How to Microwave Bacon Without Paper Towels – The Ultimate Guide
There is nothing quite like starting your day with a plate of delicious crispy bacon. Whether you enjoy it with eggs, toast, pancakes, or as part of a breakfast sandwich, bacon is a breakfast staple that many people love. While bacon is traditionally cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, you can also microwave bacon for quick and easy preparation. However, most microwave techniques recommend using paper towels to absorb excess grease. But what if you don’t have paper towels on hand? Not to worry! In this ultimate guide, we will explore how to microwave bacon without paper towels, so you can enjoy crispy bacon with no hassle.
The dishcloth method
If you are without paper towels, you can use a dishcloth or J-cloth as an alternative. This method allows you to catch drips without using paper towels and is also more environmentally friendly. Here’s how to microwave bacon without paper towels using the dishcloth method:
- Line a microwave-safe plate with your dishcloth or J-cloth.
- Place your bacon in a single layer on the cloth.
- Microwave your bacon on high for about 1 minute.
- Check for doneness and if you like it crispier, flip it over and return to the microwave.
- Cook in 30-second increments until your bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Use oven mitts to remove the plate from the microwave and allow the bacon to cool for one minute before serving.
- You can rinse the dishcloth and throw it in the laundry or dispose of it if it’s very greasy.
The bowl method
Alternatively, you can use the bowl method to cook bacon in the microwave without using paper towels. This method requires a microwave-safe bowl and plate, and allows the fat to collect on the plate while the bacon cooks. Here’s how to do it:
- Find a large, microwave-safe plate.
- Find a microwave-safe bowl that fits upside down on the plate, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
- Place the bowl upside down in the center of the plate.
- Drape your bacon slices in a single layer over the bowl.
- Place the plate and bowl of bacon in the microwave.
- Microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds.
- Test the doneness of your bacon. If you like it crispier, continue microwaving for 20 to 30 seconds until it reaches your desired crispness.
- Use oven mitts to remove the plate from the microwave, being careful of the hot bacon grease on the plate.
- Allow the bacon to cool for about a minute before serving.
- Repeat the process as needed to cook all the bacon.
Choosing the right bacon
For the crispiest microwave bacon, it’s important to choose the right type of bacon. While thick-cut bacon has a great texture, it may take longer to cook in the microwave and may end up chewy instead of crispy. Thin slices of bacon are the best option for microwaving because they crisp up quickly. You can also opt for partially cooked or precooked bacon that is specifically designed for microwaving. These options will ensure that your bacon comes out crispy and perfect.
Can you microwave raw bacon?
Yes, you can microwave raw bacon. If you have a package of raw bacon in the refrigerator and want to microwave it, follow the instructions above to crisp it safely. It usually takes about 1-2 minutes to cook raw bacon in the microwave, but it’s recommended that you check it after one minute and continue cooking in 30-second increments until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Does bacon get crispy in the microwave?
While you can get some crispness from bacon in the microwave, it’s unlikely to be as crispy as it would be if you cooked it on the stovetop or in the oven. This difference in crispiness is due to the fact that when bacon is cooked in a pan or oven, it fries in its own oil, which adds an extra level of crispness. In the microwave, the heat waves cook the bacon, resulting in a slightly different texture. However, microwaving bacon is a quicker and less messy alternative to other cooking methods.
Conclusion
Microwaving bacon without paper towels is possible, and there are a few methods you can use to achieve crispy results. Whether you choose the dishcloth method or the bowl method, both techniques allow you to enjoy delicious bacon without the need for paper towels. Just remember to choose thin slices or partially cooked/pre-cooked microwave-friendly bacon for the best results. So the next time you’re in a hurry or out of paper towels, try these microwave methods for quick and easy crispy bacon.
FAQS
Can I microwave bacon without using paper towels?
Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels. There are alternative methods, such as using a dishcloth or the bowl method, that can help you get crispy bacon without paper towels.
What is the dishcloth method?
The dishcloth method uses a dishcloth or J-cloth as a substitute for paper towels. You line a microwave-safe plate with the dishcloth, place the bacon on top, and microwave according to the instructions in the article.
How does the bowl method work?
The bowl method requires a microwave-safe bowl and plate. You place the bowl upside down on the plate, drape the bacon over the bowl, and microwave. As the bacon cooks, the fat collects on the plate under the bowl, resulting in crispy bacon.
Will the bacon be as crispy as if I cooked it on the stove or in the oven?
While bacon cooked in the microwave may have some crispy bits, it may not be as crispy as bacon cooked on the stovetop or in the oven. Microwave cooking produces a slightly different texture. However, it is a convenient and mess-free alternative.
What kind of bacon should I use for microwave cooking?
Thin slices of bacon are ideal for microwaving because they crisp up quickly. You can also opt for partially cooked or pre-cooked bacon, which is specifically designed for microwaving to ensure a crispy result.
Can I microwave raw bacon?
Yes, you can cook raw bacon in the microwave. Follow the instructions in the article, checking for doneness after one minute and continuing to cook in 30-second increments until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.