Bacon
Crispy slices of bacon. A common breakfast side dish.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
While cured pork belly has a long history dating back to ancient China and Rome, crispy bacon as we know it today gained popularity in the early 20th century, driven by marketing campaigns that promoted bacon as a breakfast staple alongside eggs and cereal. Edward Bernays, a pioneer in public relations, played a significant role in this popularization.
Crispy bacon is deeply ingrained in American breakfast culture and has expanded to become a popular ingredient in countless dishes worldwide. Its appealing flavor and texture make it a comfort food and a culinary staple.
American Breakfast Staple
Bacon and eggs is a quintessential American breakfast, often enjoyed on weekends or as a special treat.
BLT Sandwich
The BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato) sandwich is a classic example of bacon's versatility, offering a simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
Global Culinary Trend
Bacon has transcended cultural boundaries and is now incorporated into diverse cuisines, from bacon-wrapped dates to bacon-infused desserts.
Crispy bacon offers a unique combination of salty, savory, and smoky flavors, with a satisfying textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the slightly chewy interior.
The primary flavor component is salt, derived from the curing process. This saltiness is balanced by the rich, fatty umami taste of pork. The smoking process, using woods like hickory or applewood, infuses the bacon with characteristic smoky notes. Maillard reaction during cooking contributes to the savory, almost meaty flavor profile, and renders the pork fat to create an appealing texture.
Cold Pan Start
Starting bacon in a cold pan allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in more evenly cooked and crispier bacon. Add bacon to a cold pan then bring the pan to medium heat.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan
Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the bacon to steam instead of fry. Cook bacon in batches for optimal crispiness.
Use a Baking Sheet
Baking bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet allows the fat to drain away, resulting in extra crispy bacon. Bake at 400F/200C until crispy.
Pat Dry
Patting the bacon dry before cooking helps to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the bacon from browning and crisping properly.
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