Microwave Bacon: How Long to Cook for Perfect Crispiness

Let's face it, we all love bacon. The salty, smoky, crispy goodness that makes breakfast, lunch, or dinner a real treat. But sometimes, cooking bacon can be a bit of a pain. You've got to preheat the pan, wait for it to get screaming hot, and then keep a watchful eye on it the entire time. One minute it's perfect, the next it's chewy, rubbery, or worse, burnt. Not ideal.

That's why I've been a big fan of microwave bacon for a while now. It's quick, easy, and you can practically guarantee perfect crispiness every time. But like any shortcut, there are a few things you need to know to make it work. So, grab your favourite bacon and get ready to unlock the secrets to microwave bacon perfection. You'll be a bacon whiz in no time!

Part 1: The Equipment

You don't need a fancy gadget or special bacon-cooking machine. All you really need is a microwave-safe plate and some paper towels. That's it! If you want to get fancy, you can use a bacon rack, which helps the bacon cook more evenly and allows for better airflow, but it's not strictly necessary.

What about the microwave?

It's important to understand your microwave's power. If you have a super-powerful beast, you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Otherwise, you might end up with burnt bacon. I'm talking about those crispy bits that taste a bit like charcoal, and no one wants that! If you're unsure about your microwave's power, you can always start with a shorter cooking time and check it every 30 seconds to make sure it doesn't get overcooked.

Most microwaves have a power level setting, usually from 1 to 10. Higher power levels mean more heat and faster cooking. If you're unsure, you can usually find the power level information in the microwave's instruction manual. Don't worry, if you don't have the manual, there are tons of resources online that can help you figure out your microwave's power level.

Part 2: The Bacon

I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to bacon. I love a good thick-cut, smoked streaky bacon. It's the best, in my opinion. But hey, any bacon will do. If you prefer lean bacon, that's fine, but just be aware that it might need a little more time to cook through. If you're using pre-sliced bacon, give those a good pat dry with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.

You might be wondering, "What about bacon with the rind on?" Well, I've found that the rind can get a little tough when cooked in the microwave. It's not exactly a deal breaker, but it's not my favourite texture. I usually remove the rind before cooking if I'm using a bacon with the rind on. It’s a personal preference, though. You do you!

Part 3: Getting Started: The Lay of the Land

Alright, let's get down to business. The first step is to lay out your paper towels on the microwave-safe plate. This will absorb the fat that renders out of the bacon as it cooks. If you're using a bacon rack, place it on the plate and lay the paper towels on either side of it.

Now comes the important part. Place your bacon slices on top of the paper towels, making sure there's space between the slices. You don't want to overcrowd the bacon. The goal is to allow for even cooking and airflow. If you're using a bacon rack, lay the bacon across the rack, again, ensuring that the slices are not touching.

You're now ready to get cooking!

Part 4: The Cook Time

Right, here's the big question: How long do you cook it for? It depends on a few things, like:

• The thickness of your bacon
• The type of bacon
• The power of your microwave
• How crispy you like it.

Here's a general guideline to get you started:

But remember, these are just guidelines. It's best to check on your bacon after the first minute or so. This is where you get to be a bacon expert! Use your senses!

How to check for perfect crispiness?

You want your bacon to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt. To make sure it's cooked through, gently lift one piece of bacon. The edges should be curled and crisp. If it's still flexible, it needs a bit more time. If it's burnt, you've cooked it a bit too long, but hey, you can always eat those burnt bits! They add a smoky flavour.

Part 5: The Finishing Touches

Once your bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the microwave and let it cool slightly. This will allow the fat to solidify, which will make it even crispier. If you're using a bacon rack, the fat will have collected on the paper towels underneath, making cleanup a breeze.

You can use the crispy bacon as it is, or add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to really bring out the flavour. I prefer a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, but that's just me. You can get creative and add a little paprika, garlic powder, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

A Word About Fat

You can either leave the rendered bacon fat on the plate or remove it. The choice is yours. The bacon fat is perfect for cooking other things, like vegetables, eggs, or even more bacon! If you're looking to cut back on fat, then you can always drain it off, but I personally like to save it for later. It’s delicious in scrambled eggs, and it makes the best popcorn!

If you're keeping the fat, be careful when you're removing the bacon from the plate as it will be very hot. Use tongs or a spatula to avoid burning yourself.

Part 6: Storage

The good news is that cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to let it cool completely first. Once it's cool, put it in an airtight container or zip-lock bag. This will keep the bacon fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.

You can also freeze cooked bacon. Simply place it in an airtight container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

But be warned, if you store the bacon too long, it can become rubbery and lose its crispy texture. So, try to use it within a few days if possible!

Part 7: Variations and Tips

You can get creative with your microwave bacon. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Bacon: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the bacon before cooking.
• Sweet Bacon: Sprinkle some brown sugar or maple syrup on the bacon before cooking.
• Garlic Bacon: Brush the bacon with a little olive oil and add some minced garlic before cooking.
• Maple Bacon: This is a personal favourite. I like to drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the bacon before cooking. It adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savoury flavour of the bacon. You can use real maple syrup, or if you're feeling lazy, just use a little maple-flavoured syrup.
• Brown Sugar Bacon: A little brown sugar sprinkled on top before cooking gives the bacon a beautiful caramelized crust and a touch of sweetness.
• Bacon with Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Just sprinkle a little on the bacon before cooking.

And remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be afraid to experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find what works best for you. You’ll become a true bacon master in no time!

Part 8: Beyond the Microwave

Microwave bacon is a great quick fix, but there's something about pan-fried bacon that just can't be beat. It's the sizzle, the smell, the crispy edges that get all caramelized. It's just a whole other level of deliciousness.

For the best pan-fried bacon, I recommend using a cast-iron skillet. Heat it over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's cooked to your liking. You'll know it's done when it's crispy and the fat has rendered out. You can drain any excess fat on paper towels if you want to cut back on fat.

If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any other heavy-bottomed skillet. Just make sure it's hot enough before you add the bacon, or it won't get crispy.

Part 9: Beyond the Bacon

Bacon is fantastic on its own, but it also adds an amazing flavour boost to so many other things. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be used in countless recipes.

Here are a few ideas:

• Breakfast: Bacon and eggs, bacon sandwiches, bacon pancakes, or even bacon waffles. You can't go wrong!
• Lunch: Bacon cheeseburgers, bacon mac and cheese, or even bacon salads. Delicious!
• Dinner: Bacon-wrapped chicken, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or even bacon-wrapped dates. So many delicious options!
• Snacks: Bacon-wrapped cheese bites, bacon-wrapped jalape??os, or even bacon-wrapped potato skins. Perfect for game day!
• Desserts: Bacon can even be used in desserts! Try adding it to chocolate chip cookies, brownies, or even ice cream. It adds a surprising and delicious salty-sweet flavour.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavours and combinations. Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless ways.

FAQs

Q: What if my bacon is too thick?

You can always cut your thick-cut bacon into smaller strips. This will help it cook more evenly. You can even cut it into smaller squares, which are great for adding to salads or pasta dishes.

Q: Can I cook bacon in the oven?

Yes, you can cook bacon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the bacon on the baking sheet, making sure there's space between each slice. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's cooked to your liking. This is a great option if you're cooking a large batch of bacon.

Q: What about using a bacon press?

A bacon press is great for getting crispy bacon, especially when pan-frying. It helps to press out the fat and cook the bacon more evenly. You can find bacon presses at most kitchen stores.

Q: What can I do with leftover bacon fat?

Bacon fat is a fantastic cooking fat. You can use it to fry eggs, potatoes, vegetables, or even to make delicious bacon-infused popcorn! Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for several weeks. You can also use it to make homemade soap or candles.

Q: What happens if I microwave bacon for too long?

If you microwave bacon for too long, it will likely become burnt. Burnt bacon can be a bit tough and have a bitter taste. It's best to start with a shorter cooking time and check it frequently to make sure it doesn't get overcooked. If you do happen to burn it, you can always eat the burnt parts. They add a smoky flavour.