How To Blanch Bacon

What is Blanching Bacon?

Blanching bacon is a simple process that involves partially cooking the bacon in boiling water before finishing it off in the pan. This method helps to remove some of the saltiness and smokiness from the bacon while also reducing the overall cooking time and creating a perfectly crispy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blanching Bacon

Blanching bacon is an easy and effective way to enhance its flavor and texture. Follow these simple steps to blanch bacon like a pro:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Start by laying out the bacon strips on a clean cutting board or plate.
2. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Add the Bacon: Carefully place the bacon strips into the boiling water. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to allow the bacon to cook evenly.
4. Blanching Time: Let the bacon blanch in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This brief cooking time is enough to remove excess salt and smokiness without fully cooking the bacon.
5. Remove and Drain: Using tongs, remove the blanched bacon from the boiling water and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess moisture.

Benefits of Blanching Bacon

Blanching bacon offers several advantages that make it a worthwhile technique to incorporate into your cooking routine:

• Reduced Saltiness: By blanching the bacon, some of the salt content is drawn out, resulting in a milder flavor that is less overpowering.
• Enhanced Texture: Blanching helps to partially cook the bacon, making it easier to achieve a crispy and evenly cooked texture when finishing it in the pan.
• Quicker Cooking Time: Since the bacon is partially cooked during the blanching process, it requires less time in the pan to reach the desired level of crispiness, saving you time in the kitchen.

Finishing the Bacon

After blanching, the bacon is ready to be finished in a skillet or oven to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Simply place the blanched bacon in a preheated skillet over medium heat and cook until it reaches the perfect level of crispness, flipping as needed.

Conclusion

Blanching bacon is a simple yet effective technique that can elevate the flavor and texture of this beloved breakfast staple. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily incorporate blanching into your bacon-cooking routine and enjoy perfectly cooked, delicious bacon every time.