How to Know When Bacon is Done

How to Know When Bacon is Done

Bacon is special meat that requires a unique cooking method. To experience this meat’s perfect taste and flavor, you must prepare it in the right way to avoid overcooking or undercooking it. 

So, how to know when bacon is done is an art that very few cooks understand. In order to know if bacon is done cooking, check its texture, shape, color, and moisture. The texture should be crispy, the shape should start to curl on the corners, the color should change from pink to brown and there should be a minimal amount of moisture.

4 Signs that Bacon is Done Cooking

Sign #1: Texture 

The first thing to check is its texture. Well-cooked bacon should be crispy. In this case, you check with a knife or spoon. If it’s still soft even after cooking, that a clear indication it’s not ready.

You can also know if it’s crispy by checking whether there is a sort of white foaminess on the bacon. If there is, then it’s time to put off your stove.

Sign #2: Shape

Another noticeable thing about fully cooked bacon is a change in shape. After cooking it for some time, you’ll notice that its corners start to curl. Before you turn off your gas or stove, ensure all the corners are evenly curled. 

Sign #3: Color 

Apart from changing texture and shape, well-cooked bacon changes its color. If you notice a change in color from pink to brown, then your bacon is done. Ensure you turn off your stove when it’s light brown. If you see some dark shades, then your bacon is burnt. 

Sign #4: Moisture

Before you stop cooking your bacon, ensure it has no moisture at all. Generally, you can only see a small amount of oil in it when fully cooked.

Therefore, you must add the correct amount of oil and water when cooking your bacon. So, you have to follow the instructions in the recipe keenly. This ensures you don’t put too much or less water as it can mess it up.

How Long Does it Take to Cook Bacon?

The time you take to cook your bacon depends on three factors:

  • Method of cooking
  • Thickness
  • Type of cooker

However, in most cases, bacon takes about 20–30 minutes to cook fully. Whether grilling or frying, you don’t take less than 20 minutes to make it.

When using an oven, cook your thin bacon for about 15–20 minutes. For thick ones, cook for 3045 minutes.

Is it Safe to Consume Undercooked Bacon?

No. Usually, consuming undercooked or raw meat poses a food poisoning risk. Bacon is no exception.

Eating raw bacon can increase the risks of getting foodborne illnesses, harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Diseases associated with eating undercooked bacon include:

Tapeworms

These grow in your intestines after taking any undercooked meat. They can block your intestines, cause abdominal pain and also weight loss.

Toxoplasmosis

This parasite in the body results from eating undercooked meat, and it’s deadly to persons with weak immunity, especially for children, the elderly, and patients with various illnesses.

Trichinosis

This disease is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, swelling in the eye, general body weakness, and diarrhea. 

Cancer 

Consuming undercooked bacon increases the risks of colon and rectum cancer. It’s advisable always to eat a fully cooked one to avoid increasing the chances of ailing from cancer.

Which are the Different Ways of Cooking Bacon?

Bacon can be grilled, fried, or dry-fried to make it ready for consumption. 

How to Fry Bacon

Put one or two tablespoons of oil in the frying pan. This depends on the amount of bacon you are frying. 

Heat the oil until hot. 

Add your bacon pieces and keep turning them after every two minutes. For steak sides, cook for about four minutes. This turning ensures all the sides and the center of your bacon are well cooked. 

Don’t take much time before turning to avoid burning it. Turn off your stove if you notice a change in color to brown and when it turns crispy.

Dry Frying Bacon

In this method, you don’t use any cooking oil. Place your bacon in your cold frying pan. Cook in low heat for a few minutes. When you notice your bacon has generated some fat, increase the heat. Ensure you turn every side after every two minutes. 

This method is healthier than frying as you only use the fat in bacon. 

Grilling Bacon

Pre-heat your grill pan first in high heat. Place your bacon in it. Keep turning all sides after two to three minutes. Cook until it attains the desired texture from the sides to the center.

This method gives you much healthier bacon than frying and dry frying. It also gives you the most delicious meat, which has the preferred texture and color.

Is Too Much Bacon Bad for Your Health?

Yes. A piece of cooked bacon contains too many calories, saturated fat, and high amounts of sodium. Therefore, taking too much of it daily will increase the risks of suffering from various lifestyle diseases.

It’s advisable to not eat more than 2-3 pieces of bacon at a time. More than that will lead to too much sodium in your body. This increases the chances of suffering from high blood pressure and stroke.

Also, due to the high amounts of saturated fats, this meat can increase the chances of suffering from heart diseases. 

It is also linked to various health problems like:

  • Colon cancer
  • Asthma 
  • Kidney diseases
  • Heart failure

Final Thoughts

  • Bacon is a special meat and requires a unique cooking method.
  • To know if it’s fully cooked, check its texture, color, shape, and moisture.
  • It takes between 20-30 minutes to cook fully. This depends on the cooking method, thickness, and type of cooker you are using.
  • It’s not safe to take undercooked bacon as it can result in food poisoning. Some foodborne illnesses associated with eating raw meat include cancer, trichinosis, tapeworms, and toxoplasmosis. 
  • Bacon can be grilled, fried, or dry-fried to make it ready for consumption. 
  • Taking more than three pieces of bacon at a time is bad for your health.