Introduction
One of the most popular breakfast foods in the world is bacon. You probably already know how delicious bacon tastes, but do you know how to cook bacon? Is there one right way to cook bacon? The answer is no. There are actually many different ways to cook bacon, depending on your preference and the tools available in your kitchen. In this article, we will explore seven different methods to cook bacon and provide tips to bring out the rich, smoky flavor that makes bacon everyone’s favorite.
The Traditional Stovetop Method
The traditional stovetop method is one of the most popular methods used to cook bacon. This method involves using a frying pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop to cook bacon. Here are the materials you will need:
- Bacon
- Frying pan or cast-iron skillet
- Tongs
1. Preheat the pan- Place the frying pan on the stove, and heat it to medium heat.
2. Add bacon to the skillet- Once the pan is heated up, place the bacon in a single layer in the skillet.
3. Cook to perfection- Use a pair of tongs to flip the bacon strips occasionally, so they cook evenly. After about six minutes, the bacon will start to become crispy and brown. Remove the bacon from the pan with the help of tongs and place on a plate lined with paper towels or a rack.
Tip: To add extra flavor, sprinkle some brown sugar on the bacon strips before heating them up on the pan. When you remove them, you will have a crispy and sweet delight.
The Oven-Baked Method
The oven-baked method is the best way to cook bacon for large groups of people at once. It makes uniform, crispy, and perfectly cooked strips of bacon. Here are the materials you will need:
- Bacon
- Baking tray
1. Preheat oven- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Place bacon on baking tray- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or foil and lay the bacon strips onto the tray, not overlapping each other or in a single layer.
3. Bake until crisp- Bake the bacon for up to 15 minutes, depending on how thick your slices of bacon are.
Tip: You can use a wire rack or slotted baking pan to let the excess fat drain, which also results in crispier bacon.
The Microwave Method
The microwave method is the easiest and quickest ways to make bacon, almost half the time of traditional methods. Here’s how to do it:
- Bacon
- Microwave-safe dish
- Two paper towels
1. Place bacon on microwave-safe dish- Lay bacon slices on microwave-safe dish, cover each one with a paper towel. Fold the paper towels over the bacon.
2. Cook in microwave- Cook on HIGH for 2-4 minutes, depending on how many slices of bacon you’re making, or on the microwave’s power until crisp, checking after every 30-second intervals.
3. Flip every 30 seconds until done- Turn bacon once halfway during cooking. The paper towels will absorb any excess grease so that the bacon comes out crispy and not oily.
Tip: Rub brown sugar on the bacon before microwaving to add some sweet flavor.
The Grilled Method
The grilled method may not be the quickest way to make bacon, but it imparts a pleasing smoky flavor that other bacon cooking methods can’t match. Here are the materials you will need:
- Bacon
- Grilling tray
- BBQ grill
1. Preheat grill- Turn on your BBQ grill and preheat it.
2. Lay bacon on the grilling tray- Once the grill is heated, place the bacon slices on the grilling tray or straight into the grill.
3. Cook until sizzlingly delicious- Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, turning frequently or until the bacon is golden and crispy.
Tip: Baste the bacon with maple syrup or honey to give it a sweet flavor.
The Sous Vide Method
The sous vide method involves cooking bacon in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath. This is a favorite method for some because the bacon gets cooked evenly, without any burnt edges. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bacon
- Sous vide bag
- Sous vide machine and container
- Cooking rack or skillet
1. Prepare sous vide bag- Put the bacon in a sous vide bag or vacuum seal.
2. Cook in water bath – Set your sous vide machine to 165°F and cook the bacon for 1–2 hours.
3. Sear before serving- Remove the bacon from the bag and place it on the skillet or rack. Sear the bacon on both sides until it gets golden brown and crispy for 1-2 minutes.
Tip: Add some pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings to the bacon before cooking to enhance the flavor.
The Air Fryer Method
The Air Fryer method is another quick way of cooking bacon without hassle and with perfection. Here are the materials you will need:
- Bacon
- Air Fryer
1. Add bacon to the air fryer basket- Place bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
2. Cook until crispy- Close the basket and set your air fryer at a 390°F temperature for about 8-10 minutes for crispiness. Cook for longer if you prefer super crispy bacon strips.
Tip: Sprinkle some smoked paprika on the bacon before cooking it in the air fryer, giving your bacon a smoky taste.
Conclusion
So there you have it, seven methods to cook bacon. Which one is your favorite? If you’re looking for an easy and quick way to cook bacon, go for the microwave method. If you’re cooking bacon for a crowd, use the oven-baked method. Or, if you want a smoky flavor, try the grilled method. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning to add flavors to your bacon, making it even more delicious.
Recommendation: For quicker and hassle-free cooking, use the Air Fryer or Microwave Method. For the traditional classic taste, go for the Stovetop Method. For a healthier alternative, Sous Vide Method and Oven Baked Method are a great option, and for smoky flavor, the Grilled Method is the best.
