The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Perfect Crispy Bacon in a Stainless Steel Pan

Crispy, delicious bacon is one of life’s greatest pleasures. While most people default to cooking bacon in a cast iron or nonstick pan, stainless steel is actually an excellent (and underrated) choice.

Cooking bacon in stainless steel may seem tricky at first, but with a few simple tips you’ll be making diner-style crispy bacon every time. From temperature control to grease management, this guide covers everything you need to know for crispy, evenly-cooked bacon using stainless steel cookware.

Why Choose Stainless Steel for Cooking Bacon

Stainless steel conducts heat evenly for consistent cooking Its neutral taste won’t impart any flavors onto the bacon Stainless steel pans can also withstand the high heat needed to get bacon crispy,

Unlike cast iron or nonstick pans, stainless steel:

• Won’t react with acidic foods like bacon grease
• Allows fond to form for making bacon fat roux
• Can be used with metal utensils without damaging the finish
• Lets you make pan sauces without scrapped coating or seasoning

Quality stainless steel cookware allows you to cook nearly any food including finicky foods like eggs and bacon. With the right techniques you can get picture-perfect bacon every time.

Best Practices for Cooking Bacon in Stainless Steel

Follow these tips when cooking bacon in stainless steel pans

• Use medium to medium-high heat for even cooking
• Choose a pan with an aluminum or copper core for the best conductivity
• Allow the pan to preheat before adding bacon to prevent sticking
• Lay bacon strips out in a single layer without overlapping
• Pour off excess bacon grease as it accumulates to prevent smoking
• Turn bacon with tongs or a spatula instead of a fork to keep it flat
• Cook to desired doneness based on color and crispness

Proper temperature control is key when cooking bacon in stainless steel. Too high of heat makes bacon curl up; too low of heat prevents crisping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Perfect Bacon

Follow these simple steps for crisp, evenly-cooked bacon every time:

1. Preheat pan over medium heat

2. Arrange raw bacon strips in a single layer

3. Cook untouched for 2-3 minutes until underside is browned

4. Turn bacon and cook 2 minutes on second side

5. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain

6. Pour off most of the bacon grease from the pan

7. Repeat with remaining bacon in batches

8. Add butter to pan drippings to make bacon fat roux if desired

Cooking just a few strips at a time prevents overlapping. Draining on paper towels removes excess grease for crispier bacon.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Pan

Look for:

• Tri-ply construction with aluminum or copper core
• Heavy-bottomed for even heat distribution
• Straight sides for easy turning and flipping
• 12-inch size to fit 4-6 strips without crowding

Avoid thin stainless steel pans, which can have hot spots that lead to uneven cooking. Opt for well-made tri-ply or multi-clad pans for the best results.

Pro Tips for Cooking Bacon Perfectly

• Chill bacon before cooking to prevent curling up
• Fry bacon over lower heat for chewy texture
• Use stainless steel tongs to flip and remove bacon
• Add spices like pepper or brown sugar for flavor
• Save bacon fat in the fridge for cooking and baking
• Make gravy using browned bits stuck to the pan
• Let cooked bacon rest on paper towels before serving

Get creative with cooked bacon. Crumble over salads and baked potatoes, use in sandwich wraps or BLTs, or bake into casseroles and quiches.

Common Bacon Cooking Questions

Why does my bacon curl up in the pan?

Curling happens when bacon is cooked over high heat. Preheating the pan and using medium heat prevents curling.

How can I get bacon extra crispy?

Cook bacon extra slowly over medium-low heat until deeply browned and crisped to your liking. Blot with paper towels after cooking.

What’s the best way to clean a bacon grease-coated pan?

Deglaze the pan while hot with a little water or broth using a wooden spoon or spatula to dissolve drippings, then wash normally.

Should I discard the leftover bacon grease or save it?

Refrigerate bacon fat in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Use for sautéing veggies, roasting potatoes, or adding flavor to baked goods.

Is uncured bacon better than cured bacon when cooking in stainless steel?

Either works fine, just pat off excess moisture before cooking so uncured bacon browns up nicely. Cured bacon contains more salt so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Make Bistro-Style Bacon at Home

With its even heating and forgiving surface, stainless steel cookware makes easy work of getting bacon perfectly browned and crispy. Follow these tips for diner-style bacon any time a craving strikes.

Stainless steel pairs beautifully with bacon’s salty, savory flavor. Fry up a batch following this guide, then crumble it over breakfast tacos, sprinkle into fresh salad greens, or just enjoy on its own – the possibilities are deliciously endless.