Crispy Bacon With a Secret Ingredient: Water!
How to Cook Bacon Using Water: A Simple and Delicious Method
Introduction
Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple, but many people shy away from cooking it at home due to the perceived difficulty. However, with the water method, cooking bacon is a breeze. This simple technique yields crispy, flavorful bacon without the need for any special equipment.
Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
- Bacon strips (any thickness)
- Water
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Bacon with Water
- Prepare the Bacon Strips:
- Separate the bacon strips and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and ensures that the bacon cooks evenly.
- Pour Water into the Skillet:
- Add enough water to the skillet to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch.
- Bring the Water to a Simmer:
- Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Simmering is key; if the water boils, the bacon will become tough and chewy.
- Add the Bacon Strips:
- Carefully lay the bacon strips in the skillet, making sure they are not overlapping. Be patient; it's okay if the bacon doesn't immediately sizzle.
- Cover the Skillet:
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the bacon cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the bacon to steam and cook evenly.
- Check the Bacon:
- Remove the lid and check the bacon. It should be starting to look crispy and browned. If not, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Flip the Bacon Strips:
- Using tongs, carefully flip the bacon strips over. This ensures that both sides cook evenly.
- Continue Cooking:
- Cook the bacon for another 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Drain the Bacon:
- Remove the bacon strips from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
Tips for Perfect Water-Cooked Bacon
Use a Large Skillet:
This allows the bacon to cook evenly and prevents overcrowding.
Don't Crowd the Bacon:
Overcrowding the skillet will cause the bacon to steam and become soggy.
Don't Overcook the Bacon:
Overcooked bacon is tough and chewy. Keep a close eye on the bacon and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Use High-Quality Bacon:
The quality of the bacon will make a big difference in the final product. Look for bacon that is thick-cut and has a good amount of marbling.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your water-cooked bacon as part of a classic breakfast spread, with eggs, pancakes, or toast.
Crumble the bacon and use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or baked potatoes.
Add bacon to pasta dishes, soups, and stews for a smoky, savory flavor.
Health Benefits of Bacon
Contrary to popular belief, bacon can be part of a healthy diet in moderation.
Bacon is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
Bacon also contains B vitamins, which are important for energy production and brain function.
Conclusion
The water method is an easy and effective way to cook bacon at home. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful bacon without all the mess and hassle. So next time you're craving bacon, give the water method a try.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use this method to cook turkey bacon?
- Yes, you can use the water method to cook turkey bacon. Follow the same steps as outlined above, but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
2. Can I add seasonings to the water?
- Yes, you can add seasonings to the water to infuse the bacon with flavor. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Can I cook bacon in the oven using the water method?
- Yes, you can cook bacon in the oven using the water method. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and follow the steps outlined above. Place the skillet with the bacon and water in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
4. Can I store leftover bacon?
- Yes, you can store leftover bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze bacon for up to 2 months.
5. What are some creative ways to use bacon?
- There are many creative ways to use bacon. You can wrap it around dates or asparagus, use it as a topping for pizza or burgers, or even make bacon ice cream.
