Bacon Recipe
Make Bacon Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Main
Optional finishing
Method
Pan-fried bacon (crispy edges, tender middle)
- 1
Preparation
Remove bacon from the refrigerator and lay it flat on a plate for 5–10 minutes to come slightly toward room temperature (this helps cook more evenly). Preheat a large heavy skillet (cast-iron preferred) over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes; the pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles gently but not so hot that fat smokes.
- 2
Arrange and cook
Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the cold-to-warm skillet without overlapping. Cook slowly over medium-low heat. After 4–6 minutes, once the first side has rendered and is golden at the edges, use tongs to flip each slice. Continue cooking and flipping every 2–3 minutes to render fat and promote even crisping. Total cook time is usually 10–15 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness.
- 3
Finish and season (optional)
If using black pepper: sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over bacon in the last 30 seconds of cooking and turn once. If making candied bacon: during the final 2 minutes, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the cooking bacon and brush lightly with maple syrup, then let the sugar melt and caramelize, flipping once to coat both sides.
- 4
Drain and rest
Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess fat. Let rest 1–2 minutes; bacon will crisp slightly as it cools. Serve immediately.
- 5
Oven-baked alternative (for large batches, extra-crispy)
- 6
Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and place a wire rack on the sheet. Lightly spray or brush the rack with neutral oil to prevent sticking.
- 7
Arrange and bake
Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the rack without overlapping. For regular crispness bake 15–20 minutes; for very crispy bacon bake 20–25 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning. If using brown sugar/maple syrup, brush on during the last 5 minutes and return to oven.
- 8
Drain and serve
Remove bacon when it reaches desired color, transfer to paper towels or a clean rack to drain, and serve warm.
