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December 25, 2024
When it comes to cooking bacon, most of us immediately think of frying it in a pan or baking it in the oven. However, there’s an unconventional method that’s been making waves in the culinary world: cooking bacon in water.
This technique involves simmering bacon strips in a pot of water before finishing them off in a hot skillet. It may sound strange, but it’s actually a great way to achieve crispy bacon that’s evenly cooked and less greasy.
The process is simple. First, place the bacon strips in a cold pot filled with water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, allowing the bacon to cook slowly and evenly. As the bacon simmers, the fat will render, and the strips will begin to take on a translucent appearance.
Once the bacon is semi-cooked, transfer it to a hot skillet to crisp up the edges. This final step ensures that you get that irresistible crunch while minimizing the excess grease. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked bacon that’s not chewy, overly greasy, or burnt.
Step-by-step guide for cooking crispy bacon in water
Step 1: Fill a large pan with enough water to cover the bacon strips.
Step 2: Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: While waiting for the water to boil, arrange the bacon strips on a cutting board or plate.
Step 4: Once the water boils, carefully place the bacon strips into the pan.
Step 5: Let the bacon cook in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. This will help render out the fat and make the bacon crispy.
Step 6: Using tongs, carefully remove the bacon strips from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess water.
Step 7: Transfer the drained bacon strips to a preheated skillet or frying pan.
Step 8: Cook the bacon in the skillet or frying pan over medium heat for an additional 2-3 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.
Step 9: Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a fresh paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining grease.
Step 10: Serve the crispy bacon hot and enjoy!
Prepare the ingredients
Before you start cooking bacon in water, make sure you have the following ingredients:
- Bacon strips: Choose your favorite type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut, applewood smoked, or maple-flavored.
- Water: You’ll need enough water to cover the bacon strips completely.
- Saucepan: Select a medium-sized saucepan that can comfortably fit all the bacon strips you plan to cook.
- Wooden spoon or tongs: These will come in handy for flipping and removing the bacon from the saucepan.
- Plate lined with paper towels: This is where you’ll place the cooked bacon to drain off excess water and grease.
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Preheat the oven
Before cooking the bacon in water, it is important to preheat the oven to the desired temperature. Follow these steps to preheat the oven:
- Make sure the oven racks are in the correct position for baking.
- Turn on the oven by selecting the desired temperature using the oven’s control panel or knob.
- Wait for the oven to reach the selected temperature. This may take a few minutes.
- Check the oven temperature using an oven thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired degree.
Once the oven has been preheated, it is ready to be used for cooking the bacon in water. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for the correct cooking time and temperature.
Soak bacon in water
Soaking bacon in water is a technique that can help reduce the amount of fat in the cooked bacon. When you soak bacon in water, it helps to remove some of the fat, resulting in a leaner and healthier bacon option.
To soak bacon in water, follow these simple steps:
Gather the necessary ingredients and tools:
Bacon: Choose your desired type of bacon, whether it’s thick-cut, turkey bacon, or any other variety you prefer.
Water: Get a large bowl or container filled with cold water.
Paper towels: Prepare some paper towels to dry the bacon after soaking.
Soak the bacon:
Place the bacon strips in the bowl or container with cold water. Make sure the bacon is fully submerged in the water.
Let the bacon soak in the water for about 10-15 minutes. This will give the water enough time to penetrate the bacon and help remove some of the fat. You can adjust the soaking time according to your preferences.
Dry the bacon:
After the soaking time is complete, remove the bacon from the water and pat dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture from the bacon.
Now, your bacon is ready to be cooked using your preferred method, whether it’s frying, baking, or grilling.
Remember, soaking bacon in water can help reduce the fat content, but it may also affect the taste and texture slightly. Experiment with different soaking times and cooking methods to find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Bake the bacon
Baking bacon in the oven is arguably the easiest way to achieve crispy and perfectly cooked bacon without the mess. Here’s how you can bake bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure not to overlap them.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle black pepper or your favorite seasonings on top of the bacon.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and browned to your liking.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Let the bacon cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious oven-baked bacon!
Drain excess water
Once the bacon is cooked, it’s important to drain any excess water to avoid a soggy texture.
Using a pair of tongs, carefully remove the bacon from the pot and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any remaining water on the surface of the bacon.
Alternatively, you can use a colander or a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the water and allow it to drain.
Let the bacon sit for a couple of minutes to allow any excess water to drip off.
You can gently press down on the bacon with the paper towels to help remove the remaining water.
Be careful not to squeeze the bacon too hard, as this can cause it to lose its shape and become misshapen.
Once the excess water has drained off, your bacon is ready to be served!
Enjoy crispy bacon
By simmering the bacon in water before turning up the heat to crisp it up, you can achieve a bacon that is evenly cooked and has a crispy exterior. This method helps to render out some of the fat, resulting in a less greasy bacon.
Step 1: Simmer the bacon in water
Start by placing the bacon in a cold pan. Add enough water to just cover the bacon slices. Place the pan over medium-low heat and allow the water to come to a simmer. Let the bacon cook in the simmering water for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Crisp up the bacon
Once the bacon has simmered, remove it from the water and place it on a paper towel to drain off any excess moisture. Heat a separate pan over medium-high heat and add the bacon slices. Cook the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, flipping it once to ensure even cooking.
Tip: For extra crispy bacon, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two after cooking in the pan.
Now that you have mastered the art of cooking bacon in water, you can enjoy crispy bacon every time. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich, crumbled on top of a salad, or as a side dish, crispy bacon adds a flavorful crunch to any meal.
Q&A
How do you cook bacon in water?
To cook bacon in water, first place the bacon slices in a skillet or frying pan. Then, add enough water to the pan to cover the bacon. Place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the water to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the bacon simmer in the water for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Finally, drain the water and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining moisture.
Why would someone cook bacon in water?
Some people prefer to cook bacon in water because it helps to reduce the grease and fat content. Cooking bacon in water allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in a healthier and less greasy bacon. Additionally, cooking bacon in water can help prevent the bacon from curling and shrinking too much.
Does cooking bacon in water affect the taste?
Cooking bacon in water can slightly affect the taste compared to traditional frying. The water helps to draw out some of the saltiness from the bacon, resulting in a milder flavor. However, the difference in taste is usually minimal and many people still find it delicious. If you prefer a stronger and saltier flavor, you may opt for the traditional frying method instead.
Can I use any type of bacon to cook in water?
Yes, you can use any type of bacon to cook in water. Whether it’s regular, thick-cut, smoked, or flavored bacon, the cooking method remains the same. However, keep in mind that different types of bacon may have different cooking times, so you may need to adjust the simmering time accordingly to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
Is it necessary to boil the water before adding bacon?
No, it is not necessary to boil the water before adding the bacon. You can simply add the bacon slices to a cold skillet or frying pan, then pour in enough cold water to cover the bacon. Starting with cold water can help prevent the bacon from curling up too much. However, if you prefer to bring the water to a boil first, you can do so as well.
Can you cook bacon in water?
Yes, you can cook bacon in water. It is a popular method known as boiling bacon. To cook bacon in water, first, place the bacon strips in a pot, then add enough water to cover the bacon. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This method helps reduce the fat content of the bacon and results in a slightly milder flavor.
What are the benefits of cooking bacon in water?
Cooking bacon in water has a few benefits. First, it helps reduce the fat content of the bacon, making it a healthier option. Second, boiling bacon can result in a slightly milder flavor, which some people prefer. Lastly, cooking bacon in water can also help prevent it from becoming too crispy or burnt, as the water helps regulate the cooking temperature.