Ah, bacon: a crispy, savory delicacy we can’t get enough of. The best way to cook it has been debated for a long time by foodies. We’re sure it’s the best breakfast meat of all them. Pan-frying is the old-school way to cook a few strips. You don’t have to watch it closely while it cooks, and the heat is more evenly distributed in an oven than in a pan, so the results are crisp all the way through. Baking it may be the new favorite.
Recently, one viral method that we’d never heard of before came across our Instagram feed: boiling. We were skeptical…though we couldn’t help but bite. Read on for the technique, our test and the results.
We first came across this hack in a viral video by Roice Bethel, the brains behind @noflakeysalt. Bethel starts the Instagram post, which has more than a million likes since June, by saying, “If you want perfectly crispy bacon, you need to boil it. I know that sounds like it wouldn’t work, but it does.” ”.
He says that bacon is made up of muscle (the dark part) and fat (the white part). Muscle cooks quickly, but fat takes longer to crisp up. He then places bacon strips in a cold pan and adds just enough water to cover them.
He says, “The water keeps the temperature from rising too high, which gives the fat time to render out.” “So, the meat and the fat finish cooking at the same time. When all the water is gone, the bacon is nice and crispy, the meat isn’t overcooked or burned, and the fat is just right. ”.
The comments are, understandably, divided. A lot of people who leave comments say they love baking bacon and that the oven always gives them great results with no trouble. Some, however, sing out in support of Bethel:
“Big momma neva added water & she cooked it right err time. Y’all can have this….”
We understand why Bethel did what he did, and the results looked great, but isn’t moisture the enemy of crispness? We tried this unusual method to see if it really works.
Bacon is a popular breakfast food, but boiling it might seem different from frying or baking it. So how long exactly should you boil bacon to achieve tender, flavorful results?.
I’ll tell you everything you need to know about bacon boiling times in this full guide, so you can get it right every time.
- The benefits of boiling vs. frying or baking
- Step-by-step instructions for boiling bacon
- Tips for achieving the perfect texture
- How to know when it’s done boiling
- Recommended boiling times based on thickness
- Flavor variations using different liquids
- Serving suggestions and recipe ideas
Follow these boiling guidelines for irresistible bacon made simple!
Why Choose Boiling Over Frying or Baking?
Boiling bacon offers some advantages over other cooking methods
- Lower fat since much of it renders into the water
- Unique tender, mellow texture
- Infuses the bacon with flavor from the boiling liquid
- Healthier than frying for those monitoring fat intake
- Easy to control level of doneness
The moist heat environment gently cooks the bacon for a pleasantly different result.
Step-By-Step Guide to Boiling Bacon
Boiling bacon is simple with just a few easy steps
- Select a pot and add enough cold water or other liquid to submerge the bacon
- Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat
- Add the bacon slices and reduce heat to medium-low
- Simmer for recommended time based on thickness (see boiling times below)
- Remove bacon with tongs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain
- Pat dry and serve warm!
Be sure not to overcrowd the pot – work in batches for even cooking.
How to Tell When Your Bacon is Done Boiling
Since boiling doesn’t crisp the bacon use these tips to identify when it’s ready
- Should have lost its raw color, turning opaque throughout
- Texture will be pliable, tender and easy to bite into
- Fat should appear translucent versus white and opaque
- Should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F
The lower heat of simmering cooks it gently, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Recommended Boiling Times for Bacon
Boiling time can vary based on personal preference, but here are general guidelines:
- Thin sliced bacon (1/16 inch): 8-10 minutes
- Regular sliced bacon (1/8 inch): 10-12 minutes
- Thick sliced bacon (1⁄4 inch): 15-20 minutes
Thinner cuts need less time while thicker cuts require more time for the heat to penetrate fully.
Getting the Texture Right When Boiling Bacon
To achieve tender, melty bacon texture without sogginess when boiling:
- Use cold water instead of hot to start
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than rolling boil
- Watch closely and don’t overcook – remove right when done
- Transfer immediately to a paper towel-lined plate
- Pat off excess moisture before serving
The lower steady heat helps prevent overcooking for the best consistency.
Flavor Variations Using Different Liquids
Don’t limit yourself to plain water! Swap in these flavorful liquids:
- Beer or wine: Choose lighter varieties so flavor isn’t overpowering
- Juices: Apple, orange, or pineapple juice impart sweetness
- Broths: Chicken, beef or veggie broth add savory depth
- Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy undertone
- Tea or coffee: For subtle complementary flavors
Experiment to find your favorites!
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
Boiled bacon works great:
- In salads, pasta, or potato dishes instead of regular bacon
- Wrapped around smoked sausage, chicken breasts, or shrimp
- Added to cooked vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- On loaded baked potatoes or breakfast tacos
- In cooked dishes like soups, beans, or scrambled eggs
- On burgers or sandwiches for a flavor boost
Get creative with how you incorporate boiled bacon into other recipes!
Final Takeaways on Boiling Bacon
When boiling bacon, allow 10-20 minutes for thin to thick sliced cuts, watching closely to prevent overcooking. Boiling provides a pleasantly different tender, mellow texture compared to frying. Infuse flavor by using liquids beyond water.
Follow this complete guide to boiling times and techniques for irresistible bacon with a simple stovetop method. Ditch the mess of frying and enjoy healthier boiled bacon that cooks up conveniently fast.
How We Tested the Hack
We followed Bethel’s instructions to a T. We put four cheap strips of thick-cut bacon in a big, cold skillet and then added just enough water to cover the bacon. The man didn’t say how hot to make it, so we set it to medium and waited for the water to begin to bubble.
We did the same thing he does and kept doing it as the water started to evaporate. He flips the bacon many times before it even starts to brown. (It fully evaporated after about 15 minutes. Once the water was gone, we kept cooking the bacon for another 27 minutes, or until the strips looked crispy all the way through. We cooked them for three more minutes just to be safe. We finally transferred the strips to a paper towel-lined paper plate to drain and cool.
The results were surprisingly delicious. The bacon was cooked all the way through and was crispy all over. The fatty parts were a little softer than the meaty parts, but not so much that they were chewy. Many people had said they thought the water would make the bacon taste less good, so we were surprised by how good it was.
That being said, the process is kind of…unappetizing to watch. The fat separates and floats around in the water before it renders. When the cloudy, fat-infused water is almost gone, you can hear the bacon really begin to sizzle. Once the water is gone, it’s business as usual. The bacon didn’t spat out hot grease, and the water made it easy to scrape off the bits that stuck to the pan when we were done. If the whole bubbling-pan-of-fat-and-smoke thing intimidates you, boiling may just become your favorite method for cooking bacon. ).
The main con? It took 30 minutes from start to finish. Depending on how thick the bacon is, baking takes 10 to 20 minutes. Pan-frying takes 10 to 12 minutes. In the end, boiling is more time-consuming, but arguably less stressful and foolproof for beginners. If you’re cooking for a crowd, baking is easiest. For breakfast in a hurry, pan-frying is definitely your best bet.
But still…that was pretty cool. Science, right?
Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. She used to work as a bartender and barista, and since 2016, she’s been writing about all things tasty for Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine, and Taste Talks. There, she writes recipes, reviews restaurants, and looks into food trends. She eats popcorn for dinner and posts about it on Instagram (@cookingwithpire) when she’s not testing TikTok’s newest hit recipe.
I Heard The BEST Way To Cook Bacon Is To BOIL IT ? So Let’s See If That’s True…
FAQ
How long does bacon need to boil?
How to know if boiled bacon is cooked?
Can you cook raw bacon in boiling water?
How long does it take to boil a slice of bacon?
How long does it take to boil Bacon?
The exact boiling time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon slices and personal preference. On average, you can boil bacon for around 10-15 minutes. However, it’s recommended to start checking for the desired tenderness after about 8 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I do with boiling Bacon?
Create Bacon Stock: Use the water from boiling bacon to make a flavorful stock for soups, stews, and sauces. Q: How long should I boil bacon? A: Simmer bacon for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
How do you boil Bacon in a crock pot?
Here are some different methods and recipes for boiling bacon: 1. Basic Boiled Bacon: This is the simplest method for boiling bacon. First, place the bacon in a pot and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired texture.
Can You boil Bacon in cold water?
It’s important to use cold water when boiling bacon and to bring it to a simmer slowly. Boiling it too rapidly can cause the bacon to become tough and chewy. If you’re using the boiled bacon for a recipe that calls for bacon stock, you can reserve the water used for boiling as a flavorful base for soups or stews. Why Boil Bacon?