Home cook Casey Davis has shared a simple cooking hack on TikTok that guarantees perfectly crispy bacon with zero mess every time. The secret ingredient is all-purpose flour, which costs around 45p and is likely already in your cupboard.
How the Flour Hack Works
In her video, Davis places streaky bacon rashers on tin foil, ready for the oven rather than the frying pan. She then gently sprinkles a uniform layer of all-purpose flour over the bacon. The flour absorbs surface moisture and fat during cooking, creating a thin, crunchy coating that results in exceptionally crispy bacon.
Davis preheats her oven to 190°C (375°F) and arranges the rashers so they do not overlap or overcrowd the tray. She recommends baking for 17-20 minutes, or until the bacon reaches the desired crispiness. After baking, she transfers the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, demonstrating the satisfying crunch as proof.
Science Behind the Method
While adding flour to bacon may seem unusual, it is a traditional technique with scientific backing. The flour coating encourages more uniform browning by creating a consistent surface for cooking. It also reduces grease by absorbing fat during the baking process, making the final product less greasy.
Davis suggests that cooks can further enhance flavor by seasoning the flour. Since bacon is already salty, she advises against adding more salt but recommends a few sprinkles of paprika or twists of black pepper for extra taste.
Reception and Additional Tips
Davis's TikTok clip has attracted over 700 likes, with appreciative comments from viewers. One follower responded, "I need this!" The hack is not the only bacon tip to gain traction online recently. Rapper Snoop Dogg previously suggested cooking bacon as one solid piece rather than separating slices, claiming it improves flavor.
For those who prefer oven-cooked bacon, this flour method offers a reliable way to achieve crispy results with minimal mess. According to Davis, "Flour is your best friend! Enjoy perfectly crispy bacon every time!"
