Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can also be used to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. However, when it comes to wrapping bacon around other foods, it can be tricky to get the timing just right.
That’s where par-cooking comes in. By partially cooking the bacon before wrapping it around your ingredient, you can ensure that both the bacon and the food cook evenly.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of par-cooking bacon and provide step-by-step instructions for how to do it.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Par Cook Bacon?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Lay your bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Be sure not to overlap them, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
Step 3: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bacon for about 5 minutes, or until it just begins to shrink and turn slightly red. This is known as par-cooking the bacon.
Step 4: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the bacon to a layer of paper towels to drain any excess fat. Pat dry to remove any excess fat on the top, and allow the bacon to cool.
Step 5: Once the bacon is fully cooked, you can use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The Benefits Of Par-Cooking Bacon
Par-cooking bacon is a great way to ensure that your bacon wraps around other foods evenly without overcooking or undercooking. When you par-cook bacon, you are essentially partially cooking it before wrapping it around other foods. This allows the bacon to crisp up on the second cooking cycle while your other food experiences its normal cook time.
Par-cooking bacon is also a great way to save time in the kitchen. Instead of having to cook raw bacon from scratch, you can simply par-cook it ahead of time and use it whenever you need it. Pre-cooked bacon can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, baked potatoes, and soups.
Another benefit of par-cooking bacon is that it allows for better inventory control. You can count out the number of slices you need for a particular dish and save the rest for later use. This reduces waste and ensures that you always have bacon on hand when you need it.
Lastly, par-cooking bacon is a safer option than handling raw bacon. Raw bacon can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning if not handled properly. By par-cooking the bacon, you reduce the risk of contamination and increase food safety in the kitchen.
Choosing The Right Bacon For Par-Cooking
When it comes to par-cooking bacon, choosing the right type of bacon is important. You want to select bacon that is not too thick, but also not too thin. Bacon that is too thick will take too long to cook, while bacon that is too thin will become crispy and overcooked before it has a chance to par-cook.
Another factor to consider when choosing bacon for par-cooking is the amount of fat. While fat is what gives bacon its flavor, too much fat can make it difficult to cook evenly. Look for bacon with a good balance of meat and fat, so that it will cook evenly and not become too greasy.
When it comes to selecting cured or uncured bacon for par-cooking, the choice is up to personal preference. Cured bacon has been treated with salt and other ingredients to enhance its flavor and extend its shelf life. Uncured bacon, on the other hand, does not contain any added nitrates or nitrites and has a more natural taste.
If you prefer flavored bacon, such as maple or applewood smoked, keep in mind that the added flavors may affect the cooking time and temperature. Be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure that your bacon is cooked evenly and fully.
Preparing Your Bacon For Par-Cooking
When par-cooking bacon, it’s important to choose the right type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon is ideal for par-cooking as it will hold up better during the cooking process. You can use any type of bacon, but keep in mind that thinner bacon will cook faster and may not hold up as well.
Before you begin, make sure your oven is preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup later on.
Lay your bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Be sure not to overlap them, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. If you’re cooking a large amount of bacon, you may need to use multiple baking sheets.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bacon for about 5 minutes, or until it just begins to shrink and turn slightly red. This is known as par-cooking the bacon. Par-cooking the bacon will help speed up the process later on when you’re ready to finish cooking it.
Once the bacon is par-cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the bacon to a layer of paper towels to drain any excess fat. Pat dry to remove any excess fat on the top, and allow the bacon to cool.
Once the bacon is fully cooked, you can use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to finish cooking the bacon, simply place it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook until crispy and golden brown.
Par-Cooking Bacon On The Stove
Par-cooking bacon on the stove is a great option if you don’t have access to an oven or prefer to use the stove instead. Here’s how to par-cook bacon on the stove:
Step 1: Pull out the bacon from the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. At room temperature, bacon just cooks up better (just like steak).
Step 2: Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Place 5-6 pieces of bacon in your pan, making sure they are not overlapping.
Step 4: Cook the bacon for about 4-5 minutes for a perfectly cooked piece of bacon, 2-3 minutes for rubbery bacon, or 5-6 minutes for a crispy piece of bacon.
Step 5: Flip the bacon over and let it cook for around 4-5 more minutes or until firm to the touch and darker in color. Be sure not to overcook your bacon or it might burn.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Repeat until all of your bacon has been cooked.
Par-cooking bacon on the stove is a great option if you want to cook bacon quickly and efficiently. However, keep in mind that par-cooking bacon will not give you fully cooked bacon, so you will still need to finish cooking it before eating.
Par-Cooking Bacon In The Oven
Par-cooking bacon in the oven is a great way to ensure that your bacon is evenly cooked and crispy, especially if you plan to wrap it around other foods. Par-cooking allows the bacon to partially cook, so that it can be finished off later without overcooking the other ingredients.
To par-cook bacon in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup later on.
Next, lay your bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Be sure not to overlap them, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the bacon for about 5 minutes, or until it just begins to shrink and turn slightly red. This is known as par-cooking the bacon.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully transfer the bacon to a layer of paper towels to drain any excess fat. Pat dry to remove any excess fat on the top, and allow the bacon to cool.
Once the bacon is fully cooked, you can use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Par-cooking bacon in the oven is a simple and effective way to ensure that your bacon is cooked to perfection every time. By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy bacon without worrying about overcooking or undercooking it.
Tips For Perfectly Par-Cooked Bacon
Par-cooking bacon can be a bit tricky, but with these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly par-cooked bacon every time!
1. Use a cooling rack: Placing a cooling rack on top of your baking sheet will help keep the bacon flat and prevent it from curling up as it cooks. This will also allow the bacon to cook more evenly.
2. Don’t overlap the bacon: Overlapping the bacon strips will cause them to cook unevenly and may even prevent them from cooking all the way through. Make sure to lay them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Keep an eye on the oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before putting in the bacon. Also, keep an eye on the temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure that it stays consistent.
4. Check on the bacon regularly: Bacon can go from perfectly cooked to burnt in a matter of seconds, so make sure to check on it regularly. Start checking around the 5-minute mark and continue checking every minute or so until it’s done to your liking.
5. Drain excess fat: Once the bacon is par-cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a layer of paper towels to drain any excess fat. This will help prevent soggy bacon and will also make it easier to handle.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly par-cooked bacon every time, whether you’re using it for wrapping other foods or just enjoying it on its own!
