9 hours ago
Bacon should be cooked with one simple thing to make it crispier and tastier
It's time to ditch the oil and replace it with something else, say experts
Whether you have yours on a roll or as part of a fry-up, or prefer it smoked or unsmoked, bacon is a favourite breakfast addition for millions of people.
No one, however, wants greasy bacon on their plate. And while cooking it in a frying pan with oil is the go to method for lots of people, there is a way to make it crispier and taste better too.
The issue with cooking bacon in oil is down to the fat from the slices rendering when heated, and adding oil can alter the texture and leave it soggy, greasy and even more prone to burning. That's according to Eliza Cross from the BENSA Bacon Lovers Society.
She said that cooking it in oil is unnecessary and instead, we should simply add a little water to the pan instead, reports the Express.
Eliza said: "Frying bacon with water might sound a little weird, but trust me, this method is a total game-changer. What you'll get are beautifully crispy bacon strips that practically melt in your mouth."
There is science behind adding water. When cooked in oil, the white fatty parts of bacon cook faster while the pink, meatier sections take longer, which can cause the edges to burn while the centre remains undercooked.
Adding a little water to the pan creates steam that helps the fat render more evenly, resulting in bacon that is both crisper and more tender.
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And another benefit is that the water also slows down the cooking process slightly, which prevents curling and allows the entire strip to crisp up at the same time.
Cooking with water instead of oil not only improves the texture of bacon but also makes it taste better as it reduces the risk of burning, and the flavour will not be diluted by the excess grease.
How to make crispier bacon with the water cooking technique
To begin, simply add just enough water to coat the bottom of your frying pan. You only need a thin layer, so you will roughly need two to three tablespoons.
Lay the cold strip of bacon on the water, then turn the stove on. Cook on a medium heat until the water slowly evaporates.
The bacon fat will render and begin to sizzle. Flip the bacon over to cook the other side once the bottom of the bacon starts to brown. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, and then place the bacon on some paper towels to drain any of the fat.
Your mouthwatering golden bacon strips are now ready to eat. Place on a buttery roll or add to a fry-up, and enjoy.
Oven baking is another way to crisp your bacon to perfection. Professional chef and culinary instructor Frank Proto shares his tips through his own YouTube channel and appearances on platforms like Epicurious.
And he said oven cooking is the 'five star' method of cooking your bacon and especially good for preparing large amounts for a family breakfast. He uses baking paper and calls it a 'hands off' way.
Bristol Live reported: "I like cooking on the parchment because the bacon basically cooks in its own fat." He added that 15 minutes at 350°F (180°C), results in "crispy yet chewy bacon".
