Plain Bacon Recipe

Time15m

Serves2

Make Plain Bacon Recipe in just 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Heat pan
Place a large skillet or frying pan (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) on medium heat. Allow pan to warm for 1–2 minutes until hot but not smoking.
2
Arrange bacon
Lay the bacon slices in a single layer in the cold pan without overlapping. No oil is needed—the bacon will render its own fat.
3
Cook slowly
Cook over medium to medium-low heat so fat renders and bacon cooks evenly. After 3–4 minutes, use tongs to flip slices. Continue cooking and flipping every 2–3 minutes so both sides brown evenly. Total cooking time is 8–12 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness.
4
Drain and season
When bacon reaches desired crispness, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. If using, sprinkle black pepper to taste while still hot.
5
Serve
Let rest 1 minute and serve hot.

6
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top if you want extra-even crisping. If not using a rack, add 2 tablespoons of water to the foil-lined sheet to reduce smoke and help even cooking.
7
Arrange bacon
Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the rack or directly on the foil, without overlapping.
8
Bake
Bake for 12–20 minutes depending on thickness and desired crispness: about 12–14 minutes for thinner slices, 16–20 minutes for thick-cut. Rotate the pan once midway for even browning if not using a rack.
9
Drain and season
Remove from oven and transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Sprinkle black pepper to taste if desired.
10
Serve
Let rest 1 minute and serve hot.

11
Prepare plate
Line a microwave-safe plate with two layers of paper towel. Lay bacon slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary, and cover with another paper towel.
12
Microwave
Microwave on HIGH for 3–6 minutes depending on microwave power and bacon thickness. Start checking at 3 minutes and continue in 30-second increments until desired crispness.
13
Drain and serve
Carefully remove hot plate, transfer bacon to fresh paper towel to drain, season with black pepper if desired, and serve.