Step-by-Step Method
Step 1 – Prep Your Bacon
Lay your bacon strips flat on a cutting board or large plate. If they’re wet from the package, pat them dry gently with a paper towel—dry surfaces mean crispier results.
Step 2 – The Cornstarch Dusting
Place the cornstarch in a small bowl. Using your fingers or a fine sieve, lightly dust each bacon strip on both sides. The coating should be thin and almost invisible—think “light snowfall,” not “blizzard.”
Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, mix a pinch of pepper or paprika into the cornstarch before dusting.
Step 3 – Arrange for Even Cooking
Place the coated bacon strips in a cold, dry skillet or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Starting with a cold pan helps the fat render gradually, giving you maximum crispiness.
Step 4 – Low and Slow Heat
If you’re pan-frying:
Turn the heat to medium-low and let the bacon slowly sizzle. Flip occasionally with tongs to ensure both sides cook evenly.
If you’re baking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5 – The Perfect Finish
Once the bacon is evenly golden and crisp, remove it from the pan or oven and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Your bacon will have that addictive “glass-like” snap and stay crisp longer—even after cooling slightly. Serve it with eggs, layer it in sandwiches, or crumble it over salads for a savory crunch.
Extra Tips for Bacon Brilliance
- Batch Cook & Store: You can make a big batch and store in the fridge for up to 5 days—just reheat in a dry skillet to bring back the crunch.
- Try Maple Dusting: Swap cornstarch for a light brush of maple syrup halfway through cooking for a sweet-salty twist.
- Flat Bacon Every Time: For oven bacon, place another baking sheet on top while cooking to prevent curling.
Bottom Line:
This cornstarch hack is a game-changer for bacon lovers who crave that elusive perfect crisp. It’s quick, foolproof, and uses an ingredient you probably already have at home. Give it one try, and you’ll never go back to your old method.
If you’d like, I can also give you a gourmet variation with honey, chili, and sesame seeds that uses the same hack but turns bacon into a spicy-sweet snack. That would make this article even more unique and irresistible.
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