A question about a recipe: Absurdly Addictive Asparagus

I have a question about step 1 on the recipe "Absurdly Addictive Asparagus" from kaykay. It says:

"In a large non-stick pan, sauté pancetta, stirring frequently, over medium heat, until crisp and lightly golden. "

My husband and I don't eat pork. What would you suggest for a reasonable substitute?

mrs.diggs
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Absurdly Addictive Asparagus
Recipe question for: Absurdly Addictive Asparagus

5 Comments

ChefJune February 23, 2017
< I have never considered substituting turkey bacon> possibly because turkey bacon is an oxymoron. Turkey does not have enough natural fat to make anything that resembles bacon!
 
creamtea February 22, 2017
I also don't eat pork.
Crisply fried chicken skin can be tasty. You can also fry smoked salmon. It's delicious.
 
Danielle February 22, 2017
Smoked salt!
 
friendlyoaks June 15, 2011
I don't eat pork either. When the primary bacon contribution seems to be a certain flavor, I just add a bit of liquid smoke. Another way to get that deep flavor is to dissolve anchovies in the cooking oil.
For recipes (like the addictive asparagus) where texture is important, I use crisped-up smoked fish or smoked turkey or crisped, diced pastrami. To keep a dish totally vegetarian, I will use frizzled leeks for the crispy effect. In any event, I have never considered substituting turkey bacon or beef bacon - I'm not sure exactly why.
 
hardlikearmour June 15, 2011
You could skip it. You could flake some smoked salmon in at the end. You could finely dice some deli smoked turkey, and just give it a brief saute with a bit of oil.
 
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