How to Cook Quorn Bacon for Maximum Taste and Texture

Quorn bacon has emerged as a popular meatless alternative for vegetarians, flexitarians, and anyone looking to cut back on meat. But to truly enjoy this tasty protein, it’s key to know the proper techniques for cooking Quorn bacon Follow this guide to learn the best practices for frying, baking, and broiling Quorn bacon so it turns out perfectly crispy, savory, and delicious every time

What is Quorn Bacon?

For those unfamiliar, Quorn is a meat substitute made from mycoprotein, a nutritious protein derived from fungi Quorn bacon is one of the many meat-free products made by Quorn to mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat.

Specific traits that set Quorn bacon apart:

• High in protein and fiber, low in fat
• Made from non-GMO mycoprotein
• Meatless and soy-free
• Smoky, salty flavor
• Crisps up when cooked properly
• Shelf-stable when frozen
• Quick cooking time

Quorn bacon works beautifully as a vegetarian swap for regular pork bacon in all types of dishes. With proper cooking techniques, you can achieve delicious results

Prepping Quorn Bacon for Cooking

Taking a few steps before cooking Quorn bacon helps ensure ideal texture and flavor.

• Remove packaging – Discard any plastic, cardboard or paper materials. This prevents cooking hazards.

• Partially thaw – Defrost Quorn bacon halfway if using straight from the freezer. Leave at room temperature briefly or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

• Separate slices – Use a dull knife to gently pry apart any slices stuck together before cooking. Prevents tearing.

• Pat dry – Lightly pat Quorn bacon with paper towels to remove excess moisture that can inhibit browning.

With Quorn bacon prepped, it’s time to decide the best cooking method. The three top options are frying, baking, and broiling.

Frying Quorn Bacon on the Stovetop

Frying on the stovetop allows closely monitoring Quorn bacon to achieve your ideal level of crispness.

• Add 1/2 to 1 Tbsp oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Consider avocado, olive, or coconut oil.

• Arrange Quorn bacon slices in a single layer without overlapping. Work in batches to avoid crowding.

• Cook 4-5 minutes on the first side until lightly browned. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes on the second side.

• For crisper bacon, extend cooking to 5-6 minutes per side. For chewier texture, reduce to 2-3 minutes per side.

• Transfer cooked Quorn bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

• Repeat with remaining slices, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

Frying on the stovop gives you lots of control to achieve your ideal bacon texture.

Baking Quorn Bacon in the Oven

Baking Quorn bacon in the oven allows preparing multiple batches hands-free.

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

• Place a wire cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. Arrange Quorn bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking at 15 minutes to monitor browning.

• For added crispness, flip slices halfway through and bake an extra 5 minutes.

• Transfer cooked Quorn bacon to a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

The wire rack elevates Quorn bacon from the pan for even browning. Rotate baking sheets if needed for uniform cooking.

Broiling Quorn Bacon

Broiling Quorn bacon is quick and infuses delicious smoky flavor.

• Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element and preheat broiler to high.

• Line a broiler pan with foil and coat Quorn bacon lightly with oil using a pastry brush or spoon.

• Broil Quorn bacon 2-3 minutes on the first side until lightly charred. Flip and broil 1-2 minutes more.

• Watch closely to avoid burning. Broilers vary—start checking at 90 seconds.

• Remove Quorn bacon from oven with tongs once crisped and browned.

Thanks to direct high heat, broiling yields fast cooking times and tempting char.

Cooking Quorn Bacon on the Grill

During summer, try throwing Quorn bacon on the grill for irresistible smoky flavor.

• Preheat grill to medium heat. Oil grates lightly to prevent sticking.

• Place Quorn bacon directly on grill grates away from direct heat. Close lid.

• Grill 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once with tongs. Move slices away from flare ups.

• Remove from grill once lightly charred and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

The grill adds satisfying char while infusing Quorn bacon with bold smoky essence.

Serving Suggestions for Quorn Bacon

Once you’ve mastered cooking Quorn bacon, get creative with how you enjoy it!

• Chop and add to omelets, frittatas, and breakfast tacos

• Use in place of bacon bits to top baked potatoes, salads, and soups

• Wrap around roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts

• Crumble over veggie burgers or sandwiches for crunch

• Fold into macaroni and cheese or baked pasta dishes

• Skewer with fruit and drizzle with brown sugar as a sweet treat

With so many possibilities for preparing and serving Quorn bacon, you’ll never get bored!

Storage and Reheating

• Store uncooked Quorn bacon in the freezer up to expiration date. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

• Place leftover cooked Quorn bacon in an airtight container. Keeps up to 4 days refrigerated.

• To reheat, place Quorn bacon slices on a foil-lined pan and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or until hot.

With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy Quorn bacon all week long.

Is Quorn Bacon Healthier Than Pork?

Compared to regular pork bacon, Quorn bacon offers some potential health advantages:

• Far less fat, cholesterol, and calories
• Higher in fiber for digestion
• No risk of consuming added hormones or antibiotics
• Processes without nitrites or preservatives
• Lower sodium than many cured pork bacons
• Provides protein without meat

However, moderation is still key when enjoying any highly processed food. While Quorn bacon makes a convenient meat substitute, balance it out with plenty of whole, plant-based foods for the healthiest diet.

Troubleshooting Cooking Quorn Bacon

If your Quorn bacon turns out underdone, burnt, or lacking the perfect texture, try these troubleshooting tips next time:

• Start with fully thawed Quorn bacon, not frozen
• Dry slices well before cooking
• Use suggested cooking times as a starting point
• Closely monitor doneness to prevent burning
• Allow resting before serving to crisp up
• Adjust heat to avoid temperature spikes
• Use oil or nonstick pan to prevent sticking

With practice, you’ll perfect your preferred preparation method for crispy, flavorful Quorn bacon every time.

Enjoy the Versatility of Quorn Bacon

Bacon lovers, rejoice! With Quorn bacon, you can satisfy cravings for that smoky, salty, crispy bacon taste in a better-for-you, vegetarian-friendly way. Follow this guide to fry, bake, broil, or grill Quorn bacon and explore creative ways to enjoy it. Once you master cooking techniques, you’ll relish Quorn bacon’s versatility and craveable flavor that even meat eaters go crazy for. So grab a pack next time you shop—your future breakfast sandwiches, burgers, salads, pastas, and more will thank you!