Cook Bacon with Water
Why You Should Try Cooking Bacon with Water
As a professional chef, I’m always on the lookout for techniques that maximize flavor while preserving texture and quality. One unconventional yet effective method I recommend is cooking bacon with water. Though it may sound odd at first, trust me — once you try it, you’ll never look back. This method offers incredible control over doneness, minimizes mess, and even allows for healthier variations. Let’s dive in!
- Why You Should Try Cooking Bacon with Water
- What Is Cooking Bacon with Water?
- Why You Should Try Cooking Bacon with Water
- How to Cook Bacon with Water
- Cooking in Pieces
- Temperature Settings for Cooking Bacon with Water
- Cooking Time for Bacon with Water
- Spices and Seasonings for Bacon Cooked with Water
- Caloric Value of Bacon Cooked with Water
- How to Make a Diet-Friendly Bacon with Water
- First Courses Using Bacon Cooked with Water
- Main Courses with Bacon Cooked with Water
- Cooking Bacon with Water in Different Appliances
- FAQ: Your Common Questions Answered
What Is Cooking Bacon with Water?
Cooking bacon with water involves adding just enough liquid to cover the bacon during the initial phase of cooking. As the water evaporates, the bacon gradually renders its fat and crisps perfectly without burning.
Why You Should Try Cooking Bacon with Water
- Even Cooking: Water helps regulate the temperature, ensuring that bacon cooks evenly.
- Less Splatter: The moisture reduces grease splatter.
- Tender Inside, Crispy Outside: The slow rendering yields tender, flavorful strips.
- Healthier Option: Excess fat is rendered without excessive frying.
How to Cook Bacon with Water
Cooking Whole Strips
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Lay bacon strips flat in a cold skillet.
- Pour in enough water to just cover the bacon.
- Set the heat to medium.
- As water boils and evaporates, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Flip the bacon occasionally until it reaches your preferred crispiness.
Cooking in Pieces
If you prefer bacon bits or pieces for salads and soups:
- Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces.
- Follow the same method: cover with water, medium heat, stir occasionally.
- Remove with a slotted spoon once crispy.
Temperature Settings for Cooking Bacon with Water
| Cooking Method | Starting Temperature | Finishing Temperature |
| Skillet | Medium | Medium-Low |
| Oven | 375°F (190°C) | Broil (optional finish) |
| Microwave | Medium-High | Full power (short bursts) |
| Slow Cooker | Low | High (final crisp) |
| Multi-Cooker | Sauté Mode | Keep Warm Mode |
Chef’s Note: Consistency in heat is crucial to avoid burning after water evaporates!
Cooking Time for Bacon with Water
- Whole Strips: 20-30 minutes
- Pieces: 15-20 minutes
- Microwave: 8-12 minutes (depends on thickness)
- Slow Cooker: 2-3 hours on Low
- Oven: 25-35 minutes
Spices and Seasonings for Bacon Cooked with Water
Adding seasonings can elevate your bacon game:
- Before Water Evaporates: Add bay leaf, black pepper, garlic powder.
- After Water Evaporates: Brush with maple syrup, honey, or sprinkle smoked paprika.
I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick once the water is gone.
Caloric Value of Bacon Cooked with Water
| Type | Calories (per strip) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
| Traditional Bacon | 42 kcal | 3.3g | 3g |
| Water-Cooked Bacon | 36 kcal | 2.8g | 3g |
| Turkey Bacon | 25 kcal | 1.5g | 2g |
Chef Tip: Water-cooking slightly reduces calorie content by rendering more fat!
How to Make a Diet-Friendly Bacon with Water
- Use turkey bacon or low-fat pork bacon.
- Add no extra oils or butter.
- Finish with fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) instead of sugary glazes.
- Pair with veggies for a balanced meal.
When I’m on a diet, I always opt for turkey bacon and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
First Courses Using Bacon Cooked with Water
Bacon Soup Starter
- Render bacon with water.
- Add onions, celery, and carrots.
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 20 minutes and serve.
I recommend blending a portion of the soup for a creamy texture without heavy cream!
Main Courses with Bacon Cooked with Water
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
- Water-cook bacon halfway.
- Wrap partially cooked bacon around chicken breasts.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
I often add a thin slice of mozzarella under the bacon for an extra flavor punch!
Cooking Bacon with Water in Different Appliances
Microwave
- Use a microwave-safe plate and cover bacon strips with water in a bowl.
- Cook in 30-second bursts until water evaporates and bacon crisps.
Slow Cooker
- Layer bacon and pour in water.
- Cook on Low for 2-3 hours.
- Finish under broiler if needed for crispiness.
Multi-Cooker (Instant Pot)
- Use Sauté mode with water.
- Stir often to avoid sticking.
Skillet
- Classic method as described above.
Oven
- Lay bacon on a rack over a baking tray filled with water.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
Clay Pots
- Place bacon at the bottom with minimal water.
- Slow-bake at 325°F (160°C) for rustic flavor.
I love the earthy aroma when bacon is cooked in clay pots — it’s unforgettable!
FAQ: Your Common Questions Answered
Can I use flavored water like broth?
Yes! I’ve used vegetable broth before — it adds a rich underlying taste.
Should I cover the skillet?
No need. Leaving it uncovered allows the water to evaporate properly.
Will the bacon be soggy?
Initially, yes — but trust the process. Once the water evaporates, the bacon crisps perfectly.
Can I add herbs directly to the water?
Absolutely. I always toss in a sprig of thyme for subtle herbaceous notes.
How often should I flip the bacon?
I flip every 3-5 minutes after the water starts to boil down.
What’s the best type of bacon for this method?
I recommend thick-cut bacon. It holds up better during the longer cooking time.
Is this method good for batch cooking?
Yes! I often cook a big batch on Sunday and store it for use throughout the week.
How do I store cooked bacon?
Store it in an airtight container with a paper towel. It keeps for up to 5 days refrigerated.
Can I freeze water-cooked bacon?
Definitely. I freeze portions and reheat them directly in the microwave.
Will bacon cooked this way shrink less?
Exactly! The controlled rendering prevents drastic shrinkage.
Can I make spicy bacon?
Yes! I sprinkle chili flakes once most of the water has evaporated.
How do I prevent sticking in the pan?
I use a good-quality non-stick skillet. Plus, the water initially prevents any sticking.
Can I make maple-glazed bacon with this method?
Absolutely. After water evaporates, brush maple syrup over the bacon and cook until caramelized.
Can I make bacon crumbles this way?
Yes, just chop it before cooking and follow the water method.
How can I make ultra-crispy bacon?
After water evaporation, I increase the heat slightly and watch closely to avoid burning.
