To make crispier, less chewy bacon at home, you can try the following tips and techniques:
Choose the right bacon: Look for bacon that has a higher meat-to-fat ratio. Thick-cut bacon can also result in a crispier texture.
Preheat the oven: Instead of frying bacon on the stovetop, try baking it in the oven. Preheat the oven to around 400°F (200°C) before placing the bacon in.
Use a baking rack: Place a wire baking rack on top of a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. This allows the bacon to cook more evenly and prevents it from sitting in its rendered fat, resulting in a crisper texture.
Lay out the bacon properly: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the wire baking rack. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this can cause them to cook unevenly.
Flip halfway through: About halfway through the cooking time, flip the bacon strips using tongs. This helps to ensure both sides cook evenly and promotes crispiness.
Adjust cooking time: The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and personal preference. Generally, bacon baked in the oven takes around 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, and remove it from the oven when it reaches the desired level of crispness.
Drain excess grease: Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Blot the top of the bacon with another paper towel to remove any additional oil.
By using these techniques, you should be able to achieve crispier and less chewy bacon at home. Experiment with cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect level of crispness that suits your taste.