When it comes to BBQ and grilling, many people focus primarily on meats like ribs, chicken, or pork. However, there’s a smoky, savory delight that often gets overlooked—grilled bacon. If you’ve never thought about grilling bacon at your BBQ, you’re missing out on a tasty and unique addition that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. But rather than using a standard grill, why not elevate your grilling experience by cooking your bacon in a Caja China?

The Caja China—a traditional Cuban roasting box—is typically associated with roasting whole pigs, but its versatility makes it perfect for grilling bacon as well. The indirect heat, combined with the smoking process, infuses the bacon with a depth of flavor that’s impossible to replicate with regular grilling methods. This article will guide you step by step on how to prepare, cook, and serve delicious grilled bacon in a Caja China, along with tips for perfecting the flavor and texture.

What is a Caja China?

Before we delve into the bacon-grilling process, let’s take a moment to understand the Caja China. The Caja China is a wooden roasting box originally designed for slow-roasting whole pigs, popular in Cuban cuisine. The design of the Caja China includes a metal rack for the meat, charcoal trays on top, and an enclosed box to keep the heat in. By placing the hot coals on top of the box, indirect heat is created, which results in a moist, tender, and flavorful roast.

The heat inside the Caja China is incredibly consistent, making it ideal for grilling bacon, as the bacon cooks evenly and develops that perfect smoky flavor. Unlike a traditional grill, which can sometimes dry out meats like bacon, the Caja China helps maintain moisture while also imparting a rich smokiness.

Why Grill Bacon in a Caja China?

Grilling bacon in a Caja China offers several benefits, including:

1. Smoky Flavor: The design of the Caja China traps the smoke from the charcoal, creating a flavorful environment for the bacon. This helps achieve the perfect smoky taste that complements bacon’s natural salty richness.
2. Even Cooking: The indirect heat of the Caja China ensures that the bacon cooks evenly, avoiding the risk of burning. It also results in bacon that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
3. Less Mess: Grilling bacon traditionally can be a messy affair, with grease splattering all over the grill. The Caja China helps contain the mess, keeping your grilling area cleaner while still producing crispy, delicious bacon.
4. Convenience: Using the Caja China frees up your main grill for other meats, which is especially useful when preparing for a large BBQ or party. Plus, it requires less attention than grilling bacon directly on the grill.
5. Unique Texture: Grilling bacon in the Caja China allows for a texture that’s a perfect balance between crispy and chewy. The bacon absorbs some of the smoky flavor from the charcoal while maintaining a tender, juicy bite.

Preparing the Bacon for Grilling in a Caja China

The preparation of bacon for grilling in a Caja China is quite simple, but there are a few important steps that will ensure a perfect outcome.

1. Choose the Right Bacon: When selecting bacon for grilling, opt for thick-cut bacon. Thick slices hold up better during the grilling process and offer a more satisfying texture. Whether you choose regular or smoked bacon, make sure to pick high-quality bacon for the best results.
2. Preheat the Caja China: Before you start grilling, you need to preheat the Caja China. Light your charcoal and let it burn for about 30 minutes to an hour until the coals are covered with a white ash. You’ll want to achieve a medium heat inside the box—around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C)—to cook the bacon properly.
3. Prepare the Bacon: Lay the bacon strips flat on a sheet of aluminum foil. Some people choose to fold the foil into a makeshift tray, while others prefer to use a grilling rack. Whichever method you choose, ensure that the bacon is evenly spaced so that each slice cooks properly. If you’re using a rack, the bacon can hang down and cook on all sides, which can be a great way to get extra crispy edges.
4. Seasoning (Optional): While bacon has its own natural saltiness, you can add additional seasonings to enhance its flavor. A little black pepper, brown sugar, or a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor profile of the bacon. For a sweet-savory combination, you can even brush the bacon with a glaze made from maple syrup or honey.
5. Arrange the Bacon in the Caja China: Once your bacon is prepared, place it in the Caja China. Make sure that the bacon is spread out evenly so that the heat circulates around each piece. If you’re cooking a large batch, you may want to layer the bacon, but be mindful not to overcrowd the cooking surface.

Grilling Bacon in the Caja China

Now that your bacon is prepared and your Caja China is ready, it’s time to get grilling.

1. Place the Bacon in the Caja China: Once the coals are hot, place the bacon on the rack inside the Caja China. The heat from the coals will circulate around the bacon, cooking it evenly.
2. Monitor the Cooking Process: Depending on the thickness of the bacon, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes for the bacon to cook. After the first 10 minutes, you can flip the bacon to ensure that it cooks evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on the bacon, as it can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
3. Add More Charcoal if Needed: If you notice that the heat is starting to drop, you can add more charcoal to maintain the cooking temperature. This will help the bacon stay crispy and evenly cooked.
4. Check for Doneness: The bacon should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you prefer slightly chewier bacon, you can remove it a little earlier. For ultra-crispy bacon, leave it in a bit longer.
5. Remove the Bacon: Once the bacon has reached your desired crispiness, carefully remove it from the Caja China. Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.

Flavor Variations for Grilled Bacon

While traditional bacon seasoning is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to experiment with flavors when grilling bacon in a Caja China. Here are some ideas to make your bacon even more exciting:

1. Maple-Glazed Bacon: Before placing the bacon in the Caja China, brush it lightly with maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination. The syrup will caramelize as the bacon grills, adding an irresistible sweetness.
2. Spicy Bacon: For a kick of heat, sprinkle the bacon with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes before grilling. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.
3. Brown Sugar Bacon: If you love the combination of sweet and salty, sprinkle brown sugar on the bacon before grilling. As the sugar melts and caramelizes, it forms a sweet glaze over the bacon.
4. Herb-Infused Bacon: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to your bacon before grilling. Simply sprinkle the herbs over the bacon or tuck them between the slices for a fragrant, herby flavor.
5. Garlic and Parmesan Bacon: For a rich, savory flavor, sprinkle garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese over the bacon before grilling. The garlic will infuse the bacon with savory goodness, while the Parmesan will add a salty, cheesy finish.

Serving Grilled Bacon

Grilled bacon from the Caja China can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for incorporating it into your BBQ spread:

1. Bacon as a Side Dish: Serve grilled bacon alongside other BBQ classics like grilled vegetables, baked beans, or coleslaw for a savory addition to your meal.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Delights: Wrap the grilled bacon around other BBQ staples like chicken drumsticks or shrimp for a delicious twist on traditional BBQ skewers.
3. Bacon for Breakfast: Grilled bacon can also be served as part of a breakfast spread. Pair it with eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious morning treat.
4. Bacon in Sandwiches: Grilled bacon makes an excellent addition to sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. Try it in a BLT, grilled cheese, or a burger for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Bacon Toppings: Use grilled bacon as a topping for salads, soups, or baked potatoes. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch to any dish.

Conclusion

Grilling bacon in a Caja China is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy one of the most beloved breakfast foods at your BBQ. The Caja China’s design allows the bacon to cook evenly and absorb the smoky flavors from the charcoal, resulting in bacon that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With a variety of seasoning options and serving suggestions, you can customize your bacon to suit your taste and make it the perfect addition to your BBQ feast. Whether served as a side dish, topping, or star of the show, grilled bacon from the Caja China is sure to impress your guests and become a BBQ favorite.