To cook bacon on the stove, follow these steps for crispy, evenly cooked bacon:
- Prepare the pan: Use a large skillet or frying pan and lay the bacon strips in a single layer without overlapping. You can start with a cold pan or preheat it over medium heat.
- Cook slowly over medium or low heat: Turn the burner to medium or medium-low heat. Cooking bacon slowly allows the fat to render properly and helps the bacon cook evenly without burning.
- Flip frequently: Cook the bacon for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your preferred crispiness. Flip the bacon regularly with tongs or a wooden spoon to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Adjust cooking time: For rubbery bacon, cook 2-3 minutes per side; for perfectly cooked bacon, about 4-5 minutes per side; for crispy bacon, 5-6 minutes per side.
- Drain and rest: Once cooked to your liking, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Repeat if needed: Cook remaining bacon in batches, wiping out the skillet if there are burnt bits.
Additional tips:
- You can add a tablespoon of oil to the pan if you want, but bacon usually releases enough fat on its own.
- Save leftover bacon grease by straining it into a jar for future cooking use.
- Use tongs or a wooden spoon to stir or flip bacon for even cooking.
This method yields well-browned, crispy bacon with minimal fuss
