If you’re a bacon lover, you know that achieving perfectly crispy, evenly cooked strips without burning them can sometimes feel like an art form. But what if we told you there’s a secret ingredient that can take your bacon from good to crispy perfection every time? This simple trick not only ensures your bacon is irresistibly crunchy but also reduces splattering and makes cleanup easier. Let’s dive into the secret and how to use it to elevate your bacon game!
The Secret Ingredient: Water 💧
Yes, water! Adding water to your pan when cooking bacon might sound counterintuitive, but it’s a tried-and-true method used by chefs and home cooks alike to achieve consistently crispy results. Here’s why it works:
- Prevents Burning: The water helps cook the bacon slowly at first, rendering out the fat without scorching the strips.
- Reduces Splattering: By keeping the temperature lower initially, the water minimizes grease splatters, making the process cleaner and safer.
- Ensures Even Crispiness: The gradual evaporation of water allows the bacon to crisp up uniformly without curling or uneven cooking.
How to Cook the Crispiest Bacon with Water
Stovetop Method
- Start with a Cold Pan: Place your bacon strips in a cold skillet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Add Water: Pour about 1/4 inch of water into the pan (just enough to cover the bottom).
- Cook Over Medium Heat: Turn the heat to medium and let the water come to a simmer. The water will begin to evaporate as the bacon cooks.
- Let the Water Evaporate: Once the water has fully evaporated, reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking the bacon until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Oven Method (Optional)
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- Line a Baking Sheet: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and arrange the bacon strips on the rack.
- Add Water: Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water onto the baking sheet (not directly on the bacon). This creates steam during the initial cooking phase.
- Bake: Cook the bacon for 15–20 minutes , or until crispy and golden. Rotate the pan halfway through for even cooking.
Tips for Success
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon holds up better during the water-cooking process and becomes extra crispy.
- Don’t Skip the Wire Rack (for Oven Method): Elevating the bacon allows the grease to drip away, ensuring maximum crispiness.
- Save the Rendered Fat: Drain the bacon grease into a jar and save it for cooking—bacon fat adds incredible flavor to roasted vegetables, eggs, or sautéed greens.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of brown sugar, black pepper, or smoked paprika to the bacon before cooking for a flavor boost.
Why This Method Works
The combination of water and low-to-medium heat ensures that the bacon cooks evenly without burning. As the water evaporates, the bacon transitions from soft and fatty to perfectly crispy. This method also minimizes the risk of overcooking or undercooking, giving you consistent results every time.
Conclusion: Crispy Bacon Made Easy
Whether you’re frying it on the stovetop or baking it in the oven, adding water to the cooking process is the ultimate secret to achieving the crispiest bacon imaginable. Not only does this method deliver restaurant-quality results, but it also makes the process cleaner and more foolproof. Say goodbye to burnt edges and soggy middles—your bacon will be golden, crunchy, and utterly irresistible.
We’d love to hear how this trick works for you! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite bacon recipes—your crispy creations might just inspire others to try this game-changing tip!