Microwave Bacon: Is It Possible?

The siren call of a perfectly crispy bacon butty is strong, but let's face it, sometimes you just don't have the time to stand over a hot frying pan. That's when the question pops into your head: can you really cook bacon in the microwave? I've seen those fancy microwave bacon cookers on TV, but I've always been a bit dubious. Can you really achieve that coveted crunch and deliciousness without a skillet? Well, I decided to find out, and I'm here to share my microwave bacon journey with you.

(Part 1) The Experiment

I'm a bit of a kitchen enthusiast, always up for a culinary adventure. I figured, "What's the worst that could happen? I'll end up with soggy bacon, and honestly, that's hardly a crisis." I grabbed some good quality thick-cut bacon, the kind you'd normally fry, because I wasn't convinced you needed special bacon for the microwave.

The Set-Up

First, I needed a safe haven for my bacon. A microwave-safe plate was a given, but I wanted something to contain the inevitable splatter. A Pyrex dish felt like the ideal solution. I laid out my bacon strips in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them – even cooking is key here.

Microwave Time!

Now, here's where things got interesting. The packet suggested a 2-3 minute cooking time per side, but I've learned that microwave times are always a bit of a gamble. So, I started with a cautious 30 seconds, checking every half a minute.

The First Bite

After a total of 2 minutes, I carefully lifted a strip from the dish. The bacon was a beautiful deep brown colour, and there was definitely a hint of that coveted crispiness. I took a bite – and it was brilliant! It wasn't as shatteringly crisp as pan-fried bacon, but it had a nice crunch and was cooked perfectly. No chewy bits, no lingering pinkness.

(Part 2) The Microwave Bacon Quest Continues

That first experiment was a success, but I was just getting started. I wanted to see what else I could achieve with this newfound knowledge.

Going Gourmet

I'm not just about basic bacon. I wanted to explore the world of flavour. So, I decided to try making maple-glazed bacon in the microwave. I figured, if I could get a nice caramelized glaze in the microwave, why not combine it with bacon?

I mixed some quality maple syrup with a touch of soy sauce for added depth and painted the bacon strips with the glaze before popping them in the microwave. After a minute and a half on each side, I had the most stunning-looking bacon. It had that beautiful, glossy glaze, and the aroma was heavenly. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into it.

The Verdict

Let's be honest, nothing beats the iconic crispness of pan-fried bacon. But, for a quick and easy option, microwave bacon is a game-changer. It's not just convenient; it's actually quite delicious!

Some Tips for Microwave Bacon Success

Use quality bacon: Don't skimp on the ingredients. Good bacon will make a world of difference. Don't overcrowd the dish: Give those bacon strips room to breathe, so they cook evenly. Check frequently: Microwave times can vary, so be vigilant! Start with shorter intervals: It's much easier to add time than to salvage overcooked bacon. Experiment with flavours: Maple-glazed is just the tip of the iceberg. Get creative with spices and glazes!

(Part 3) The Science of Microwave Bacon

I'm a bit of a science geek, so I had to delve into the science behind this seemingly magical transformation.

How Microwaves Cook

Microwave ovens work by using electromagnetic radiation to heat food. This radiation causes water molecules within the food to vibrate rapidly, generating heat. The more water content, the faster the food will cook.

Bacon and Microwaves

Bacon is primarily fat and water. When you microwave it, the water molecules vibrate, causing the fat to render out. This is what gives the bacon that crispy texture. However, the heat distribution in a microwave isn't always even. You might end up with hot spots and cold spots, which is why checking your bacon frequently is so important.

(Part 4) Microwave Bacon vs. Pan-Fried Bacon: A Showdown

Let's be honest, we all know pan-fried bacon holds the crown in the bacon world. But how does microwave bacon stack up? I decided to conduct a taste test to find out which one truly reigned supreme.

The Contestants

On one side, we had the classic pan-fried bacon. I used a heavy-bottomed skillet and rendered the fat over medium heat until the bacon was perfectly crispy. On the other side, we had our microwave bacon champion, cooked to perfection.

The Judges

My flatmate, a self-proclaimed bacon aficionado, agreed to be the judge. I wasn't allowed to sway his opinion, so I sat in another room while he devoured both samples.

The Verdict

The verdict? Pan-fried bacon emerged victorious. My flatmate described the pan-fried bacon as having "that perfect, crackly texture and a depth of flavour that simply can't be replicated in the microwave." He conceded that the microwave bacon was good, but it lacked that satisfying snap and richness.

(Part 5) The Microwave Bacon Controversy

I'm not going to sugarcoat it – there's a bit of a divide when it comes to microwave bacon. Some people think it's a culinary crime, while others swear by it.

The Critics

The biggest complaint against microwave bacon is that it lacks the same level of crispness and flavour as pan-fried bacon. Some people also argue that the microwave can make the bacon rubbery.

The Supporters

On the other side, there are those who appreciate the convenience and speed of microwave bacon. It's perfect for those mornings when you're rushing and need a quick, easy breakfast.

My Take

My opinion? Microwave bacon has a place in the world. It's not a replacement for pan-fried, but it's a fantastic option when you're short on time. And let's be honest, it's still bacon, and who doesn't love bacon?

(Part 6) The Microwave bacon experiment: Beyond the Basics

As my quest for the perfect microwave bacon continued, I realized there was more to explore than just the basic method. I wanted to see if I could push the boundaries of microwave bacon.

Exploring the Possibilities

I began experimenting with different types of bacon. I tried smoked bacon, streaky bacon, and even some fancy, dry-cured bacon. I experimented with cooking times and power levels, trying to find the optimal settings for each type.

Adding a Touch of Magic

I also started incorporating more flavour into my microwave bacon. I experimented with herbs and spices, adding them to the bacon before cooking. I even tried adding a bit of brown sugar to create a caramelized flavour.

(Part 7) Microwave Bacon: A Global Phenomenon

My microwave bacon adventures weren't just confined to my kitchen. I was curious to see how people around the world tackled this controversial dish.

From the US to Japan

I found a wealth of information online about microwave bacon recipes from all over the globe. Some people even claimed to have mastered the art of making perfectly crispy microwave bacon using unique techniques.

A Culinary Adventure

I tried recipes from Japan, which involved marinating the bacon in a soy sauce mixture before cooking. I even discovered a recipe from the US that used a microwave bacon cooker, a specialized device designed for cooking bacon in the microwave.

(Part 8) The Future of Microwave Bacon

As technology continues to evolve, I have a feeling microwave bacon is only going to get better.

Smart Appliances

With the advent of smart ovens and microwave ovens, we can expect to see more advanced cooking techniques that can deliver even more crispy and flavourful bacon.

Microwave Bacon Revolution

Who knows, maybe one day microwave bacon will dethrone pan-fried bacon as the go-to choice for a delicious breakfast treat.

(Part 9) FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about microwave bacon:

Q: What type of bacon is best for microwaving?

While you can use any type of bacon, thicker-cut bacon tends to work better in the microwave. It holds its shape better and gives you that satisfying chew.

Q: How long do I microwave bacon?

The cooking time depends on the type of bacon and the power of your microwave. As a rule of thumb, start with 30 seconds per side and check it frequently. You can always add more time if needed.

Q: Can I microwave bacon in a paper towel?

While it might seem like a good idea to absorb excess grease, using paper towels in the microwave can pose a fire hazard. It's best to use a microwave-safe dish.

Q: What do I do with the bacon fat?

The fat that renders out during cooking is pure flavour! You can use it to cook other dishes or simply store it in the fridge for later use.

Q: Is microwave bacon healthy?

Like any cooked meat, bacon is high in fat and sodium. Moderation is key. You can reduce the fat content by removing the bacon fat after cooking.