Nothing is better than waking up in the morning and having the time to cook up some bacon, but many people do not realise they are making this breakfast treat wrong.
McKenna, a cook and founder of Simplicity and a Starter has shared that one of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking bacon is taking it straight from the fridge.
If you want to avoid burned or even lumpy bacon then it is essential to let bacon sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before frying it.
McKenna explained: “Bacon fat holds onto the cold longer than the meat does. That being said, if you cook the bacon before it is brought to room temperature, then that is a sure invitation for unevenly cooked bacon. No one wants a bite of rubbery fat and a burnt bit.”
The white fatty parts of bacon cook a lot quicker than the pink meat, which means if it is cold, then the bacon is more likely to be burned at the edges while the middle is undercooked and gamey.
Taking the time to let bacon sit at room temperature before you begin cooking will allow the fat to render properly so the bacon will not curl up while frying it, which will result in tastier bacon strips.
The best method to cook bacon is on the hob with an iron skillet if you have one as the material will also help render the bacon gat slowly which will also lead to crispier bacon.
McKenna explained: “Cooking the traditional way with cast iron skillets means cooking the most perfect bacon.
“A cast iron pan retains heat evenly. This means, instead of scorching your food, the cast iron will render the bacon fat and deliver beautiful sears and crispy, salty slices.”
How to cook perfect crispy bacon
Before you begin, take the bacon out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before you plan to cook it.
Once the bacon is at room temperature, place four to five slices in a cold iron skillet. Make sure each slice has room and you do not overcrowd the pan.
Turn your stove on a medium-low to medium heat and let the bacon heat up for one to two minutes. You will know the bacon is cooking when you hear it begin to sizzle.
Cook the bacon for two to three minutes before flipping it to let the other side cook. Make sure to use tongs as it will make it easier to flip the bacon
Flip the bacon every minute or so until it is as crispy as you like it and then your bacon will be ready.
When you are ready to take it out of the skillet, place it on some paper towels so it will soak up any excess bacon grease.
Place it on a buttered roll and your tasty bacon will be ready to eat.
