Bacon can be made crispier, less greasy, and easier to clean up by cooking it with water instead of oil, according to Cassie Michael, co-founder of Food and Meat Co-op.
Why water works better than oil
Frying bacon in oil often causes the oil to spit because it mixes with the fat in the meat, making the pan extremely hot. This can leave a greasy counter and burn the pan, leading to extra scrubbing. Michael said she now cooks bacon with just water, a method she discovered and shared.
Michael said: "You might be asking, can you boil bacon? And the answer is yes! You can absolutely boil bacon! Boiling bacon makes it tender and juicy and brings out a rich, savoury flavour."
She added: "I know, I am a little weirded out by this too, but friends... where has this method been my entire bacon-lovin' life?!? Taste was amazing. Texture was perfect. Cleanup was easier."
How water improves texture and taste
Cooking bacon with a splash of water helps the strips cook in their own fat. The white fat in bacon naturally renders when heated, but when mixed with oil, the edges cook much faster, often leaving the outside charred before the pink meat is cooked through. Water helps the fat render gently, so every part of the meat cooks at the same time.
This method gives the bacon a crisper texture and a meatier taste, as it is not doused in grease. It also makes cooking less messy, since no oil is needed at all.
How to cook bacon with water
To try this method, place two to three strips of bacon in a cold frying pan and add about one centimetre of water, just enough to partially cover the bacon without submerging it. Place the pan on a medium-high heat until the water boils, then reduce the heat to medium-low so the water simmers. Cook for about eight minutes until all the water has evaporated.
Once the liquid is gone, the bacon will start sizzling in its own fat. Cook for one to three minutes, depending on how crispy you like it, flipping with tongs to cook each side. When done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease. The bacon should look golden and taste better than fried bacon.
