The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Bacon? Just Add Water

 

Ingredients:

    • Bacon strips (thick-cut recommended)
    • Water (about ¼ inch per pan)

Tools:

    • Large skillet (preferably nonstick or cast iron)
    • Tongs
    • Paper towels
  • Plate for draining

Instructions:

    1. Start Cold
      Place your bacon strips in a cold skillet in a single layer. Don’t overlap them—they need room to lie flat and cook evenly.
    2. Add Water
      Pour in just enough water to cover the bottom of the skillet. Roughly ¼ inch is ideal—enough to create a shallow bath but not drown the bacon.
    1. Simmer Slowly
      Turn the heat to medium. As the water heats up, it will start to simmer. This gentle temperature allows the bacon fat to slowly melt away while preventing scorching.
    2. Let the Water Evaporate
      Continue cooking as the water simmers off completely. This will take around 8–10 minutes, depending on how much water you used.
    3. Finish Crisping
      Once the water is gone, reduce the heat slightly. The bacon will begin to fry in its own rendered fat. Cook until it reaches your desired crispiness, flipping once if needed.
  1. Drain and Serve
    Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes before serving—it will continue to crisp slightly as it cools.

Oven-Baked Method (Bonus Style with Less Mess)

Ingredients: