Almost everyone in the USA cooks bacon for breakfast. But do you know how to make chewy bacon in the microwave? If you don’t already, it is time to learn this skill.
But before I go any further, let me tell you why I learned to make chewy bacon.
I love bacon and have been eating it for breakfast since I was a child. However, I got bored with the crispy texture of the bacon.
So, I thought, let’s find a way to make it chewy. To my surprise, it was more difficult than I expected.
The mistake I made was trying to make chewy bacon in the pan. Don’t get me wrong. It is possible to make chewy bacon in the pan. But it is much more complicated than doing it in a microwave.
Since I learned how to make chewy bacon in the microwave, I haven’t eaten crispy bacon. And it is your time to step up your breakfast game too, so shall we begin?
Can you make chewy bacon in the microwave?
Yes, you can make chewy bacon in the microwave. It is easier to make chewy bacon than in a pan in the microwave.
Most of the time, when cooking bacon in the pan, you can add more oil than you need. And this way, you end up with oily and sometimes overcooked bacon.
But making chewy bacon in the microwave can never go wrong. The whole process consists of less than 5 simple steps.
So, not only can you but you should make chewy bacon in the microwave.
How do you make chewy bacon in the microwave?
- To make chewy bacon in the microwave, start by putting a sheet of paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.
- Now lay down the bacon strips on the paper towel without touching each other.
- Microwave on high heat for two minutes to get chewy bacon.
- If the bacon is not thoroughly done, nuke it for 10-15 seconds.
Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, it is not.
See, many factors go into making bacon chewy. And even if you do not do one step correctly, your bacon will not be chewy.
For example, if you forget to lay down the sheet of paper towel on the plate, your bacon will be greasy. The paper towel soaks up all the extra grease and fat from the bacon. And give you chewy bacon.
Similarly, if you cook the bacon for too long, you will not get your desired result. It can get crispy if the bacon is cooked for longer than 2 minutes on a high setting.
Similarly, if you cook it for less than 2 minutes, it will not be cooked thoroughly.
What makes bacon chewy in the microwave?
The bacon becomes chewy when it retains most of its fat and moisture inside instead of releasing it.
This sounds way simpler than it is. The cooking temperature plays a significant role in retaining the bacon fat.
This is why it is challenging to get chewy bacon with a pan. Usually, people use oil when cooking with a pan. And as oil gets hot quickly, it melts the bacon fat.
Furthermore, the pan can only cook the bacon from one side at a time. And hence it requires more time to cook. This higher heat exposure also makes the bacon lose its fat content.
On the other hand, making chewy bacon in the microwave requires no oil. And it cooks the bacon from all of the sides. This lesser heat exposure helps the bacon retain its fat.
Is it safe to eat microwaved chewy bacon?
Chewy bacon is not only safe to cook in the microwave. But it is also safe to eat.
Most people think that chewy bacon is not safe to eat because it is not cooked thoroughly. But this is just a misconception.
If you follow the proper steps to cook the bacon in the microwave, it is safe to eat. As long as the internal temperature of the bacon is 165 degrees F or higher, it is safe to eat.
How long does it take to make chewy bacon in the microwave?
It takes around 2 minutes to make chewy bacon in the microwave. However, if your bacon is not cooked thoroughly after 2 minutes, you can nuke it for another 10-15 seconds.
But it is not that simple.
You see, the time of microwaving chewy bacon depends on many factors. And one of the most significant factors is the wattage of your microwave.
Usually, most microwaves have 600-1200 wattage. If you are unsure about your microwave’s wattage, check it on the manufacturer’s website. And if you have a higher wattage microwave, cook the bacon for 20 seconds less.
Similarly, if your microwave’s wattage is lower than average, you can look at it for longer to get the desired result.
Moreover, another factor that can change the cooking time is how you place the bacon. I always recommend laying the bacon in one layer. Ensure that the bacon strips are not touching.
By doing this, the bacon will be able to cook thoroughly. If you lay the bacon strips on top of each other, the cooking time will be increased.
How do you know when chewy bacon is done microwaving?
The best way to know if the chewy bacon is done or not is by looking at its color. Raw bacon has a pinkish hue. Meanwhile, thoroughly cooked chewy bacon has a deeper reddish-pink color.
Another way to check if the chewy has cooked or not is by observing its internal temperature. You can use a food-grade thermometer to do this trick. If the thermometer says that the bacon has 165 degrees F internal temperature, then the bacon has cooked thoroughly.
However, if you cannot use both of the above tips to check the doneness of the bacon, then taste it. As the name suggests, if the bacon is hot from the inside and chewy, then it is probably done.
Tips to make chewy bacon in the microwave
One of the most common reasons people choose to make bacon in the microwave is that it looks easy and mess-free. It is easier and cleaner, but if you do not do it right, it can go wrong.
When making chewy bacon in the microwave, follow the following tips. They will help you get the perfect result every time.
- Always use a microwave-safe dish when chewing bacon in the microwave. This is because the fat can get hotter than water. Hence, it is even more dangerous than cooking any other food without a microwave-safe dish.
- Rotating the plate while microwaving makes it cook faster. So, if you have a manual button to rotate the microwave, then use it. Your bacon will cook faster, but the bacon will cook it evenly.
- Do not forget to use a paper towel when cooking bacon in the microwave. The paper towel will soak up excess fat and will reduce mess. Also, the paper towel prevents melted fat from splattering in the microwave.
- Never put bacon strips on top of each other while microwaving. This will only increase the cooking time, and you will not be able to make the bacon chewy.
Final Words
Now you know how to make chewy bacon in the microwave. So, I am hoping that, just like me, you will make it a permanent edition in your breakfast menu as well.
But before you leave, keep a few things in your mind. Never make chewy bacon in the microwave without a paper towel. The paper towel will prevent fat splatter and keep your microwave clean.
Also, cook your bacon in the microwave for only 2 minutes to get the chewy texture. But if your bacon has not cooked, you can cook it for longer.
So, grab a few bacon strips and make your chewy snack right now.
FAQ
How does cooking bacon affect its texture?
Cooking bacon transforms raw, uncooked meat into crispy, cooked bacon. Depending on how long you cook it for, the texture can range from chewy to crispy.
Is it safe to eat undercooked or raw bacon?
No, it is not safe to eat undercooked or raw bacon as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. It is important to cook bacon thoroughly before consuming.
What should I do if I accidentally eat slightly undercooked or uncooked bacon?
If you have consumed slightly undercooked or uncooked bacon and experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever within a few hours to a few days after eating it, seek medical attention immediately.
Can cured meat be eaten without cooking?
Cured meats like ham and salami are typically safe to consume without cooking because they have been treated with salt and other preservatives that inhibit bacterial growth. However, raw or undercooked cured meats like prosciutto should still be avoided.
How can I make sure my cooked bacon turns out crispy?
To ensure your cooked bacon comes out crispy rather than chewy or soggy, try baking it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying it on the stove. This will allow the fat to render evenly and crisp up the entire strip of bacon.
Can eating undercooked bacon cause food poisoning?
Yes, consuming uncooked pork or chewy bacon undercooked can lead to food poisoning due to the presence of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
What is the best way to cook bacon slices?
Bacon can be cooked in various ways such as frying pan, baking dish, or microwave oven. However, it is recommended to cook it until fully cooked and crispy using a frying pan or baking dish.
Is smoked bacon safe to eat raw?
No, even though smoking helps preserve the meat for longer periods, eating raw smoked bacon can still pose health risks due to possible contamination with harmful bacteria.
How do you prevent rubbery bacon when cooking pork?
To avoid rubbery texture while cooking pork or bacon slices, make sure that they are not overcooked but rather cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Also, patting them dry with paper towels before cooking helps remove excess moisture that causes sogginess.
What are the dangers of consuming uncooked meat including raw pork?
Eating uncooked meat poses several health risks such as bacterial infections like Salmonella and E.coli, which can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. It’s important always to ensure that all meats are fully cooked before consumption.