lardon

Definition

Small strips or cubes of fatty pork (usually bacon or salt pork) used to add flavor and richness to dishes. The French figured out that everything tastes better with pork fat confetti.

Example Usage

Render the lardons until crispy, then use that bacon fat to sauté the vegetables—waste nothing.

Origin

French, from 'lard' (bacon/pork fat)

Fun Fact

Traditional lardons are cut from the slab and include the fat, because French cuisine understands that fat is a feature, not a bug.

Source: French bistro cooking standards

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