Microwaving bacon? It might sound unconventional, but it's a surprisingly effective way to cook this breakfast staple quickly and easily. Forget the mess of frying pans and the lingering smell of bacon grease – this method is clean and efficient. This guide will walk you through achieving perfectly crispy bacon in your microwave, every time.
Why Microwave Bacon?
Let's face it, sometimes you just need bacon now. Microwaving offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- Speed: It's significantly faster than frying or baking.
- Convenience: Minimal cleanup – say goodbye to greasy pans!
- Even Cooking (with the right technique): You can achieve consistently crispy bacon if you follow the steps below.
The Best Method for Microwaving Bacon
This technique utilizes paper towels to absorb excess grease and promote even cooking.
What you'll need:
- Bacon: Your favorite cut and amount.
- Microwave-safe plate: A flat plate is best.
- Paper towels: Two or three, depending on the amount of bacon.
Instructions:
- Prepare your bacon: Lay the bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they aren't overlapping. Overlapping will lead to uneven cooking and potentially soggy bacon.
- Layer with paper towels: Place a paper towel on top of the bacon. This is crucial for absorbing grease and preventing splatters.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave's power and the thickness of your bacon. Start with shorter intervals and check for doneness. Thicker-cut bacon will require longer cooking times.
- Check and adjust: Carefully remove the plate (it will be hot!) and check the bacon. If it's not crispy enough, cover with another paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired crispness.
- Enjoy! Carefully remove the bacon from the plate and enjoy your perfectly cooked, crispy microwave bacon.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Bacon:
- Don't overcrowd the plate: This will lead to uneven cooking and soggy bacon. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use high power: Lower power settings will result in longer cooking times and potentially less crisp bacon.
- Watch carefully: Microwaves vary, so keep an eye on your bacon to avoid burning.
- Experiment: Find the perfect cooking time for your microwave and preferred bacon crispness.
Troubleshooting Common Microwave Bacon Problems:
- Soggy bacon: This usually means you've overcrowded the plate or used too little paper towel. Try using more paper towels and cooking in smaller batches.
- Unevenly cooked bacon: Ensure bacon slices aren't overlapping. You might also need to adjust your cooking time and power settings.
- Burnt bacon: This is a sign you've cooked it for too long. Start with shorter cooking times and check frequently.
Beyond the Basics: Creative Microwave Bacon Ideas
Once you've mastered the basic technique, try these variations:
- Bacon-wrapped dates: Wrap pitted Medjool dates with bacon and microwave until the bacon is crispy.
- Bacon-wrapped asparagus: Wrap asparagus spears in bacon and microwave for a quick and delicious side dish.
Microwaving bacon is a quick, efficient, and surprisingly effective cooking method. With a little practice, you'll be enjoying perfectly crispy bacon in minutes! So ditch the frying pan and embrace the speed and convenience of microwave bacon. Happy cooking!
