse
Never heard of lamb bacon? You’re not alone—but it’s a game changer. This smoky, savory, pork-free twist on bacon is perfect for anyone craving something bold, halal-friendly, and totally unique.
@foodbyjenn breaks it all down—how to cure, smoke, and even glue lamb belly into next-level homemade bacon. It takes patience, but the result? Gourmet, flavor-packed, and better than store-bought.
Ingredients List
For the Lamb Cure (Dry Rub)
- 8 oz dark brown sugar
- 4 oz kosher salt
- 20 g pink curing salt
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 crushed bay leaves
- (Optional) Garlic powder and black pepper
For Smoking
- Wood chips – choose from apple (mild and sweet), oak (classic and balanced), or hickory (bold and smoky)
Steps: How to Make Lamb Bacon from Scratch
1. Create the Cure
- Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl, including optional garlic powder and black pepper.
2. Massage and Cure
- Rub cure all over the lamb belly, seal it in a bag or container, and refrigerate for 2–4 days, flipping daily.
3. Rinse and Air Dry
- Rinse off the cure, pat dry.
- Let it air-dry uncovered in the fridge overnight.
4. (Optional) Use Meat Glue
- Bind two slabs of lamb with meat glue.
- Refrigerate uncovered for 24 hours to set and dry.
5. Smoke the Lamb
- Smoke at 200°F with wood chips until internal temp hits 160°F.
- Wrap and rest.
6. Chill and Slice
- Cool to room temp, refrigerate fully.
- Slice thin using a sharp knife or slicer.
7. Fry and Enjoy
- Pan-fry over medium heat until crispy, then dig in!
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—pull it a few degrees before 160°F and let it finish off-heat.
- Thinner slices crisp better, so chill the meat fully before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Try different wood chips to experiment with flavor—apple for sweet, hickory for bold.
- Can’t find lamb belly? Use a lamb plate and trim it—same great flavor, just a little prep work.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Jenn, the culinary creator behind @foodbyjenn. She’s known for transforming classic techniques into flavorful, approachable recipes—like this lamb bacon—from scratch. From beef to lamb, Jenn brings curiosity, precision, and passion to everything she cooks.
Jenn | @foodbyjenn