There is nothing like waking up in the morning and grilling some bacon for yourself, along with eggs and vegetables. The aroma of bacon fills the entire house, and it is a fantastic smell for people that enjoy eating this meat. However, it is important to know when the bacon is completely cooked through.
After all, it needs to have the right texture, crispiness, and much more. So, if you are wondering how to tell if bacon is cooked, you have come to the right place. Here is your complete guide.
How To Tell If Bacon Is Cooked?
There are various signs you need to look for that will give you an idea of whether the bacon is done or not. Keep in mind that bacon is served crispy. Here are the top signs that will let you know the bacon is cooked through:
1. Color
You can simply look at the colour of the meat, and you will get to know whether the bacon is done or not. That is because raw bacon has a light pink colour. So, if you see the colour pink on your bacon, it means that it has not been completely cooked through.
However, many people think that the bacon is cooked when it is golden brown, but that is not the case. You need to let the bacon cook more, and it will be completely cooked through when the colour is light brown. On the other hand, if it is dark brown or slightly black, then you have overcooked it.
2. Crispy Texture
Of course, the texture is another sign that will let you know whether your bacon has been cooked or not. However, this will vary for everyone because some people like a crispy texture while other people prefer a chewy texture. So, you will have to figure out the texture you want to achieve for the bacon.
You can use a fork or knife to test the texture of the bacon. If it is slightly crisp or soft, then it is not cooked properly. However, crispy bacon means it has been cooked.
3. Shape
The shape is something you can pay attention to figure out whether the bacon is completely cooked through or not. That is because as you cook the bacon, it will release moisture and begin shrinking. Sometimes, the bacon can easily shrink more than 40%.
So, you can look at the shape of the bacon when it is first in the pan compared to when a few minutes have passed. As the bacon cooks and gets crispy, some of the sections will also lift from the surface.
4. Moisture
Finally, the residue of raw bacon is slimy when you touch it. Because of this, you can touch the bacon as you cook it. The bacon will be completely dry once it is cooked through.
You can remove them from the pan and blot the bacon with paper towels. Once you do, you can see if the bacon is light and crispy for you to eat.
How Long Does It Take For Bacon To Cook
As a general rule of thumb, you should still know how long it takes for the bacon to cook. Here are the factors that will determine how long it takes for it to cook:
Regular Cut Bacon Slices
If your bacon slices are cut regularly, then it will not take a lot of time, as it will only take between four and six minutes on the stove for the bacon to cook. On the other hand, it will take between twelve and twenty minutes in the oven for the bacon to cook through completely.
Thick-Cut Slices
If the slices of bacon are thick-cut, it will take at least ten minutes on the stove to cook. On the other hand, if you put it inside the oven, it will take twenty-five minutes or half an hour for the bacon to cook through.
Also Read: How Can You Reheat Bacon and Keep The Crispy Texture Intact
How To Make Sure The Bacon Is Cooked Perfectly
Now that you know how to tell if bacon is cooked, there are still some tips that you can follow to make sure that everything is cooked perfectly. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Use the right pan, such as the cast iron skillet
- Don’t use bacon from the fridge in the pan but instead, use room-temperature bacon
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as the slices need proper space to cook through
- Make sure that the temperature of cooking the bacon is low so it can cook properly
These are the top tips you can utilize to make sure that the bacon is cooked perfectly. Once you do, you will have perfect bacon that will be incredibly crispy and light for you to eat and serve your family.
