Crispy, sizzling bacon is a breakfast staple in many households. While most people cook bacon in a skillet, did you know that a wok is actually an amazing tool for cooking up perfect bacon?
When you cook bacon in a wok, the heat is spread out evenly, the grease drains easily, and the bacon is just the right amount of chewy and crispy. The smooth, round shape of a wok also makes it less likely that bacon will stick.
If you’ve never thought about cooking bacon in your wok, this full guide will show you how to do it. Find out what the pros of wok-cooked bacon are, how to make bacon wok sandwiches, and how to cook it in general.
So get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality bacon with your trusty wok!
Why Cook Bacon in a Wok?
There are several advantages to using a wok instead of a skillet for cooking up bacon
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Even cooking: The wok distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface.
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Great texture Bacon crisps up nicely while still retaining chewiness
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Minimal splatter: Grease stays in the wok instead of popping out.
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Quick cooking: The wok heats up rapidly to start crisping the bacon fast.
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Easy draining: Grease pools in the center away from the bacon.
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Versatile: A wok works great for bacon sandwiches too!
Overall, a wok simply makes cooking bacon an easier, less messy process.
How to Cook Bacon in a Wok – Step by Step
Cooking bacon in a wok is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Wok
Heat your wok over high heat until just smoking. The wok must be very hot to crisp up the bacon.
2. Add the Bacon
Carefully lay bacon slices in a single layer in the wok. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking.
3. Cook Undisturbed
Let the bacon cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. The heat will start rendering out the fat.
4. Flip and Cook
Use a spatula to flip the bacon and cook 2-3 minutes more. Repeat flipping every few minutes.
5. Crisp the Bacon
For the last 1-2 minutes, use the spatula to stir-fry the bacon until evenly crisped.
6. Drain and Serve
Transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Enjoy!
Getting crispy wok bacon is that quick and simple. The key is letting the wok heat get very hot before adding the bacon.
Wok Bacon Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for getting the best results when cooking bacon in a wok:
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Use a carbon steel or cast iron wok which hold heat well. Stainless steel may cause sticking.
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Let the wok preheat until smoking before adding bacon for faster crisping.
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Choose thicker sliced bacon which holds up best to stir-frying.
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Cut bacon slices in half or thirds to fit better in the wok.
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Cook 3-4 bacon slices per person to allow proper crisping space.
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Stir-fry the bacon at the end to evenly brown without overcooking.
Make Bacon Wok Sandwiches
One of the best uses for wok bacon is turning it into a hot bacon sandwich! Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 slices wok cooked bacon
- 4 slices crusty bread
- Butter, mayo, or condiments for spreading
Directions:
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Cook bacon in hot wok until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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Lightly butter or mayo the bread slices.
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Add 3-4 slices bacon onto 2 of the bread slices.
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Complete the sandwiches and lightly toast in the hot wok until golden brown.
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Cut in half and serve warm!
The wok gives the sandwiches a wonderfully crisp exterior surrounding the hot, crispy bacon inside. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner or snack.
FAQs About Cooking Bacon in a Wok
What kind of wok is best for bacon?
Carbon steel or cast iron woks work best as they retain heat well for crisping. Stainless steel may cause sticking issues.
Does bacon stick to a wok?
Bacon is unlikely to stick to a well-seasoned carbon steel or cast iron wok. Stainless steel may pose problems.
How long does it take to cook bacon in a wok?
Cooking time ranges from 6-10 minutes depending on thickness. Stir-fry at the end for 1-2 minutes until evenly crisped.
Can you cook bacon from frozen in a wok?
Yes, frozen bacon can go right into the hot wok. Just extend cooking time by 2-3 minutes and stir-fry often.
Is cooking bacon in a wok unhealthy?
Bacon is high in fat regardless of cooking method. But a wok allows grease to drain off easily for less fatty results.
Take Your Bacon Game to the Next Level
Now that you know how to make perfect crisp bacon in a wok, it’s time to step up your bacon game! A wok is useful for so much more than stir-fries. Use it to gain better control over your morning bacon.
The key is to let the wok get very hot before adding the bacon so it sizzles and crisps immediately. Cook over high heat and stir-fry at the end for the ideal texture. Then turn your bacon into a hot, toasty sandwich by quickly toasting the bread right in the bacon drippings.
So toss out the idea that woks are only for Asian cooking. Your wok is actually a bacon lover’s new best friend!
