How To Prevent Bacon From Sticking To The Pan

Bacon is a breakfast staple, but cooking it can be a challenge. Many cooks struggle with bacon sticking to the pan, but there are several ways to prevent this. One method is to use a non-stick pan, which can be helpful if you're short on time. However, some cooks prefer the flavour and experience of using a cast-iron pan. If you go down this route, it's best to start with a cold pan and heat it slowly. Adding a little oil or butter can also help prevent sticking, but it's important not to add too much, as this can lead to a greasy mess. Another tip is to move the bacon around frequently with a spatula to prevent it from sticking in one place. Finally, be patient! Cooking bacon on a stovetop takes longer than using a non-stick pan, but the results can be worth the wait.

Using a cold pan

Cooking bacon in a cold pan is the best way to achieve the perfect, crispy result. It may take a little longer, but the outcome is worth it.

Firstly, remove the bacon from the fridge at least 15 minutes before cooking. This is an important step as it allows the bacon to get to room temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly. Then, lay the bacon strips in a cold pan. It is recommended to use a cast-iron skillet as it heats evenly and the bacon grease helps to season the pan. However, if you don't have cast iron, a regular skillet will work.

Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-low. It is important to control the temperature and heat the pan slowly. This allows the fat to render out slowly, giving you crispy bacon and a pan of leftover grease, which is a great cooking fat. If you put the bacon into a hot pan, the meat will seize up and the fatty parts will become flabby, resulting in unevenly cooked bacon.

When cooking bacon, it is also important not to crowd the pan. Leave about an inch between each strip and cook in batches if necessary. This prevents the bacon from steaming and ensures even cooking.

Finally, when your bacon is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a paper towel to drain. Store the leftover bacon grease in the fridge for future use.

Cooking on a low heat

Cooking bacon on low heat is a great way to get those perfect, crispy strips of bacon. It's a classic method that delivers consistent results. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving bacon perfection:

Firstly, choose the right pan. While a non-stick pan is not necessary, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is ideal. Cast iron conducts heat evenly, preventing burnt spots, and the bacon grease will help season the pan for future use. If you don't have cast iron, a sturdy stainless-steel pan will also work. Just ensure you have a decent pair of tongs or a fork for turning the bacon.

Now, for the cooking process:

• Place your bacon strips in a cold pan. There's no need to add any extra oil, as the bacon will release its own fat during cooking.
• Turn the burner to low heat. Soon, the bacon will start to release its fat.
• Use tongs to loosen the strips and turn each slice to cook evenly on both sides. Keep flipping and turning the bacon to achieve an even browning.
• If your bacon is very fatty, you may need to remove some of the excess grease. Do this carefully, using a bulb baster or a metal spoon. Turn off the flame when pouring off the grease to avoid the risk of a grease fire.
• Continue cooking the bacon to your desired level of doneness. Some people like their bacon extra crispy, while others prefer it a little less cooked. Keep in mind that the bacon will continue to cook a little even after being removed from the pan.
• Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels or a paper bag to drain off any excess grease.
• If you have more bacon to cook, simply drain the excess grease and add more bacon to the pan. If there is a browned crust on the bottom of the pan, let it cool and wipe it clean before continuing.

By following these steps and cooking your bacon low and slow, you'll achieve delicious, crispy bacon every time.

Choosing the right pan

When cooking bacon, it's important to choose the right pan to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking. Here are some tips for selecting the best pan for frying bacon:

• Avoid non-stick pans: While it may seem counterintuitive, non-stick pans are not ideal for cooking bacon. The high fat content of bacon makes any pan essentially non-stick once it starts releasing its fat.
• Choose cast iron: Cast iron pans are a great choice for cooking bacon. They conduct heat evenly, preventing burnt spots, and the bacon grease helps season the pan for future use. Look for a cast-iron skillet with raised ridges that allow the fat to drip away from the bacon.
• Opt for a wide, flat-bottomed pan: A wide, flat-bottomed frying pan gives you enough space to cook multiple bacon strips at once and makes it easier to move the bacon around in the pan.
• Consider a griddle: If you're cooking a large batch of bacon, a long, rectangular griddle that fits over two burners can be a great option. Look for one with a trough to catch the grease.
• Avoid aluminium: Aluminium pans tend to get very hot quickly, which can lead to burnt bacon.
• Use a splatter screen: Bacon can splatter as it cooks, so consider using a splatter screen to protect your stove and yourself from hot grease.
• Choose a pan with a lid: If you don't have a splatter screen, a pan with a lid can help contain the splatter.
• Opt for a pan with a thick base: A pan with a thick base will distribute heat more evenly and reduce the chances of hot spots, which can lead to uneven cooking and sticking.
• Season your pan: If you're using a cast-iron pan, make sure it's well-seasoned before cooking bacon. This will create a natural non-stick surface and enhance the flavour of your bacon.

Using a splatter screen

• Choose the Right Size: Select a splatter screen that fits your pan size. A larger screen might be cumbersome to handle, while a smaller one might not provide adequate coverage. Look for one that fits securely on your pan without slipping or sliding.
• Material Matters: Splatter screens come in different materials like stainless steel and silicone. Silicone screens are newer and offer advantages such as high heat resistance and ease of cleaning. However, be cautious when using them on gas stovetops as the flames can burn the silicone.
• Foldable Handles: Opt for splatter screens with foldable handles, which make storage easier and help save space in your kitchen cabinets and dishwasher. Silicone handles are also a good choice as they provide a comfortable grip and are heat resistant.
• Easy Cleaning: Many splatter screens are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. If your screen isn't dishwasher-safe, you can always wash it by hand with hot soapy water. Remember to clean it promptly after use to prevent grease buildup.
• Multipurpose Use: Splatter screens can be used for more than just frying bacon. They can also be used as trivets, strainers, or steam stoppers. Some screens even have hanging holes, allowing you to hang them conveniently on a nearby hook when not in use.

Cleaning the pan

Cleaning a pan after cooking bacon can be a tedious task, but there are several methods to make the process easier. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning your pan effectively:

• Use a non-stick pan – As bacon grease is high in fat, it can make any pan essentially non-stick. However, if you're using a non-stick pan, be sure to avoid abrasive cleaners like steel wool and metal utensils, as these can damage the coating.
• Pour out excess grease – Before cleaning, pour the excess bacon grease into a heat-safe container, such as a jar or cup, and store it for future use. You can also strain the grease through a fine-mesh sieve, paper towel, or coffee filter to remove any burnt bits.
• Use hot water and dish soap – Fill the pan with hot water and a few drops of dish soap and let it soak. The hot water will help to loosen the grease, making it easier to clean. You can also turn the stove back on to let the grease melt before wiping it down with paper towels.
• Soak in vinegar – Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it onto the pan. Let it sit for up to 5 minutes, then wipe the pan clean with a sponge or paper towel, and rinse with warm water.
• Use baking soda – Make a paste with water and baking soda, or simply sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge. Rub the paste or sponge on the affected areas until the grease spots are gone, then wipe away any remaining baking soda with a wet cloth.
• Use flour – Sprinkle flour directly on the bacon grease to soak up the spill. Let it sit for up to 15 minutes, then brush off the flour and wipe the area with a towel and warm water.
• Boil potatoes in the pan – Potatoes contain oxalic acid, which can help break up stains caused by rust, iron, and tannins. Place a potato in the pan, add water, and bring it to a boil. This should help remove any stuck-on remnants or grease.
• Clean while the pan is still warm – It is generally easier to clean the pan while it is still warm but cool enough to handle. If you let the grease cool completely, it may become more difficult to remove.
• Avoid using cast iron pans – While cast iron pans are great for cooking bacon, they can be more difficult to clean. If you do use a cast iron pan, avoid using soap, and instead, clean it with hot water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush. Fill the pan halfway with hot water, scrub it, then place it on the stove and let the water evaporate. Finish by wiping the pan with a paper towel dampened with vegetable oil.

Frequently asked questions