Cooking bacon may seem straightforward, but it’s too common for the strips to end up overcooked into a dry, charred mess if not done correctly. A frequent mistake that turns this breakfast favourite into a culinary disaster is cranking up the heat too high or going overboard with oil, which results in unappetising bacon.
Donna Urso, renowned cook and the brains behind Just One Donna, has shared a top tip for cooking “better” bacon. Surprisingly, the recipe doesn’t call for oil, butter, an air fryer, or even an oven. Instead, all you need is good old water. She shared: “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 continued: “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.”
While it might seem unconventional, steaming bacon rather than frying can gradually melt away the fat while ensuring the meat tenderises as the water slowly disappears.
Employing such a technique ensures that the bacon won’t stick to the pan, eliminates the potential for burned bits, and prevents uneven hot spots, promising each slice is delectably crisp throughout.
Donna explained: “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 to 12 minutes from start to finish.”
To cook bacon this way, start by selecting a large enough pan to sit on the stove, one that can accommodate your bacon rashers without them being cramped.
Pour a little bit of water to just coat the base of your pan, then lay out your bacon rashers.
Wait for the water to start shimmering and the bacon to sizzle. Keep a watchful eye on it, flipping it over once it takes on a golden shade.
Once the bacon reaches your preferred level of crunch, lift it from the pan and let it rest on a paper towel to soak up any lingering moisture.
This method should give you bacon that’s superior in both texture and flavour compared to traditional methods, with the bonus of less washing up as you’re spared the chore of scrubbing a greasy pan.