Bacon is a breakfast staple that many of us can’t live without. But have you ever noticed how much it shrinks when you cook it?
It can be frustrating to watch your bacon go from a full strip to a measly little piece. That’s where the “life hack” of rinsing bacon under cold water before cooking comes in.
But does it actually work? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind this popular trick and give you some tips on how to cook bacon without it shrinking.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
How To Cook Bacon Without It Shrinking?
First, let’s take a closer look at why bacon shrinks in the first place. Bacon is made up of both fat and protein. When you cook it, the heat causes the fat to render out and the protein to contract, which leads to shrinkage.
Now, let’s talk about the cold water rinse method. The idea behind this trick is that rinsing bacon under cold water before cooking removes some of the excess salt and moisture, which can help reduce shrinkage.
While some people swear by this method, others argue that it doesn’t make much of a difference. In fact, some say that rinsing bacon can actually lead to less flavor since you’re washing away some of the delicious fat.
So, what’s the best way to cook bacon without it shrinking? After researching various methods and conducting our own experiments, we’ve come up with a few tips:
1. Start with high-quality bacon: The better the quality of your bacon, the less likely it is to shrink when cooked. Look for bacon that is thick-cut and has a good balance of fat and meat.
2. Cook it in the oven: Cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to reduce shrinkage. Lay your bacon strips flat on a baking sheet and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes. This method allows the bacon to cook evenly and renders out the fat without causing too much protein contraction.
3. Use a cold pan: If you prefer to cook your bacon on the stovetop, try starting with a cold pan instead of a hot one. This can help reduce shrinkage by allowing the bacon to slowly heat up and render out its fat.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking bacon on the stovetop, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause the bacon to steam instead of fry, which can lead to more shrinkage.
The Science Behind Bacon Shrinking
As mentioned earlier, bacon contains both fat and protein. When heat is applied during cooking, the fat starts to melt and the protein contracts. This contraction leads to shrinkage in the bacon’s size.
The amount of shrinkage can also depend on the quality of the bacon. Lower quality bacon often contains more water, which can evaporate or cook away during the cooking process, leading to more shrinkage.
Additionally, the amount of moisture in the bacon can affect shrinkage. When moisture is lost during cooking, it can lead to a reduction in mass and size. This is why crispy bacon often has less moisture and more shrinkage than softer or chewier bacon.
While some people believe that rinsing bacon under cold water before cooking can reduce shrinkage, this method is not scientifically proven. In fact, rinsing bacon can actually remove some of the delicious fat and flavor from the meat.
Cooking bacon in the oven is a recommended method for reducing shrinkage because it allows for even cooking and renders out the fat without causing too much protein contraction. Starting with a cold pan on the stovetop can also help reduce shrinkage by allowing the bacon to slowly heat up and render out its fat.
The Cold Water Rinse Method: Does It Work?
One popular method for reducing bacon shrinkage is the cold water rinse. The idea is that by rinsing bacon under cold water before cooking, you can remove excess salt and moisture, which can help reduce shrinkage.
However, there is some debate over whether this method actually works. Some people claim that it can reduce shrinkage by up to 50%, while others argue that it doesn’t make much of a difference. In fact, some even suggest that rinsing bacon can lead to less flavor since you’re washing away some of the delicious fat.
After conducting our own experiments and researching various methods, we found that while the cold water rinse may help reduce shrinkage slightly, it’s not the most effective method. Cooking bacon in the oven at a high temperature or starting with a cold pan on the stovetop are both better options for reducing shrinkage.
Ultimately, the best way to cook bacon without it shrinking too much is to start with high-quality bacon, cook it in the oven or on a stovetop with a cold pan, and avoid overcrowding the pan. While the cold water rinse may be worth trying if you’re looking for a small reduction in shrinkage, it’s not a foolproof method and may not be worth sacrificing flavor for.
Other Techniques For Preventing Bacon Shrinkage
In addition to the tips mentioned above, there are a few other techniques that can help prevent bacon from shrinking:
1. Blot the bacon with paper towels: Before cooking your bacon, use paper towels to blot away any excess moisture. This can help reduce the amount of moisture that is released during cooking, which in turn can help reduce shrinkage.
2. Cook at a lower temperature: While cooking bacon at a high temperature can help it cook faster, it can also cause more shrinkage. Try cooking your bacon at a lower temperature for a longer period of time to reduce shrinkage.
3. Use a wire rack: When cooking bacon in the oven, placing it on a wire rack can help reduce shrinkage by allowing the fat to drip away from the bacon as it cooks.
4. Cook it sous vide: Sous vide cooking involves vacuum-sealing food in plastic and cooking it in a water bath at a low temperature for an extended period of time. While this method takes longer than other methods, it can result in perfectly cooked bacon with minimal shrinkage.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Bacon Every Time
Now that we’ve covered some general tips for cooking bacon without it shrinking, let’s dive into some specific tricks for achieving perfectly cooked bacon every time:
1. Use a wire rack: Placing a wire rack on top of your baking sheet can help the bacon cook more evenly and prevent it from sitting in its own grease. This can lead to crispier, less greasy bacon.
2. Flip the bacon: If you’re cooking bacon on the stovetop, try flipping it halfway through cooking. This can help ensure that both sides cook evenly and reduce shrinkage.
3. Save the grease: Don’t throw away the bacon grease! It’s a delicious cooking fat that can be used in a variety of recipes. Just make sure to strain it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. Experiment with seasonings: Bacon is delicious on its own, but you can also experiment with different seasonings to add some extra flavor. Try sprinkling on some black pepper, chili powder, or even brown sugar before cooking.
5. Don’t forget about the microwave: If you’re short on time, you can also cook bacon in the microwave. Place your bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a paper towel. Cook for 1-2 minutes per strip, depending on your microwave’s power.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to cook perfectly crispy and delicious bacon every time, without worrying about shrinkage. Happy cooking!