Bacon may seem simple enough to cook, but it can quickly become charred, dry and utterly tasteless if not cooked properly.
One of the most common mistakes when making this breakfast staple is turning the heat too high on the stove or using too much oil, which can make bacon overcooked.
Donna Urso, a cook and founder of Just One Donna, has shared that the best way to cook “better” bacon is not oil, butter or even an air fryer or oven as all you need is water.
She said: “This method is quick, and easy, and produces perfectly cooked bacon every time. The water helps to keep the bacon from burning and creates a consistent, crispy texture.”
Donna added: “It is also much cleaner and seems less messy than traditional pan-frying methods. The water helps to keep the grease from splattering all over your stove.”
It may sound odd, but steaming bacon rather than frying it helps the fat render slowly as the meat will tenderise as the water evaporates.
This simple cooking method stops bacon from sticking to the pan so it does not burn and prevents pan hot spots so the meat will cook evenly so it is perfectly crispy.
Donna said: “Cooking with water is ideal for busy people. Unlike oven-baking, which requires preheating and takes up to 20 minutes to cook, this method takes only 10-12 minutes from start to finish.”
How to cook bacon with water
To begin, place a large pan on the stove which can hold bacon without overcrowding it.
Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, then place the bacon in the pan.
Let the water come to a shimmer and the bacon will begin to cook. Keep an eye on it and turn it over once it turns golden brown.
Remove the bacon from the pan once it is at your desired level of crispiness, then place on a paper towel to drain any excess water.
Your bacon should have a much better texture and taste than it normally would, plus there will be less cleanup as you do not have to clean a greasy frying pan afterwards.
