Here’s What You Should Know About How Do I Cook Bacon In The Microwave Right Now

Ever find yourself staring into the abyss of your refrigerator, a sudden, undeniable craving for bacon hitting you like a rogue wave? You know, that perfect salty, crispy, smoky goodness that just makes everything better? And then you remember: the stovetop means splatters, smoke alarms, and a whole lot of watching. Ugh. What if I told you there's a way to get that bacon fix, like, right now, with minimal fuss and surprisingly awesome results? Yep, we're talking about the humble microwave.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Microwave bacon? Isn't that going to be weird and rubbery?" I get it. It sounds a little… un-traditional. Like wearing socks with sandals. But stick with me here, because the microwave, when it comes to bacon, is actually a bit of a secret superhero. It's fast, it's clean, and honestly, sometimes it's exactly what your bacon soul needs.

So, How Do You Cook Bacon in the Microwave?

It's surprisingly simple, and that's part of its charm, right? The basic idea is to give the bacon something to lay on that will absorb the grease and allow the heat to circulate. Think of it like giving your bacon its own little spa day, where the towels are paper towels and the eucalyptus steam is, well, microwave radiation.

Here's the magic formula, broken down:

Step 1: The Foundation of Flavor (and Grease Absorption)

You'll need a microwave-safe plate. Nothing fancy, just something flat. Then, grab some paper towels. This is your MVP. Lay down a few sheets, maybe 2-3, on the plate. This is going to be your bacon's cozy bed. Why paper towels? Because they soak up all that delicious, rendered bacon fat, which is key to getting that crispy texture. Without them, you'd just be cooking your bacon in a greasy puddle, and nobody wants that.

Step 2: Laying Down the Bacon Law

Now, arrange your bacon strips on top of the paper towels. Here's a pro-tip: try to avoid overlapping them too much. If they're all piled on top of each other, they won't cook evenly. Think of it like a single layer of perfectly tanned beachgoers, each enjoying their own personal sunshine. You want space for the heat to work its magic on each and every strip.

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Step 3: The Grand Finale (and Another Layer of Towels!)

Once your bacon is all laid out in its paper towel paradise, it's time for the grand finale. Grab another 1-2 paper towels and lay them gently on top of the bacon. This is like tucking your bacon in for a nap. It helps to keep things contained and ensures that the steam created during cooking is trapped, which, believe it or not, helps achieve that glorious crispiness. It’s like giving your bacon a little sauna experience!

The Nitty-Gritty: Cooking Times and Power Levels

This is where things can vary a bit, just like a good recipe. Microwave wattages are different, and bacon thickness can be too. So, it’s not an exact science, but it's a really easy science. Start with a good starting point.

For most standard thickness bacon, you're probably looking at around 1 minute per slice on high power. So, if you have 4 slices, you're aiming for about 4 minutes. But here’s the secret sauce: start checking earlier than you think you need to.

How To Cook Bacon on the Stovetop | Kitchn

Pop it in for 2 minutes, then carefully peek. Is it starting to crisp up? Is it still a little floppy? You can then continue cooking in 30-second to 1-minute increments. It’s a little like a delicious game of bacon roulette, but the stakes are low and the prize is amazing. You’re looking for that perfect balance of crispy edges and a slightly chewy center, or whatever your ideal bacon texture is.

Why is this so cool?

Let’s be honest, the speed is a huge win. Stovetop bacon can take a good 10-15 minutes, sometimes more, depending on how much you’re making and how crispy you like it. Microwave bacon? We're talking minutes. Craving? Bam! Bacon is on its way.

Then there’s the cleanliness factor. Remember those bacon grease splatters that decorate your backsplash like abstract art? Yeah, the microwave method pretty much eliminates that. Everything is contained within your plate and paper towels. When you’re done, you just lift out the paper towels (carefully, they'll be hot and greasy!) and toss them. Voila! Minimal cleanup. It’s like magic, but tastier.

How To Cook Bacon On The Stove

And the crispiness? This is where the real surprise lies. If you do it right, microwave bacon can be incredibly crispy. The paper towels soak up the fat, allowing the heat to directly crisp up the meat. It’s a different kind of crisp than stovetop, perhaps a little more uniform, but no less satisfying. It’s like the difference between a perfectly toasted marshmallow and one you’ve perfectly blow-torched – both are good, just in their own way.

A Few Extra Tidbits to Chew On

Thicker cut bacon will naturally take a bit longer. So, if you’ve got those hearty, restaurant-style strips, give them an extra minute or two, and check more frequently. You’re aiming for that point where the fat has rendered out and the meat is golden brown and looks delightfully brittle.

Don't overcrowd the plate! I can't stress this enough. A single layer is your friend for even cooking. If you’re making a lot of bacon, you might need to do it in batches. Think of it as quality control: a little extra effort for a lot of perfect bacon.

This Is the Best Way to Cook Bacon — Eat This Not That

Be careful when removing! That plate and those paper towels are going to be hot. Use oven mitts or a thick towel to lift it out of the microwave. And, of course, let the bacon cool for a moment on a cooling rack (or even just on a clean plate) before diving in. The heat will continue to work its magic and make it even crispier.

What about the grease? That paper towel "wad" is your treasure chest of rendered bacon fat. You can carefully pour it into a heat-safe container (like a glass jar or an old tin can) and save it for future cooking. Bacon fat is liquid gold for frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, or making the best roasted potatoes you've ever had. Just let it cool a bit before you do.

So, the next time that bacon craving strikes, and the thought of a greasy stovetop cleanup makes you sigh, remember your microwave. It’s a quick, clean, and surprisingly effective way to get your fix. It might not be the most traditional method, but hey, who says you can't have your bacon and eat it too, fast and fuss-free?