How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave Without Paper Towels: A Healthier Alternative for Crispy Results
How to Cook Bacon in the Microwave Without Paper Towels?
To cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels, you can use a glass baking dish.
Lay the bacon strips in the dish and cook them at 50% power for 3 minutes.
Continue cooking in 90-second or 60-second increments until the bacon is brown and crispy.
Remove the bacon from the dish using tongs and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before eating or using in a recipe.
If paper towels are not available, you can use a natural brown paper grocery bag to drain the bacon.
It is recommended to save the bacon grease for cooking purposes.
Key Points:
- Use a glass baking dish to cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels.
- Lay the bacon in the dish and cook at 50% power for 3 minutes.
- Continue cooking in 90-second or 60-second increments until the bacon is brown and crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the dish with tongs and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before eating or using in a recipe.
- If paper towels are not available, use a natural brown paper grocery bag to drain the bacon.
- Save the bacon grease for cooking purposes.
Did You Know?
1. Surprisingly, cooking bacon in the microwave without paper towels can actually result in crispier and less greasy bacon. The microwaves can help render the fat more effectively, creating a crispy texture while reducing excessive greasiness.
2. Many people unknowingly discard the bacon grease after cooking, but it can actually be reused to enhance the flavors of other dishes. Bacon grease can add a delicious smoky and savory taste to roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or even mashed potatoes.
3. An alternative method to cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels is placing it on a microwave-safe plate and covering it with a microwave-safe bowl. This creates a mini convection oven effect, trapping the heat and preventing the bacon from splattering.
4. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using a microwave bacon rack. These convenient racks allow the bacon to be cooked from all angles, helping to drain off excess fat as it cooks. This method tends to result in slightly crispier bacon with fewer calories.
5. Cooking bacon in the microwave is not only quick and easy, but it also reduces the cleanup time as there are no greasy pans or dirty stovetops involved. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy your favorite breakfast treat!
1. Cooking Bacon In The Microwave With A Glass Baking Dish
Cooking bacon in the microwave without paper towels or any special cooking racks may seem challenging, but it can be made easy with the right technique and equipment. One effective method for achieving deliciously crispy bacon is by using a glass baking dish. This approach allows the bacon to cook in its own fat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender outcome.
To get started, gather your ingredients. You will need regular or thick-cut bacon and a glass baking dish. Ideally, a 10 x 15-inch size dish is preferred, but a 9 x 13-inch dish will also work. Lay the bacon strips side by side in the glass baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap. It is important to use a glass baking dish because it promotes even cooking and retains the bacon’s moisture.
2. Tips For Cooking Bacon At Half Power
Once you have placed the bacon in the glass baking dish, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Set the microwave to 50% power, which will ensure that the bacon gets cooked slowly and evenly. Cooking bacon at half power helps prevent it from becoming tough or overcooked.
Start by cooking the bacon in the microwave for 3 minutes at half power. After this initial cooking time, check the bacon to see if it has started to brown and crisp. If needed, continue cooking the bacon in 90-second or 60-second increments until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. It’s important to note that microwaves have different power levels, and the thickness of the bacon can also vary, so it’s best to start with the lowest cooking time and check the bacon periodically to avoid overcooking.
Use tongs to carefully remove the bacon from the glass baking dish, as it will be hot and sizzling. Allow the bacon to cool for at least 5 minutes before consuming or using it in a recipe. As it cools, the bacon will become crispier.
- Place bacon in glass baking dish.
- Cook at 50% power for 3 minutes.
- Check and continue cooking as needed.
- Remove bacon with tongs.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Note: Microwaves have different power levels, so adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
3. Flavor Variations For Microwave Cooked Bacon
While bacon alone is already delicious, why not add some extra flavors to enhance your bacon experience? The great thing about cooking bacon in the microwave is that you can easily experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste.
One simple way to add some zing to your bacon is by sprinkling black pepper or a spicy seasoning blend over the strips before cooking. This will give your bacon a kick of heat and flavor. Another option is to sprinkle dark brown sugar over the bacon for a sweet and savory combination.
Feel free to get creative and try different flavor variations to find your favorite. Just remember to add the spices or seasonings before cooking the bacon in the microwave to ensure they adhere to the strips and infuse them with flavor.
4. Choosing The Right Size Glass Baking Dish
When it comes to cooking bacon in the microwave, choosing the right size glass baking dish is important. The recommended size for optimal results is a 10 x 15-inch glass baking dish. However, if you don’t have this size available, a 9 x 13-inch dish can also work well.
The size of the dish is essential because it affects the cooking time and the space available for the bacon strips to cook evenly. If the dish is too small, the bacon may overlap, resulting in uneven cooking. Conversely, if the dish is too large, the bacon may not cook as evenly either, as the strips might spread out too much.
If you have multiple glass baking dish sizes available, choose the one that best fits the amount of bacon you plan to cook, ensuring the strips have enough space to cook evenly without overlapping.
- Select 10 x 15-inch or 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish for best results
- Avoid overlapping bacon by using an appropriate size dish
- Ensure enough space for the bacon strips to cook evenly without spreading out too much.
5. Storing And Freezing Cooked Bacon
Cooked bacon is a convenient option for meal prepping or quick breakfast fixings. To store cooked bacon, loosely wrap it in parchment paper to prevent it from sticking together, and then place it in a zip lock bag. Refrigerate the cooked bacon and consume it within 48 hours for the best quality and flavor.
If you have leftover bacon that you won’t be able to consume within 48 hours, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze cooked bacon, tightly wrap it in parchment paper to prevent freezer burn, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked bacon can be safely frozen for up to 4 months.
When it’s time to defrost frozen bacon, using the microwave is a quick and convenient option. Wrap the frozen bacon in parchment paper and defrost it in the microwave at 30% power in 1-minute increments until thawed. Once defrosted, it’s important to cook the bacon immediately to prevent any uneven heating.
- Store cooked bacon: loosely wrap it in parchment paper and place it in a zip lock bag
- Refrigerate and consume within 48 hours
- Freezing cooked bacon: tightly wrap it in parchment paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container
- Safe freezing: up to 4 months
- Defrosting frozen bacon: wrap in parchment paper and defrost in microwave at 30% power in 1-minute increments
- Cook defrosted bacon immediately.
“Cooked bacon can be stored and enjoyed later, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or quick breakfast fixings.”
6. Reheating Bacon In The Microwave
To revive limp or cold leftover bacon, microwaving it is an excellent method to restore its crispy texture. Follow these steps:
- Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate or wrap it in parchment paper.
- Cook it at 50% power. The timing will depend on the quantity and thickness of the bacon.
- Start by microwaving the bacon for a short period, such as 30 seconds.
- Check if it has started sizzling and reached your desired level of crispiness.
- If it hasn’t, continue reheating at 50% power in 20-second intervals until it achieves the desired crispness.
Note: The timing may vary depending on your microwave’s power and the bacon’s thickness. Watch the bacon closely to avoid overcooking or burning.
In conclusion, reheating bacon in the microwave without paper towels or special equipment is entirely possible and can result in deliciously crispy bacon. Using a glass baking dish and cooking at half power, you can achieve tender, flavorful, and evenly cooked bacon. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and seasonings. And remember to store and reheat bacon properly for the best culinary experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of paper towels for bacon?
Instead of using paper towels for bacon, you can consider using a bacon-specific dish towel or a stack of reusable rags. These options not only reduce waste but also provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to single-use paper towels. Another alternative is to oven-cook your bacon, which eliminates the need for towels altogether. This method is not only convenient but also helps minimize the use of disposable products.
What is the best way to cook bacon in the microwave?
To perfectly cook bacon in the microwave, start by lining a microwave-safe plate with two layers of paper towels. Place the bacon in a single layer on the plate and cover it with another two layers of paper towels. Then, microwave the bacon on full power for 3 minutes (for a 1200 watt microwave). This method efficiently removes excess grease while ensuring a crispy and evenly cooked texture for your bacon.
Is it safe to cook bacon on paper towels?
Yes, cooking bacon on paper towels can be a safe and effective method. Alton Brown, a renowned chef, suggests using paper towels in the oven when cooking bacon. The paper towels absorb the excess grease, ensuring the bacon crisps evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. This method provides a convenient and mess-free way to cook bacon, while also offering a practical solution for draining excess grease.
Why is bacon not suitable for microwave cooking?
Bacon is not suitable for microwave cooking due to its varying fat-to-meat ratio and thickness. While American bacon tends to be thinner and higher in fat content, making it more suitable for microwave cooking as it becomes crispy, Canadian and UK bacon have a higher proportion of meat and would dry out too much when microwaved, resulting in a ruined texture and flavor. The microwave’s fast and intense heating process is better suited for thinner, fattier bacon rather than thicker cuts with more meat content.