How high do you cook bacon?
In this short article, we will answer the question, “How high do you cook bacon?” along with other questions such as how long you should fry bacon, whether you can eat bacon raw, and the best spices for cooking bacon.
How high do you cook bacon?
The highest temperature at which you cook bacon depends on the method used to cook it.
Oven
If you are cooking it in the oven, follow these temperatures and times.
| Oven temperature | Baking time for thin bacon | Baking time for average bacon | Baking time for thick-cut bacon |
| 350 F | 19-23 mins | 22-27 mins | 26-30 mins |
| 375 F | 17-21 mins | 20-25 mins | 24-28 mins |
| 400 F | 15-19 mins | 18-23 mins | 22-26 mins |
| 425 F | 12-17 mins | 15-20 mins | 18-23 mins |
Stove
If you are cooking it on the stove, you need to use medium-high heat. Arrange the bacon in a single layer and cook till it has turned brown. This should take around 3-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Once one side is brown, flip it and brown the other sides for a few minutes.
Electric skillet
If you are using an electric skillet to cook the bacon, heat it to 325 degrees. You can place the bacon on the cold skillet and turn it on, instead of pre-heating it. This will allow the fat to render, and cook more evenly. It will also prevent the bacon from sticking to the skillet, wasting most of the meat on the skillet.
How long do you fry bacon for?
You have to fry bacon for around 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on how thick the bacon is. If you are making steaks, it would take around 3-5 minutes on each side, while bacon strips take around 2 minutes on each side. Make sure to use oil before frying, to prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.
Can bacon be overcooked?
Yes, bacon can be overcooked especially if you use high temperatures from the beginning. This leaves the bacon overcooked, with the fat insufficiently rendered. This leads to a burnt flavor coming from the bacon, making it unappetizing. Hence, cook the bacon on low heat and increase the heat as you cook.
How many times should you flip bacon while cooking?
You should flip it only once. Once one side has turned brown, flip it using a tong to cook the other side. This would take around 4 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. Thick steaks usually turn brown within the 10-minute mark, but each appliance used to cook bacon is different. Hence, check for doneness before flipping it.
Why is my bacon chewy and not crispy after cooking?
Bacon tastes chewy instead of crispy after cooking if you place the cold meat into a hot pan or grill. This causes the fat to seize up, leading to a gummy texture that is unappetizing. In order to make the bacon taste crisp, place the bacon in a cold pan over medium-low heat, and cook it slowly.
How do you make juicy bacon?
You can make juicy bacon by cooking it in water. Place the bacon in a hot skillet and pour water over it. Cook on high heat till the water boils, and once it has evaporated, turn down the heat and cook until the meat has cooked thoroughly. This will leave your bacon with a flavorful and juicy texture.
Can you eat bacon raw without cooking it?
No, you cannot eat bacon raw without cooking it. This is because the meat is contaminated with parasites which lead to food poisoning. Diseases such as tapeworms, trichinosis, and toxoplasmosis can occur if you eat raw bacon. More information on the harmful effects of eating raw bacon can be found here.
What are the best spice mixtures for cooking bacon?
The best spice mixtures for cooking bacon include:
- Maple Chili
- Honey Chipotle
- Pepper Brown Sugar
- Honey sesame
What can you do with bacon grease after cooking?
You can use bacon grease to
- Roast vegetables
- Fry Burgers
- Pop popcorn
- Fry grilled cheese
- Fry hash browns
- Spread on pizza crust
- Use as a gravy base
Should you pour bacon grease down the sink after cooking?
No, you should not pour bacon grease down the sink after cooking. This is because once the grease cools, it will harden and clog the pipes. Water will not be able to dislodge the grease, and it will give off a foul odor. Hence, discard the grease in the bin, or into the decompose food waste bin.
Other FAQs about Bacon that you may be interested in.
How long does cooked turkey bacon last in the fridge?
Can you cook bacon in an air fryer?
Conclusion
In this short article, we have answered the question, “How high do you cook bacon?” along with other questions such as how long you should fry bacon if you can eat bacon raw, and the best spices for cooking bacon.
References
https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/happen-eat-undercooked-bacon-3110.html
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-bacon-on-the-stovetop-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-185903
https://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/food_glossary/bacon.html
