How To Cook Bacon On The Stove

You can find various types of bacon in the market, but we all have our favorite kind. Some prefer it fattier, while others like it cut thinner or smoked.

You need to choose depending on your intended use for the bacon. A good recipe will specify whether it requires thick or thin cuts, or if it should be smoked or not.

Thinner cuts produce crispier bacon while thicker cuts will give a chewier texture. Look for a nice blend of meat and fat. Also, opt for natural or nitrate-free variety.

Ingredients

• Bacon

Kitchen Tools

• Skillet or Frying Pan
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate
• Tongs or Fork
• Splatter Guard (optional)
• Grease Container
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer

Instructions

Step 1: Start in a Cold Pan

There’s no need to get surprised here! A cold pan is best if you want smooth and flat, crispy bacon.

If you use preheated pan, it will cause the cold bacon to scrunch and shrivel immediately. This may lead to uneven cooking.

So, before you turn on the heat, place your strips on the pan. Put them wisely; a little touching should be okay as the bacon will shrink as it cooks. But do not overcrowd!

Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking and potentially undercooked portions. The number of strips may vary depending on your pan size and bacon width.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cook the strips slowly over low heat. As it begins to cook, you’ll notice it starting to curl slightly and the fat beginning to render. Cook times vary based on desired doneness:

• 2-3 minutes for softer bacon: Ideal for those who prefer a more pliable texture
• 4-5 minutes for perfectly balanced bacon: A good blend of chewy and crispy
• 5-6 minutes for extra crispy bacon: Perfect for those who enjoy a crunchier bite

Step 3: Flip the Bacon

Next, use tongs to loosen the strips and carefully turn each piece on the other side. Tongs are preferable to forks as they're less likely to tear the bacon.

Once flipped, cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. You need to flip and turn often so that it browns nicely and evenly.

Now, you'll see the bacon becoming firmer and darker in color.

Step 4: Pour Off Grease

If your pan is filling up with grease as the bacon is fatty, simply remove the excess by suctioning it off with a bulb baster. After that, squeeze it into a metal or glass container.

More easy is to just use a metal spoon to remove the grease. Be careful when pouring it off, as spilled grease can cause a grease fire.

It's smart to turn off the flame before pouring off the grease. Make certain none of it dribbles down the sides of the pan. Pour it into a sturdy container.

Step 5: Cook until Done

Some individuals like their bacon little loose and flappy and others like it extra crispy. Keep in mind that the strips will continue to cook for a bit even after you remove them from the pan.

In general, check if it has achieved even browning and the meat is no longer as red and raw looking.

Keep a close eye on the strips during this step -- it can go from perfectly cooked to burnt quite quickly.

Step 6: Let the Bacon Rest

Once your bacon reaches your preferred doneness, use the tongs to switch it to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels absorb excess grease.

Arrange the bacon in a single layer. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this resting period, the bacon will continue to crisp up slightly as it cools, and its texture will set.

This step is crucial for achieving that perfect bacon texture.

Step 7: Repeat the Process

Got more bacon? Simply drain the extra grease and add more pieces to cook. This prevents them from frying in too much oil, which can make them greasy rather than crispy.

Between batches, you may need to adjust your heat slightly. If the pan begins smoking, lower the heat a bit.

If you spot a browned crust on the bottom of the pan, let the pan cool and wipe it clean with paper towels before continuing.

After you complete everything, use the strips in your favorite bacon recipes and impress yourself and others!

You typically need to cook the bacon for approximately 8 to 12 minutes. The timing relies upon the thickness of the cut and how crispy you like it. Here’s a general guideline:

Bacon Thickness:

• Regular-cut bacon: 8 to 10 minutes
• Thick-cut bacon: 10 to 12 minutes
• Extra-thick-cut bacon: 12 to 15 minutes

Desired Crispiness:

• For chewier bacon, aim for the lower end of the time range
• For crispier bacon, cook towards the higher end of the range

Stove Temperature:

• Start with a cold pan on medium-low heat
• Gradually increase to medium heat as the bacon cooks

Pan Type:

• Non-stick pans may cook bacon slightly faster than cast iron
• Adjust timing accordingly based on your pan

Bacon Quantity:

• Cooking more bacon at once may require slightly longer cooking times

• If you’re preparing a large amount of bacon, use two pans. This will speed up the process.
• Different thicknesses of bacon may require adjusted cooking times. Thick-cut will naturally take longer to cook than regular slices.
• Monitor closely, as bacon can go from perfectly crisp to overcooked in no time. You don’t want those overly browned and burnt bits.
• As a step toward achieving the final texture of the bacon, flipping it more frequently will assist in avoiding burned, overcooked stripes.
• Remove when slightly underdone as bacon continues to crisp as it cools
• You need to drain those pieces properly. Let the bacon rest on paper towels to pour out the excess grease.

Have a few leftover bacon drippings that you are thinking of flushing down the drain? Well, think twice! This scrumptious fat may be used in several ways in cooking.

This gives many dishes that nice barbeque-like flavor and you can also use it in place of butter or cooking oil.

But you should store and deal with it properly; only then you can get the most out of this delicious kitchen ingredient.

After the grease has cooled down a little (but is still in liquid form), pour it right into a stainless-steel grease container or you may additionally use a glass jar or a sturdy plastic box.

Then allow it to come to room temperature with the lid open. Once it has cooled, seal the jar tightly.

This product is best stored within the fridge for up to 3 months. Or keep it in a freezer for a year. Be certain to label it as we often forget when we stored it.

Try using the bacon grease in:

• Chicken and Rice: Saute the chicken before adding rice
• Roasted Red Potatoes: Toss potatoes in melted bacon grease before roasting
• Scrambled Eggs: Cook eggs in bacon grease instead of butter

It’s not unusual to have leftover bacon. And in case you learn the trick to proper storage, you could revel in it later with the same flavor and quality.

First, you need to allow the cooked strips to cool completely. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which could lead to soggy bacon.

Once cooled, carefully transfer the bacon strips to an airtight container. If stacking, it’s advised to lay a piece of parchment paper in between.

Or roll the bacon securely into aluminum foil or plastic wrap then place it in a resealable plastic bag.

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating

Now to rewarm the bacon well, put it in the skillet and turn it to medium heat. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

Need a quicker option? Use the microwave! Arrange bacon on a microwave-secure dish lined with a paper towel.

Heat on high for about 30 seconds per 2-3 slices. If necessary add 10-second intervals until the bacon is cooked to your taste.

Do not overcook it because this results in tough bacon or burning.

Do you believe bacon is to be enjoyed only at breakfast? If so, think again! It may be enjoyed anytime throughout the day or whenever the craving hits.

You can use bacon as an ingredient in diverse dishes. Looking for some serving ideas? Here are a few to consider:

• Classic breakfast plate: Scramble or fry some eggs and serve them alongside bacon, and your easy and affordable breakfast will be ready in minutes. Add fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
• Bacon sandwich: Just picture crispy bacon as the base before adding fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados on top. It’s hard to resist! It is perfect if served and enjoyed as a breakfast or a brunch.
• Salad topping: Add crumbled crispy bacon to a fresh green salad for the extra texture and taste. It is best served with spinach, mixed vegetables or a traditional Caesar salad.
• Bacon on pizza: It’s pizza night! Bacon on pizza isn’t a new idea. Whether homemade or store-bought, sprinkle bacon pieces on top for added flavor. It also pairs well with other toppings.