Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this breakfast staple. It’s a popular method, especially for those who are short on time or don’t want to deal with the mess of cooking bacon on the stovetop. With the right technique, you can achieve perfectly crispy bacon in just a few minutes.
Microwaving bacon is a simple process that involves placing the bacon on a microwave-safe plate and cooking it for a few minutes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and doesn’t become too greasy. For example, using paper towels to absorb excess grease is a common technique that can help prevent splatters and create crispy bacon. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, learning how to cook bacon in the microwave is a useful skill that can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
Why Cook Bacon in the Microwave?
Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare this classic breakfast food. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider cooking bacon in the microwave:
Saves Time
Cooking bacon in the microwave is one of the fastest ways to cook bacon. It takes only a few minutes to cook a few slices of bacon in the microwave, which is much faster than cooking bacon on the stovetop or in the oven.
Easy Cleanup
Cooking bacon in the microwave is also a great way to avoid a messy cleanup. When you cook bacon in the microwave, the grease is absorbed by paper towels, which can be easily disposed of after cooking. This means that you don’t have to deal with a greasy stovetop or a dirty oven.
Consistent Results
Cooking bacon in the microwave also produces consistent results. Because the bacon is cooked on a flat surface, it cooks evenly and doesn’t curl up like it can when cooked on the stovetop. This means that you can enjoy perfectly cooked bacon every time.
Healthier Option
Cooking bacon in the microwave is also a healthier option than cooking it on the stovetop. When you cook bacon in the microwave, the excess fat is absorbed by paper towels, which helps to reduce the fat content of the bacon. This means that you can enjoy bacon without feeling guilty about the extra calories.
Choosing the Right Bacon
When it comes to cooking bacon in the microwave, choosing the right type of bacon is essential to achieve the best results. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right bacon for microwave cooking:
1. Thickness
The thickness of the bacon is an important factor to consider when cooking it in the microwave. Thicker bacon takes longer to cook and may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired crispiness. On the other hand, thinner bacon cooks faster and may get overcooked if left in the microwave for too long.
2. Cut
The cut of the bacon can also affect how it cooks in the microwave. For instance, bacon that is cut into smaller pieces, such as bacon bits, cooks faster than whole strips of bacon. However, smaller pieces may also be more prone to burning or becoming too crispy.
3. Quality
When choosing bacon for microwave cooking, it’s important to consider the quality of the bacon. High-quality bacon tends to have a higher fat content, which can help it cook more evenly and become crispier. Additionally, high-quality bacon tends to have a better flavor and texture overall.
4. Flavor
Finally, it’s important to consider the flavor of the bacon when choosing it for microwave cooking. Some bacon may have added flavors, such as maple or hickory, which can affect how it cooks and tastes in the microwave. It’s always a good idea to choose bacon with a flavor that you enjoy and that complements the other flavors in your dish.
Preparation for Microwaving Bacon
Microwaving bacon is a quick and easy way to cook this popular breakfast food. Before microwaving bacon, it is important to prepare the plate or tray properly. This section will cover the two main steps in preparing bacon for microwaving: Lining the Plate or Tray with Paper Towels and Arranging the Bacon on the Plate or Tray.
Lining the Plate or Tray with Paper Towels
The first step in preparing bacon for microwaving is to line the plate or tray with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease and prevent the bacon from sticking to the plate or tray. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take a microwave-safe plate or tray and place it on a flat surface.
- Take a few sheets of paper towels and place them on the plate or tray, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- If using a plate, make sure to fold the edges of the paper towels up to prevent any grease from spilling over.
- If using a tray, make sure to use a tray with raised edges to prevent any grease from spilling over.
Arranging the Bacon on the Plate or Tray
The second step in preparing bacon for microwaving is to arrange the bacon on the plate or tray. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take the bacon out of the package and separate the slices.
- If using a plate, arrange the bacon in a single layer on top of the paper towels, making sure not to overlap the slices.
- If using a tray, place the bacon slices on the tray in a single layer, making sure not to overlap the slices.
- If microwaving a large amount of bacon, it may be necessary to cook it in batches to ensure even cooking.
Microwaving Bacon
Microwaving bacon is a quick and easy way to get crispy and delicious bacon without the mess and hassle of cooking it on the stove. Here are some tips to help you microwave bacon to perfection.
Cook Time and Power Level
The cook time and power level will depend on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the bacon. As a general rule, start with 3 minutes on high power for 4-6 slices of bacon. If you are cooking more or less bacon, adjust the cook time accordingly.
If your microwave has a lower wattage, you may need to increase the cook time. On the other hand, if your microwave has a higher wattage, you may need to decrease the cook time to prevent the bacon from burning.
Flipping the Bacon
Flipping the bacon is not necessary when microwaving it. The bacon will cook evenly on both sides as long as it is arranged in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. However, if you prefer your bacon to be extra crispy, you can flip it halfway through the cook time.
Checking for Doneness
After the initial cook time, check the bacon for doneness. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown. If it is not yet done, continue microwaving it in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired level of crispiness.
It is important to note that microwaving bacon may result in uneven cooking, with some parts of the bacon being crispier than others. To prevent this, try to arrange the bacon in a single layer and rotate the plate halfway through the cook time.
Serving and Storing Microwaved Bacon
Microwaving bacon is a quick and easy way to cook breakfast meat. Once the bacon is cooked, it’s important to know how to properly drain, serve, and store it. Here are some tips for serving and storing microwaved bacon.
Draining the Bacon
Draining the bacon is an important step to remove excess grease and make the bacon crispy. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the bacon from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Carefully remove the bacon from the plate using tongs or a fork.
- Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack to drain the excess grease.
- Blot the bacon with another paper towel to remove any remaining grease.
Serving Suggestions
Microwaved bacon can be served on its own or as a part of a larger breakfast meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve the bacon with eggs, toast, and hash browns for a classic breakfast meal.
- Use the bacon to make a bacon, lettuce, and tomato (BLT) sandwich.
- Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it on top of a salad or baked potato.
- Dip the bacon in maple syrup or honey for a sweet and savory combination.
Storing Leftover Bacon
If you have leftover microwaved bacon, it’s important to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling. Here’s how to do it:
- Let the bacon cool completely.
- Place the bacon in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Store the bacon in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
When reheating leftover bacon, place it on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave it for 10-15 seconds or until it’s heated through. Avoid microwaving the bacon for too long, as it can become rubbery and lose its flavor.
Conclusion
Cooking bacon in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious breakfast food. By using the right technique, you can achieve crispy, flavorful bacon in just a few minutes.
One important thing to keep in mind is that microwaves vary in power, so cooking times may vary. It’s important to keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks to avoid overcooking or burning it.
Another key factor in microwave bacon cooking is the type and thickness of the bacon. Turkey bacon, for example, will cook faster than regular bacon. Thicker bacon may require a longer cooking time.
Overall, cooking bacon in the microwave is a convenient and efficient way to prepare this breakfast classic. With a little experimentation and practice, you can achieve perfect bacon every time.
