Cleaning Bacon Grease: Pan Care Tips

Cleaning a pan after cooking bacon can be a challenge, but it's important to do it properly to keep your pan in good condition. There are several methods you can use, depending on the type of pan and the level of grease buildup. Here are some tips to help you get started.

How to Clean a Pan After Cooking Bacon

Using hot water and dish soap

Step 1: Cool the Pan and Remove Excess Grease

Allow the pan to cool down slightly before handling. Pour any excess grease into an airtight container for disposal. You can save the grease for future cooking if desired.

Step 2: Rinse with Hot Water and Dish Soap

Rinse the pan under very hot water while scrubbing it with a sponge or brush. Use mild dish soap, such as Dawn or other grease-fighting soaps, to help cut through the grease. Scrub the pan thoroughly while rinsing to remove as much grease as possible.

Step 3: Apply Additional Cleaning Agents (If Needed)

If there is still grease remaining on the pan, you can apply additional cleaning agents such as vinegar, baking soda, or coarse kosher salt. These products have properties that help dissolve and lift away grease. Apply one of these products to the pan and scrub it in.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to remove all residue and ensure that your cookware is sparkling clean. Dry the pan immediately and completely to prevent rusting.

Tips and Tricks

• Deglaze the pan after cooking with a splash of water, wine, or vinegar to help loosen cooked-on bits.
• Use a plastic spatula to scrape off any stubborn grease chunks after the initial rinse.
• Avoid abrasive scouring pads that could damage pan coatings like ceramic and Teflon.
• Repeat the cleaning process as soon as possible after cooking bacon, as this will make it easier to remove the grease.

Collecting the grease for future use

Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can add depth to your meals. It can be used as a substitute for lard or shortening and is an excellent way to infuse a delightful bacon flavour into a new dish.

Collecting the Grease

Firstly, wait for the grease to cool down. Working with hot grease can be dangerous and it can also burn through your storage container. If you have time constraints, you can line a cup with heavy-duty foil and pour the hot grease into the cup. Place the cup in the freezer and remove the foil with the frozen grease.

Next, remove the grease from the pan. If there is a small amount of grease, use a paper towel to wipe it out. For larger amounts, pour the grease into a sealable container. You can also pour the grease into a dish and let it solidify in the refrigerator before scraping it out.

Straining the Grease

Before storing the grease, it's important to strain it to remove any leftover food bits. You can use a cheesecloth, a mesh strainer, or even a paper towel to strain the grease. Coffee filters are also a great option for straining.

Storing the Grease

Choose an appropriate container for storing the grease. Glass jars with tight-sealing lids, such as mason jars, are ideal. Avoid using plastic containers as they can absorb the grease's flavour. Sanitize the containers by washing them with soapy water and then submerging them in boiling water for about 10 minutes to kill any bacteria.

Once the containers are ready, pour the strained grease into them. You can add new grease to the same container over time. Label and date the container so you can keep track of its age.

Storing Temperature

If you plan to use the grease right away, you can store it at room temperature. For long-term storage, place it in the refrigerator or freezer. Bacon grease can be safely stored in the freezer for at least a month. However, grease stored in the refrigerator may pick up other scents, so it's best to use it sooner rather than later. Always do a sniff test before using stored grease, as it can become rancid over time.

Using a non-stick pan

If you're using a non-stick pan to cook bacon, you'll want to avoid using metal utensils or steel wool to prevent stripping the non-stick coating.

To clean your non-stick pan, start by scraping any excess bacon grease and bits with a wooden spoon or spatula. Next, add a small amount of hot water to the surface of the pan. Use a scrub brush to remove any stubborn bits of bacon. If you have a particularly stubborn mess, you can add a few drops of dish soap and let the pan soak in hot water for a bit. Then, rinse the surface of the pan with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

It's important to note that you should avoid using steel wool or metal utensils on non-stick pans, as these can damage the coating. Instead, opt for plastic or wooden utensils and scrubbers.

Additionally, if you're looking to reuse your bacon grease for future cooking, be sure to pour it into a jar or cup and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a sealed container. Bacon grease can be great for adding flavour to future dishes!

Deglazing with white wine

Start with a clean pan: Before you begin cooking your bacon, it's important to start with a clean pan. Make sure to wash and dry your pan thoroughly to avoid any unwanted flavours in your dish.

Cook your bacon: Fry your bacon in the pan as you normally would. Once it's cooked to your liking, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a serving dish. Keep the browned bits and bacon grease in the pan, as these will be full of flavour.

Add white wine to the pan: Choose a dry white wine for deglazing. Pour a small amount of wine into the hot pan, just enough to cover the bottom by about a quarter of an inch. The exact amount will depend on the size of your pan and the number of people you're serving.

Boil and stir: Place the pan over medium to medium-high heat. As the wine starts to boil, use a wooden spoon or spatula to vigorously scrape the bottom of the pan. Continue stirring and scraping until all the tasty browned bits are released and incorporated into the wine.

Reduce and simmer: Keep simmering the wine until it reduces and thickens, and the alcohol aroma dissipates. You'll know the alcohol has cooked off when the liquid becomes syrupy and has a sweet, mellow smell.

Create a sauce: Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, you can add some extra ingredients to create a delicious sauce. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chervil, or even a pat of cold butter for a richer, glossier sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Drizzle over bacon: Finally, drizzle the white wine sauce over your cooked bacon before serving. Your pan will be much easier to clean, and you'll have a delicious flavour-packed dish to enjoy!

Remember, deglazing with white wine is a simple and effective way to clean your pan and enhance the flavour of your bacon. Give it a try the next time you cook bacon, and experiment with different types of wine and additional ingredients to create unique sauces.

Soaking in soapy water

Soaking your pan in soapy water is an effective way to clean it after cooking bacon. This method is especially useful if you don't have a non-stick pan.

First, scrape any excess bacon grease and bits with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then, fill the pan with hot water and add some dish soap. Let the pan soak for a while. The longer you let it soak, the easier it will be to remove the grease. You can leave it for an hour or even overnight if you don't have the time or energy to deal with it right away.

After soaking, use a scouring pad, brush, or steel wool to scrub away any remaining grease. Be sure to use a type of scouring pad that is safe for your pan's surface. For example, if you're cleaning a cast-iron pan, avoid using steel wool or metal utensils as these can strip off the seasoning. Instead, opt for plastic scrubbers or brushes.

Once you've scrubbed away the grease, rinse the pan with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

If you're cleaning a cast-iron pan, it's a good idea to rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto the surface after cleaning to maintain its seasoning and prevent rust.

Frequently asked questions