I love starting my mornings with a delicious and crispy slice of bacon. There’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma that fills the kitchen as the bacon cooks on the stove. However, there are times when I’m in a hurry and don’t have the luxury of waiting for the bacon to cook on the stove. That’s when I discovered that I could cook turkey bacon in the microwave. Intrigued by this idea, I decided to give it a try and see if it could deliver the same crispy and flavorful results. In this quick guide, I will share with you my experience of cooking turkey bacon in the microwave and provide you with some tips to ensure that you get the best results.
Why Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave?
The Convenience Factor
Cooking bacon in the microwave offers a great convenience factor. Unlike cooking bacon on the stove, which requires constant flipping and monitoring, cooking bacon in the microwave is hands-off. You simply need to place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels, pop it in the microwave, and let it cook.
The Time-Saving Aspect
Another reason to consider cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is the time-saving aspect. It takes significantly less time to cook bacon in the microwave compared to cooking it on the stove. In a matter of minutes, you can have perfectly cooked bacon without any additional effort.
The Healthier Option
For those looking for a healthier alternative to regular bacon, turkey bacon is a popular choice. It contains less fat and fewer calories than regular bacon, making it a healthier option. And cooking turkey bacon in the microwave allows the excess fat to drain away, resulting in an even healthier end product.
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of cooking turkey bacon in the microwave, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it. Follow these simple steps for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
Step 1: Choose a Microwave-Safe Plate
Start by selecting a microwave-safe plate. Make sure it’s big enough to hold the turkey bacon slices without overlapping. Line the plate with a few layers of paper towels. The paper towels will absorb the excess fat and prevent it from splattering in the microwave.
Step 2: Arrange the Turkey Bacon
Place the turkey bacon slices in a single layer on top of the paper towels. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking. If you have multiple slices of bacon, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the plate.
Step 3: Cover with Paper Towels
Cover the turkey bacon slices with another layer of paper towels. This will prevent any grease from splattering in the microwave and help the bacon cook evenly.
Step 4: Microwave on High
Set the microwave to high heat and cook the bacon for 2-4 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the bacon slices. Start with 2 minutes and then check the bacon. If it’s not yet crispy, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a minute or two. This will allow the bacon to crisp up even further and prevent it from becoming too chewy.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Bacon in the Microwave
Now that you know the basic steps for cooking turkey bacon in the microwave let me share with you some tips that will help you achieve the best results.
Use Parchment Paper
If you don’t have paper towels on hand, you can use parchment paper instead. Line the microwave-safe plate with parchment paper, arrange the turkey bacon slices on top, and cover with another layer of parchment paper. This will still absorb the excess fat and prevent any splattering.
Adjust the Cooking Time
As mentioned earlier, the cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the thickness of the bacon slices. It’s best to start with a shorter cooking time and increase it in small increments if needed. This will prevent the bacon from becoming overcooked and burnt.
Watch for Browning
Towards the end of the cooking process, keep a close eye on the bacon. If you notice that it’s starting to turn brown or black, it means it’s becoming overcooked. Avoid this by adjusting the cooking time accordingly and checking the bacon frequently.
Experiment with Power Levels
If you want more control over the cooking process, you can experiment with different power levels on your microwave. Start with a lower power setting and increase it if needed. This will allow the bacon to cook more slowly and evenly.
Conclusion
Cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to satisfy your bacon cravings. Although it may not provide the same level of crispiness as stove-cooked bacon, it’s a healthier alternative that still delivers on flavor. By following the simple steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy perfectly cooked turkey bacon in no time. So the next time you’re in a hurry or just want to simplify your breakfast routine, give cooking turkey bacon in the microwave a try. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results!