There are millions of searches done on the Internet each day. Many of them have something to do with bacon! Pictures of dogs eating bacon instantly go viral. Bacon science facts are everywhere. Some argue that bacon goes with anything, there is bacon ice cream for example. Is bacon one of those foods that, like magic dust sprinkled all over the kitchen, makes every dish better?
Whether you get a bacon
Most bacon lovers have a preference for the way their bacon is cooked. Some prefer a chewier, softer piece, still a bit flabby and flopping around. Others prefer a crisp, crust-like bacon that crumbles when you bite into it. Color can be a perfect indicator to regardless of your preference.
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you may have stopped reading this article at this point. We hope you didn’t, because fake bacon has its own color scheme. Click here to learn more.
Bacon is a breakfast staple that most restaurants serve. However, communicating how you want your bacon cooked when ordering can be tricky. If you don’t provide clear guidance, you risk getting strips that are too crispy, fatty, salty or underdone for your tastes.
This guide will teach you how to order bacon cooked just the way you like when dining out for breakfast, brunch or any meal.
The Bacon Ordering Struggle Is Real
Trying to get your bacon order right at a busy restaurant can feel like an uphill battle The kitchen is cranking out food at top speed, often following standardized bacon prep methods Taking the time to customize bacon temp and texture for each guest isn’t realistic.
Without clear instructions from you on how to prepare your bacon, you’re at the mercy of the default cook time and doneness standards. More often than not, this results in disappointingly brittle, overcooked strips.
How To Get Perfect Bacon Every Time
While you can’t expect bespoke bacon treatment at a bustling diner with a few ordering strategies you can get crispy, chewy or tender bacon made to your preferences.
Be Specific
Rather than just asking for your bacon “not too crispy” give detailed cooking instructions like
- On medium heat
- For 5-7 minutes
- Until no longer pink but still pliable
Request Thickness
Thicker cut bacon takes longer to overcook. Ordering extra thick slices allows for optimal fry time without charring.
Check Appearance
Inspect bacon visually when served. Ideal doneness shows:
- Just thin streaks of fat
- Deep mahogany colored meat
Ask Them To Take Their Time
Let your server know it’s okay if your order takes a few extra minutes to get your bacon right.
Have Them Fry It In Water
Request bacon fried in a bit of water to prevent crisping and keep it tender.
Opt For Oven-Baked
Some spots bake bacon in their oven which allows for very even, gentle cooking.
Cook It Yourself
Restaurants that bring raw bacon to cook on a skillet at your table let you get the exact texture you’re craving.
How Diners Cook Bacon For Crowds Fast
Ever wonder how bustling diners churn out piles of perfectly cooked bacon for hoards of hungry customers? Many use a special diner technique to par-cook bacon in advance for lightning-fast finish-frying per order.
The secret is to confit the bacon by slowly cooking it halfway submerged in oil or its own rendered fat. This tenderizes the bacon so it crisps up lightning fast later with minimal additional cooking.
Diners simply confit big batches of bacon in advance, then finish frying individual orders to crispy perfection in just seconds on the grill top.
Confit Bacon At Home For Faster Cooking
While diners use confit bacon to expedite cooking for mobs, this method lets home cooks speed up bacon frying for small crowds too.
How To Confit Bacon:
-
Place bacon slices in a single layer in a large ovenproof pan or dish.
-
Add enough oil or rendered bacon fat to come halfway up the bacon.
-
Bake at 200°F for 15-20 minutes until bacon is pliable but not fully cooked through.
-
Drain off and reserve oil.
-
Let bacon cool then pile loosely on a tray.
To finish frying:
- Place confit bacon slices in a hot skillet and fry for just 1-2 minutes per side until crispy.
Now you can enjoy piles of perfectly fried bacon without spending all morning at the stove!
Ordering Bacon To Suit Your Tastes
Ordering restaurant bacon can be frustrating when your strips arrive overdone and crispy. But with the right ordering techniques, you can get your bacon tailored to your texture and taste preferences every time.
Specify exact doneness, request thick cut, inspect visually and ask for fried in water for tender bacon. Or opt for spots that bake bacon in the oven or serve it raw to DIY.
At home, confit your bacon for lightning fast frying. With the power to customize your bacon order, you can enjoy this breakfast essential cooked exactly how you love it.
A Bacon Code Just for You
Professionals who work with food color standards reference the Munsell system. Cooking can be a great opportunity to sharpen your color notation skills. We think it’s time for you and your bacon to reach this professional level! While you’re making this Epic Meal Time bacon tree, learn more about the Munsell color tree. The Munsell system can match every little difference in the color of bacon as it cooks to the right color. Give it a try yourself. And if you are looking for other food matching opportunities, see the blog on turkey color.
Bring Home the Bacon and Check the Color in the Pan
Some might say that the best color for bacon is the one you can’t see because it’s already in your mouth, but let’s take our time looking at the colors while we smell the bacon. The color of bacon right out of the package ranges from white to pale and darker pinks.
A quick peek of the bacon underneath the Munsell 7.5R Chart reveals all the variety of colors.
From raw to cooked enough to be safe, for those who like a more chewy bacon experience.
A view with the Munsell 7.5R color chart.
Taking a look at the bacon fat with the White Page.
Moving on to crispy bacon. Notice how the fat shifts to yellow hues and the meaty parts turn browner.
With the Munsell 7.5R chart.
For those that like things really well done.
You could say this one is “off the charts.”
Bacon alternatives are made from many different combinations of ingredients, typically soy as the common denominator.
The fake bacon strips when they are uncooked. Still using the 7.5R chart.
Chewy, cooked fake bacon. Notice not much shift in color.
Crispy fake bacon. Darker around the edges but fairly consistent in color in the center.
How to Order Food at a Restaurant in English
FAQ
How to eat bacon at a restaurant?
Is bacon better, crispy or chewy?
How do most restaurants cook bacon?
What bacon do they use in restaurants?
Where can I buy the best bacon?
The best bacon may be at the meat or deli counter. Some places have a whole slab of bacon that are uncut in their cases. This gives you the advantage of having the bacon cut to your preference which is great if you are a fan of thick-cut bacon. I also like being able to buy as much bacon as I want.
Where can I find a good bacon club?
Look for the bacon of the month club. If you are a really big bacon fan and you want to try out some different kinds, check out joining a bacon of the month club. One I recommend is the Zingerman’s Bacon of the Month Club. Celebrity Chef Michael Symon has been a member of this club!
What makes a good piece of bacon?
David Rose, executive chef, Omaha Steaks shared that the quality of the meat is also what makes that slice of bacon the best. “Bacon is always a delicious treat, if properly cooked, but what makes a GREAT piece of bacon is the quality of the meat,” Rose told us.
What should you look for on a package of bacon?
Learn some common things you should look for on a package of bacon determine if it is quality bacon. We will also talk about the different types of bacon. What to look for when buying bacon? You want to choose bacon that has been naturally smoked, not just having liquid smoke added to it.