Want crispy bacon without heating up the kitchen? Microwave cooking offers a surprisingly effective (and fast!) alternative to stovetop or oven methods. This guide will walk you through achieving perfectly cooked bacon in your microwave, minimizing splatter and maximizing deliciousness.
Why Microwave Bacon?
Let's face it: the smell of bacon cooking is amazing, but the grease splatters and lingering smoky scent aren't always ideal. Microwaving bacon offers several advantages:
- Speed: It cooks significantly faster than traditional methods.
- Convenience: Less mess and cleanup.
- Energy efficiency: Uses less energy than an oven.
Preparing for Microwave Bacon Perfection
Before you start, gather your materials:
- Microwave-safe plate: A flat plate is best to ensure even cooking. Avoid using plates with metallic trim.
- Paper towels: Crucial for absorbing excess grease and preventing splattering.
- Bacon: The amount depends on your appetite! Arrange slices in a single layer; don't overcrowd the plate.
The Microwave Bacon Method: Step-by-Step
Here's how to cook bacon to your desired crispiness in the microwave:
- Prepare your bacon: Lay the bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they don't overlap. This prevents uneven cooking.
- Line with paper towels: Cover the bacon with a layer of paper towels. This absorbs grease, preventing splatters and resulting in crispier bacon.
- Microwave: Start with short bursts of 30-second intervals. Microwave cooking times will vary based on your microwave's wattage and the thickness of your bacon. Check on your bacon regularly, beginning at 1 minute, to prevent burning.
- Flip and continue: After the first burst, check the bacon’s progress. Flip the bacon slices and continue cooking in 30-second increments until you reach your desired level of crispness. The bacon should be cooked through and nicely browned.
- Drain excess grease: Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon from the microwave and allow it to sit on the paper towels for a few seconds. This helps further absorb excess grease.
Tips for the Perfect Microwave Bacon
- Thickness Matters: Thicker-cut bacon requires longer cooking times.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Every microwave is different. Experiment to find the perfect cooking time for your appliance and preferred crispness.
- Don't Overcrowd: Overcrowding prevents even cooking. Cook bacon in batches if necessary.
- Crispy Bacon Hack: For extra crispy bacon, you can place a second layer of paper towel on top after flipping the bacon mid-cook.
- Avoid burning: Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning. If the edges start to brown too quickly, reduce cooking time per interval or add a few more paper towels.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your perfectly cooked microwave bacon! It's delicious on its own, in sandwiches, salads, or as part of a larger breakfast or brunch spread.
FAQs: Microwave Bacon Edition
Q: Can I cook frozen bacon in the microwave?
A: While possible, it's generally recommended to cook bacon from thawed. Frozen bacon may take considerably longer and may cook unevenly.
Q: What if my bacon is still chewy after microwaving?
A: Your bacon likely needs more cooking time. Add 15-30 second intervals until it reaches your desired crispness.
Q: My bacon is burning!
A: Reduce your cooking time intervals. You may also want to add additional paper towels to absorb grease and heat more effectively.
By following this guide, you'll be enjoying perfectly crispy microwave bacon in minutes. Enjoy!
