Nothing tops waking up and frying some bacon in the morning, yet many folks don’t realise they’re cooking this breakfast delight incorrectly.
McKenna, a chef and the brains behind Simplicity and a Starter, has revealed that a common error people make is to cook bacon straight from the fridge.
To dodge burnt or patchy bacon, it’s crucial to leave it out at room temperature for no less than 15 minutes before you start frying, the Express reports.
McKenna advises: “Bacon fat holds onto the cold longer than the meat does.
“That being said, if you cook the bacon before it is brought to room temperature, then that is a sure invitation for unevenly cooked bacon. No one wants a bite of rubbery fat and a burnt bit.”
Since the white fatty sections of bacon heat faster than the reddish meat, starting your sizzle with a chilled slice could lead to scorching on the edges while leaving the middle too raw and chewy.
Allowing bacon to warm up a bit pre-cook time lets the fat render smoothly, preventing it from curling up during frying, and leading to more delectable strips of bacon.
The tip-top technique for cooking bacon is using a hob and an iron skillet, if available, as the material aids in gradually rendering the bacon fat, ensuring a crisper finish.
McKenna adds: “Cooking the traditional way with cast iron skillets means cooking the most perfect bacon. A cast iron pan retains heat evenly.
“This means, instead of scorching your food, the cast iron will render the bacon fat and deliver beautiful sears and crispy, salty slices.”
How to cook perfect crispy bacon
Before you start, take the bacon out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before cooking.
With the bacon up to room temperature, lay four to five strips into a cold cast iron skillet, spacing them out so they’re not overcrowded.
On medium-low to medium heat, warm the strips for one to two minutes – they’ll sizzle when they begin cooking. After two to three minutes, flip each piece for even cooking, using tongs for an easier grip.
Continue flipping the bacon every few minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Once done, transfer the bacon onto paper towels to blot away extra grease.
Place your delicious bacon onto a buttery bap, and enjoy your perfectly cooked treat.