How To Make Bacon In The Microwave
Key Takeaways
Craving crispy bacon but short on time? The microwave is your secret weapon! This guide will show you exactly how to make delicious, perfectly cooked bacon in the microwave, from choosing the right bacon to achieving that satisfying crunch. We’ll cover everything from preventing splatters to cleaning up efficiently, ensuring a hassle-free bacon experience. Get ready to enjoy bacon in minutes!
Why Microwave Bacon?
Let’s face it, sometimes you just need bacon, and you need it fast. While the traditional stovetop method delivers fantastic results, it can be messy and time-consuming. Microwaving bacon offers several advantages:
- Speed: Microwave bacon cooks significantly faster than pan-fried or oven-baked bacon.
- Convenience: It’s incredibly easy and requires minimal effort.
- Less Mess: Microwaving bacon significantly reduces grease splatters compared to stovetop cooking.
- Portion Control: It’s perfect for cooking individual servings or small batches.
While some purists might argue against it, microwaving bacon is a practical solution for busy mornings, quick snacks, or whenever the bacon craving strikes.
What You’ll Need to Microwave Bacon
Making bacon in the microwave requires very few tools and ingredients:
- Bacon: Choose your favorite type – thick-cut, regular, or even turkey bacon all work well.
- Microwave-Safe Plate: Essential for cooking the bacon.
- Paper Towels: Absorb grease and help the bacon crisp up.
- Microwave: Obviously!
Optional but recommended:
- Bacon Rack/Microwave Bacon Cooker: Elevates the bacon, allowing grease to drain away for crispier results.
- Microwave Splatter Cover: Prevents grease splatters inside your microwave.
Step-by-Step Guide: Microwaving Bacon to Perfection
Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked bacon in your microwave:
- Prepare Your Plate: Line a microwave-safe plate with 2-3 layers of paper towels. This will absorb the grease as the bacon cooks.
- Arrange the Bacon: Place the bacon strips on the paper towels in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking. If using a bacon rack, arrange the bacon strips over the rack.
- Cover (Optional): If desired, cover the plate with a microwave splatter cover to minimize grease splatters. This is especially helpful for thicker-cut bacon or if your microwave tends to splatter a lot.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon, the power of your microwave, and your desired level of crispiness. Start with a shorter cooking time and add more time in 30-second increments until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
- Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the plate from the microwave (it will be hot!). The bacon should be crisp and slightly darker in color. If it’s still too soft, microwave for another 15-30 seconds.
- Drain Excess Grease: Remove the cooked bacon from the plate and place it on a fresh layer of paper towels to drain any excess grease.
- Enjoy! Let the bacon cool slightly before enjoying.
Tips for Crispy Microwave Bacon
- Don’t Overcrowd the Plate: Cook the bacon in batches if necessary to avoid overlapping.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Every microwave is different, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start with a shorter time and add more as needed.
- Use a Bacon Rack: A bacon rack elevates the bacon and allows the grease to drain away, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Monitor Carefully: Keep an eye on the bacon while it’s microwaving to prevent burning.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: May require slightly longer cooking times.
Choosing the Right Bacon
While you can microwave any type of bacon, some varieties lend themselves better to the microwave method. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Regular Bacon: Works well and cooks relatively quickly.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Takes longer to cook but can achieve a satisfyingly crispy texture.
- Turkey Bacon: Cooks quickly and is a leaner alternative to pork bacon.
Experiment with different types of bacon to find your favorite microwave bacon experience!
Cleaning Up After Microwaving Bacon
One of the best things about microwaving bacon is the easy cleanup. Here’s how to handle it:
- Let the Grease Cool: Allow the grease on the paper towels to cool slightly before disposing of them.
- Wipe Down the Microwave: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the microwave to remove any grease splatters. A microwave-safe cleaner can be used for more stubborn stains.
- Wash the Plate: Wash the microwave-safe plate with soap and water or place it in the dishwasher.
- Consider a Grease Container: If you frequently microwave bacon, consider investing in a grease container to safely dispose of the cooled bacon grease.
Proper cleanup will keep your microwave clean and prevent lingering bacon odors.
Beyond the Basics: Experimenting with Flavors
Once you’ve mastered the art of microwaving bacon, you can start experimenting with different flavors! Try these ideas:
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the bacon before microwaving for a sweet and savory treat.
- Brown Sugar: Sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon before microwaving for caramelized bacon.
- Black Pepper: Add a generous grind of black pepper for a spicy kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and find your own signature microwave bacon flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to microwave bacon?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to microwave bacon as long as you use a microwave-safe plate and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure to monitor the bacon while it’s cooking to prevent burning.
How long does it take to microwave bacon?
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the bacon and the power of your microwave. Generally, it takes about 1-2 minutes per slice on high. Start with a shorter cooking time and add more time in 30-second increments until the bacon is cooked to your liking.
Why is my microwave bacon not crispy?
Several factors can contribute to soggy microwave bacon. Make sure you are using enough paper towels to absorb the grease, not overcrowding the plate, and cooking the bacon for a sufficient amount of time. Using a bacon rack can also help improve crispiness.
Can I microwave turkey bacon?
Yes, you can microwave turkey bacon. Turkey bacon typically cooks faster than pork bacon, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start with a shorter time and add more as needed.
