Indulge in the savory delight of bacon with this simple yet satisfying recipe. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or adding a crispy touch to your favorite dishes, this method ensures your bacon turns out perfectly every time. With just one ingredient and a few easy steps, you’ll have delicious bacon ready to enjoy in no time.
The only ingredient you need for this recipe is bacon. While bacon is a common item in most households, it’s important to choose thick-cut bacon for the best results. When shopping at the supermarket, look for packages labeled ‘thick-cut’ to ensure you get the right texture and flavor.
Ingredients for Bacon Recipe
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is preferred for this recipe as it provides a better texture and flavor when cooked. Look for packages labeled ‘thick-cut’ at your local supermarket.
Technique Tip for Cooking Bacon
To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, start with a cold skillet. This allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in evenly cooked slices. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each piece cooks uniformly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Avocado Salad: Imagine a vibrant avocado salad with a medley of cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Sweet Potato Hash: Picture a hearty sweet potato hash with caramelized onions, bell peppers, and a hint of smoked paprika. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory bacon, making each bite a symphony of taste.
Blueberry Pancakes: Envision a stack of fluffy blueberry pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The burst of blueberries adds a fruity twist that harmonizes with the salty crunch of the bacon.
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Think of tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a generous sprinkle of garlic and parmesan cheese. The earthy flavors of the asparagus are elevated by the rich, umami notes of the bacon.
Mango Salsa: Visualize a refreshing mango salsa with diced mangoes, red bell peppers, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. The tropical sweetness of the mango dances with the smoky crispness of the bacon, creating a tantalizing flavor explosion.
Alternative Ingredients
-
bacon – Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative and still provides a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture.
-
bacon – Substitute with tempeh bacon: Tempeh bacon is a plant-based option that offers a smoky and savory taste, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
-
bacon – Substitute with coconut bacon: Coconut bacon is made from coconut flakes and provides a crunchy texture with a smoky flavor, perfect for a gluten-free and vegan diet.
-
bacon – Substitute with mushroom bacon: Mushroom bacon, made from thinly sliced mushrooms, offers a meaty texture and umami flavor, making it a great plant-based alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Transform your brussels sprouts into a sweet and savory delight with a touch of maple syrup. Perfect as a side dish or a main course for vegetable lovers.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these potatoes are tossed in garlic and parmesan for a flavor explosion. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs: Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a tangy honey mustard sauce, then baked to perfection. A simple yet delicious meat dish that pairs well with any side.
Avocado Egg Salad: A creamy and nutritious twist on the classic egg salad, featuring ripe avocado. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip with vegetables.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Succulent shrimp seasoned with a spicy rub, served in warm tortillas with a zesty slaw. A quick and flavorful seafood option for taco night.
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the bacon to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.
- Use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to store the bacon in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its crispiness and flavor.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the bacon. Place a sheet of parchment paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together.
- When freezing, use a vacuum-sealed bag or a freezer-safe container to protect the bacon from freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Bacon can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.
- To reheat refrigerated bacon, place it on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- For frozen bacon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by placing it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until crispy.
- Avoid reheating bacon in the oven, as this can dry it out. The microwave or skillet methods are best for maintaining its texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
-
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper to prevent splattering. Heat for about 10 minutes or until the bacon is sizzling and crispy.
-
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon slices in the skillet without overlapping. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until heated through and crispy.
-
Microwave Method: Place the bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover with another paper towel to absorb excess grease. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds per slice, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
-
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-4 minutes or until crispy and hot.
-
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bacon slices on a toaster oven tray lined with aluminum foil. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the bacon is sizzling and crispy.
Best Tools for Cooking Bacon
-
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. Essential for cooking the bacon evenly.
-
Tongs: A tool used to flip and handle the bacon slices without piercing them, ensuring they cook evenly on both sides.
-
Paper towels: Used to drain excess fat from the cooked bacon, making it less greasy and more enjoyable to eat.
-
Plate: A surface to place the paper towels and cooked bacon, keeping your workspace organized and clean.
-
Stove: The heat source for cooking the bacon in the skillet, providing the necessary medium heat for even cooking.
How to Save Time on Making This Dish
Preheat the skillet: Preheat your skillet while you gather your ingredients to save time.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of bacon back-to-back to maximize efficiency.
Use a splatter guard: A splatter guard reduces cleanup time by keeping your stovetop clean.
Line a plate with paper towels: Prepare a plate with paper towels before you start cooking to quickly drain excess fat.
Monitor cooking time: Set a timer for each side of the bacon to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Bacon Recipe
A simple and delicious gluten-free bacon recipe.
Instructions
-
1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat.
-
2. Place bacon slices in the skillet without overlapping.
-
3. Cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side or until crispy.
-
4. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 42kcal | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3.3g | Saturated Fat: 1.1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 137mg | Potassium: 53mg | Calcium: 1mg
FAQ:
How do I know when the bacon is done?
You’ll know the bacon is done when it turns a rich, golden brown and becomes crispy. If you prefer it less crispy, you can take it off the heat a bit earlier.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
Absolutely! You can use any type of bacon you like, whether it’s turkey bacon, beef bacon, or even a flavored variety. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
What should I do with the leftover bacon grease?
You can save the bacon grease in a jar and use it for cooking other dishes. It adds a fantastic flavor to vegetables, eggs, and even some baked goods. Just make sure to strain out any bits before storing it.
Can I cook the bacon in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can cook bacon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
How do I prevent the bacon from curling up while cooking?
To prevent bacon from curling, you can press it down with a spatula occasionally while it cooks. Another trick is to start cooking the bacon in a cold skillet and gradually increase the heat.
I suggest you try these favourites too!
