Preventing uncooked bacon from curling up while cooking can be achieved by using a few simple techniques. Here are some methods you can try:
Room temperature bacon: Take the bacon out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. Cold bacon tends to contract more, leading to more curling.
Cast iron skillet or heavy pan: Use a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan for frying the bacon. These pans distribute heat more evenly and can help reduce curling.
Preheat the pan: Make sure the pan is preheated before adding the bacon. This helps the bacon start cooking more quickly, reducing the time it spends curling in the pan.
Add a small amount of water: In the pan, add a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottom. Lay the bacon in the water before turning on the heat. As the water heats up, it will help the bacon cook more evenly and reduce curling.
Use a press or weight: Place a bacon press or a heavy heatproof object (like a small oven-safe dish) on top of the bacon while cooking. The weight will help keep the bacon flat and prevent it from curling.
Oven method with a wire rack: If using the oven, place the bacon on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. The elevated rack allows the hot air to circulate around the bacon, resulting in more even cooking and less curling.
Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet. Cook the bacon in batches if needed, giving each slice enough space to cook without touching or overlapping.
Flip the bacon: During stovetop cooking, flip the bacon occasionally. This helps it cook more evenly and can minimize curling.
Weighing down the bacon: When cooking on the stovetop, consider lightly pressing down on the bacon with a spatula. This can help keep it flat and reduce curling.
By applying one or more of these techniques, you can minimize the amount of curling and end up with straighter, more evenly cooked bacon.