Steaming Bacon: A Creative Cooking Method

Cooking bacon is a hotly debated topic, with everyone having their own preferred method. But have you ever tried cooking bacon in a steamer? It might sound unusual, but it's a great way to get crispy, tender bacon without the mess of pan-frying. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of steaming bacon and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it. So, if you're looking for a new way to cook this breakfast favourite, read on!

Benefits of cooking bacon in a steamer

Steaming bacon is a great alternative to traditional frying methods. It is a healthier option, as the bacon cooks in its own fat, with no need for additional oils. The high temperatures and steam ensure the bacon remains crispy and full of flavour, without drying out.

One of the main benefits of cooking bacon in a steamer is the consistency of the end product. Bacon cooked in a steamer retains moisture, resulting in a tender, yet crispy texture. The meat remains juicy, with a satisfying bite, and none of the leathery texture that can come from frying.

Using a steamer is also a much cleaner method of cooking bacon. There is no grease spatter, so no need to wipe down surfaces, and the pans used can often be put straight into the dishwasher. This makes it a low-maintenance option, requiring minimal clean-up.

Steaming bacon is also a very simple process. It requires little preparation, and the bacon can be left to cook without the need for constant turning or monitoring. The bacon is placed in the steamer, and the high temperatures and steam do the rest, rendering the fat and crisping the meat.

Finally, steaming bacon is a versatile cooking method. It can be used for whole slices, or diced pieces, and the bacon can be used immediately, or stored in the fridge for several days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

How to cook bacon in a steamer

What You'll Need:

• Bacon
• A steamer (steam oven)
• A solid pan
• A perforated pan
• Paper towels
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Foil (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer

Line a perforated pan with baking paper. If you don't have a perforated pan, you can use a solid pan, but it may take a little longer to cook the bacon. Place the pan inside the steamer.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Lay the bacon in the pan, ensuring that the slices are in a single layer with no overlap. If you are cooking diced bacon, spread the pieces out as much as possible, and avoid putting too much in the pan. It is better to use two sparsely covered pans than one overcrowded pan.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Preheat your steam oven to a temperature between 375-400°F (or 200°C). If your oven has variable steam settings, use 50% steam. Place the pan of bacon into the steamer and set a timer for 12-15 minutes for thick slices or 8-10 minutes for diced pieces. The bacon should be sizzling and golden when ready.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Remove the bacon from the steamer and either serve immediately, or allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If storing, it is best to drain the bacon on a paper towel before putting it away. To reheat, place in a dry oven at around 300°F/150°C for a few minutes.

Tips:

• Bacon cooked in a steamer will be ultra-crisp without any additional fat. It will also retain moisture, resulting in a tender texture with a slight chew.
• You can put the pan of bacon into a cold oven and let it heat up as the oven does. This helps the fat render out gently and keeps the bacon slices flatter.
• If you are cooking diced bacon or have already preheated the oven, you can put the pan into the hot oven.
• If you want to add more bacon to the steamer, use two baking sheets, which may require additional time.
• For easy cleanup, line the pan with foil or parchment paper before adding the bacon.

How to clean up after cooking bacon in a steamer

Cooking bacon in a steamer is a great way to achieve crispy bacon with minimal cleanup. However, there will still be some grease to deal with, and here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning up after cooking bacon in a steamer:

Firstly, let the bacon grease cool slightly in the pan. This will make it safer to handle and easier to manage when cleaning. It is important not to let it solidify, as this will make it harder to clean. A slight cooling will make it easier to pour out and manage.

Next, you will want to pour the grease into a container for storage or disposal. It is important not to pour grease down the drain, as it can cause blockages. Instead, use a glass jar, preferably tempered, to store the grease. A mason jar is a good option, and you can also use an old pasta sauce jar. If you don't want to keep the grease, you can simply dispose of it once it has cooled.

If you do choose to keep the grease, you can store it in the jar next to the stove or in the fridge. Bacon grease can be used in place of olive oil, ghee, or other cooking fats, adding flavour to dishes. It is a good idea to strain the grease through a sieve or strainer to remove any burnt bacon pieces. A paper towel or coffee filter can be used for this.

Finally, wipe down the steamer with a damp cloth to remove any remaining grease. This should be a quick and easy process, as steaming bacon does not create the same grease spatter as pan-frying.

By following these steps, you can efficiently clean up after cooking bacon in a steamer, making the most of the low-mess benefits of this cooking method.

The best type of bacon to use for steaming

Steaming bacon is a great way to cook the meat with minimal effort and mess. But what is the best type of bacon to use for steaming?

You can use either sliced or diced bacon, depending on your preference and what you plan to use it for. If you're cooking diced bacon, spread it out in the pan to ensure even cooking.

Applewood smoked bacon is another option that can be used in a steam oven, as demonstrated by Chef Anthony Marino.

When steaming bacon, it's best to use a perforated pan to allow the steam to circulate and cook the bacon evenly. You can also use a solid pan to collect the drippings, with a perforated pan on top.

So, to summarise, for the best results when steaming bacon, use thick-cut, dry-cured bacon slices or dice, and cook in a perforated pan for even cooking.

What to serve with steamed bacon

Steamed bacon is a delicious and healthy alternative to pan-fried bacon. It is ultra-crisp without any additional fat and has a higher ratio of crispiness to tender meat. It is also easy to make, with minimal cleanup required.

If you're wondering what to serve with steamed bacon, here are some ideas:

Breakfast Options

• Steam oven bacon and eggs - Cook some eggs using the steam oven, such as steamed scrambled eggs or sous vide egg bites. The runny yolk of the eggs will complement the crispiness of the bacon.
• Bacon and pancake stack - Layer steamed bacon with fluffy pancakes and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
• Bacon and French toast - Replace ham with crispy steamed bacon for an indulgent French toast sandwich.

Lunch/Dinner Options

• BLT sandwich - Steam some tender bacon and pile it onto a BLT sandwich with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a smear of mayonnaise.
• Bacon-wrapped dishes - Wrap chicken, sausages, or hamburgers in steamed bacon for extra flavour.
• Salads - Crumble crispy steamed bacon over a bed of fresh greens, such as a classic Caesar salad or a spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Stir-fry - Chop up some steamed bacon and add it to a stir-fry with your choice of vegetables and protein.

Sides

• Cheese and bacon muffins - Combine steamed bacon with cheese and bake some savoury muffins as a side dish.
• Bacon mashed potatoes - Mix crumbled steamed bacon into creamy mashed potatoes for a flavourful side dish.
• Bacon-wrapped asparagus - Wrap steamed bacon around asparagus spears and grill or bake them for a tasty side dish.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving steamed bacon. Get creative and enjoy the delicious combination of crispiness and tenderness that steamed bacon offers!

Frequently asked questions