How to Cook Bacon Perfectly in a Stainless Steel Pan

Crispy, crunchy bacon sizzling in a pan is a mouthwatering way to start the day While cast iron and nonstick pans are often used for frying bacon, stainless steel is an excellent option as well With a bit of technique, you can cook bacon to crispy perfection in a stainless steel skillet.

Benefits of Stainless Steel for Cooking Bacon

Stainless steel pans provide several advantages for frying bacon

• Even heating – Stainless steel distributes heat evenly, preventing hot spots that lead to uneven cooking.

• Good fond development – The slight stickiness of stainless steel allows flavorful browned bits (fond) to form on the pan bottom as the bacon fries. This fond adds flavor when making a pan sauce.

• Easy deglazing – Unlike nonstick, stainless steel pans can be deglazed to make sauces, gravies and more. The fond effortlessly releases from the surface when liquid is added.

• Simple cleanup – Stainless steel wipes clean easily after cooking bacon. Hot water, mild soap, and a scrub pad or brush is all you need.

• Durable – Stainless steel holds up well to high heat and frequent use without warping or wearing like nonstick coatings can.

With the right techniques, stainless steel can yield delicious, crispy bacon for breakfast, BLTs, or any recipe calling for this pork product.

How to Cook Bacon in a Stainless Steel Skillet

Follow these simple steps for frying crispy bacon in a stainless steel pan:

1. Choose a Heavy Stainless Steel Skillet

Opt for a heavier pan, at least 3 ply construction, to distribute heat evenly. A lighter pan may develop hot spots.

2. Preheat the Pan

Place the empty skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to fully preheat. Test with a drop of water – it should sizzle and evaporate quickly when the pan is ready.

3. Add Just Enough Bacon to Fit Comfortably

Overcrowding causes steaming instead of frying. Cook bacon in batches if needed, keeping strips from touching.

4. Fry Until Deep Golden Brown

Once the bacon hits the hot pan, let it fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Resist stirring early or the bacon will stick.

5. Flip and Continue Frying

Use tongs to flip each slice once the bottom is deep golden brown. Fry another 2-3 minutes on the second side.

6. Drain on Paper Towels

When done to your desired crispness, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.

7. Adjust Heat If Needed

If bacon browns too quickly or slowly, adjust the temperature up or down. Lower heat prevents scorching.

8. Pour Off Excess Grease

Carefully pour leftover bacon grease into a heat-safe container once cooled slightly. Discard or save for another use.

9. Clean the Pan

While still warm, wipe the pan out with hot water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Dry thoroughly.

With this straightforward process, you can achieve diner-worthy crispy bacon from the convenience of your stainless steel skillet. Adjust cook times based on bacon thickness, Personal preferences, and pan dimensions.

Handy Tips for Frying Bacon in Stainless Steel

• Chill bacon before cooking for even crisping.
• Cut bacon strips in half for faster, more even frying.
• Add a dash of vegetable oil to prevent sticking if needed.
• Use medium to medium-low heat to avoid scorching.
• Fry thick-cut bacon at lower heat for tender centers.
• Blot bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
• Save bacon grease in the fridge for cooking later.
• Let pan cool before scrubbing to prevent warping.
• Deglaze the pan with wine or broth for flavorful sauces.

FAQs About Cooking Bacon in Stainless Steel

What’s the best stainless steel pan for bacon?

Choose a heavy 3-ply skillet with an aluminum or copper core for even heating. Go for a thicker bottom and straight sides.

Should stainless steel pans be oiled before frying bacon?

Not usually, since bacon releases a good amount of fat. But for very lean bacon, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Why does my bacon stick when frying in stainless steel?

This happens if the pan is not hot enough before adding bacon. Always preheat thoroughly so the bacon sizzles immediately upon contact.

Is it safe to cook bacon in a stainless steel pan?

Yes, stainless steel is durable at high heats needed for frying bacon. Allow the pan to cool before scrubbing, and use care when pouring off hot grease.

How do you clean a stainless steel pan after cooking bacon?

Wipe the pan clean right after cooking while still warm using hot water, mild dish soap, and a plastic scrubbing pad or brush. Dry thoroughly.

With its even heating and ease of use, stainless steel can fry bacon to crispy perfection. Follow these tips for how to cook bacon in a stainless steel pan for delicious breakfasts and recipes.