Adding water to the frying pan, not oil or butter, is the key to the "easiest, most perfectly crisp bacon you can make," according to America's Test Kitchen. The simple addition helps the bacon cook more evenly, resulting in a crispier texture.
How the Water Hack Works
Instead of cooking bacon in oil or butter, using water is said to help it cook much more evenly. All you need to do is pour water into the unheated pan so that it just covers the bacon.
America's Test Kitchen said: "You want enough [water] to just barely cover the strips. Then bring the pan to a simmer. The water keeps the pan temperature from exceeding 212°F [100°C]. It slows down the cook and allows the bacon to cook more evenly and gently than it does in a dry skillet."
Benefits of the Water Method
The experts explained that the water prevents the bacon touching the skillet from browning too quickly, so you don't need to flip as much to ensure even cooking. As the water evaporates, much of the fat renders out, and that fat then fries the bacon, taking over the job of delivering heat to any areas that aren't touching the pan.
If you prefer your bacon slightly softer and chewier, look for small bubbles appearing around the bacon in the pan and listen for a quiet sizzle. But for crispier bacon, wait until the bubbles are so small they look like foam, with hardly any noise from the pan.
Tested and Approved
The Kitchn tried the method and said the hack produced browned, crisp bacon without the risk of burning. They also found that using water resulted in a lot less splattering from the pan, keeping your clothes and countertop free of grease.
How to Make Crispy Bacon
Ingredients: Six strips of streaky bacon, cup of water.
Method: Place your strips of bacon in the pan. Pour over water until the bottom of the pan is covered. The amount of water you need will depend on how big your pan is. Cook the bacon over a medium-high heat on the hob until the water has evaporated. Reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking the bacon until it is to your liking.
