How to Drain Bacon Without Paper Towels? 5 Method!
To drain bacon without paper towels, use a cooling rack, a slotted spoon, a plate lined with a clean kitchen towel, or simply let the excess grease drip off the bacon while holding it with tongs.
Draining bacon is an essential step in cooking crisp and delicious bacon while removing excess grease. While paper towels are a popular way to drain bacon, there are alternative methods that work just as effectively without the need for paper towels.
When it comes to draining bacon without paper towels, it’s all about leveraging alternative materials and techniques that can effectively remove excess grease while maintaining the bacon’s crispy texture.
Using a cooling rack, slotted spoon, kitchen towel, or tongs allows you to enjoy delicious, crispy bacon without relying on paper towels for drainage.
5 Easy Method for Draining Bacon Without Paper Towels: Pros & Cons
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling Rack | Place bacon on a cooling rack over a baking sheet to catch the grease while it cools. | Allows for even drainage, reusable. | May need to be cleaned, requires extra storage space. |
| Oven Method | Bake bacon on a wire rack placed inside a rimmed baking sheet, allowing grease to drip down. | Less greasy bacon, no need for paper towels. | Requires preheating the oven, extra cleanup. |
| Brown Paper Bags | Drain bacon on a brown paper bag instead of paper towels. | Absorbs grease, readily available. | Not reusable, not as oil-absorbent as paper towels. |
| Kitchen Towels | Use clean, dry kitchen towels to blot grease off bacon. | Reusable, eco-friendly. | Requires washing, may stain. |
| Tongs and Plate | Hold cooked bacon with tongs and tilt to allow excess grease to drip onto a plate. | Simple, requires no extra supplies. | Less effective at removing all grease. |
Key Takeaway
Four Facts About Draining Bacon Without Paper Towels
Introduction: The Problem With Paper Towels
The Environmental Impact Of Paper Towel Waste
Paper towels are a staple in most kitchens, but have you ever thought about the environmental impact they have?
Here are some key points to consider:
- Paper towel waste contributes to deforestation as each roll requires trees to be cut down
- The production of paper towels also requires large amounts of water and energy, which further exacerbates environmental issues.
- Once used, paper towels often end up in landfills where they take years to decompose and release harmful methane gas in the process.
- The cost of producing paper towels is not only monetary but also takes a significant toll on the environment.
The Drawbacks Of Using Paper Towels To Drain Bacon
While paper towels are a popular choice for draining bacon, they do come with drawbacks that you might not have considered before.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Paper towels can stick to the bacon, leaving fibers behind, creating a messy and unappetizing dish.
- Using paper towels for bacon can be costly, especially if you’re cooking large batches as it requires a considerable amount of paper towels.
- Paper towels cannot withstand high temperatures, and when they come into contact with hot oil, they can potentially become a fire hazard.
- Repeatedly using paper towels for the same task might seem convenient, but it’s not a hygienic practice.
By avoiding the use of paper towels when draining bacon, you can help to decrease your environmental impact while also achieving better results in your cooking.
There are many alternatives to paper towels that are better for the environment, such as reusable cloth napkins or towels. Plus, you can also save money in the long run by investing in long-term, eco-friendly solutions.
Choosing The Right Tools For Bacon Draining
The Importance Of Using A Rack Or Alternative Tool
To drain bacon without paper towels, using a rack or alternative tool is key. Not only does this method help in ensuring that your bacon is crisp, but it also helps in avoiding any possible splatters that may cause accidental burns.
To further elaborate on why using a rack or alternative tool is important, here are some key points:
- Using a rack helps in draining excess fat from the bacon, leading to a healthier meal.
- A bacon tray proves useful when you want to cook bacon in an oven, as it catches the grease and fat that melts during cooking, leading to a less greasy output.
- With the right tools that have been coated with a non-stick surface, cleaning up after cooking bacon is much easier, making the process less of a chore.
Recommended Tools For Draining Bacon Without Paper Towels
Now that we understand the importance of using a rack or alternative tool when draining bacon, what tools are recommended for this process?
Below are some tools that can help you drain bacon without paper towels:
- Baking rack – this allows the bacon to crispen up while the grease drips down to the bottom of the baking pan.
- Toaster oven – you can cook bacon using this appliance as it has specific settings that allow you to choose how crispy you want the bacon to be. Additionally, the toaster oven collects the excess grease in the crumb tray, making clean up a breeze.
- Microwave bacon tray – these trays come in a variety of materials, including glass and plastic, and offer an efficient way to cook bacon. This tool can be used to cook bacon quickly, with some micro tray styles allowing you to cook up to six slices of bacon at once.
When it comes to draining bacon without paper towels, the right tools make the process more manageable. Choose the right tool for you, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an enjoyable bacon-draining experience.
Step-By-Step Guide On Draining Bacon Without Paper Towels
Bacon is a breakfast favorite for many households, providing that smoky, savory flavor that is so hard to resist. However, there’s always the problem of how to drain it properly without the use of paper towels.
Fortunately, there are easy and effective ways to drain bacon without making a mess. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to drain bacon without paper towels.
Step 1: Preheat The Oven Or Pan
The first step to draining bacon without paper towels is to preheat the oven or pan. Preheat your oven to 400°f or your pan on medium-high heat on the stove for a couple of minutes. This will ensure that the bacon will cook evenly and prevent sticking later on.
Step 2: Prepare The Bacon For Draining
The next step is to prepare the bacon for draining. Place the bacon strips onto a rack, wire mesh screen, or a skillet. Leave enough space between each slice of bacon, so they have enough room to breathe and cook evenly.
You can also season the bacon with pepper, garlic powder, or any other spice to add that extra flavor.
Step 3: Use A Rack, Wire Mesh Screen, Or Skillet To Drain Bacon
Now it’s time to drain the bacon. If you are using a rack or wire mesh screen, place it on top of a baking tray. Once the oven is ready, place the tray on the middle rack and let the bacon cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
If you are using a skillet, make sure to turn the bacon strips regularly with tongs. This will help the bacon cook and ensure that they are not sticking to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until it reaches that crispy texture you prefer.
Step 4: Tips For Removing Excess Grease
After your bacon is cooked, it’s time to remove that excess grease.
Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Use tongs or a spatula to transfer the bacon onto a plate or paper towel to remove remaining oil
- Allow the bacon to cool for a few seconds before removing it from the rack or skillet.
- If you are using a skillet, tilt it slightly to one side, and use a spoon to remove the unwanted oil.
By following these quick and easy steps, you can easily drain bacon without paper towels. Try out these methods, and savor the flavor of your next bacon breakfast without any hassle or mess.
Tips For Consistently Crispy Bacon
Bacon is a breakfast staple in many households around the world. However, getting the perfect crispiness can be a challenge.
Here are some tips to ensure you consistently achieve crispy bacon every time.
Cooking Bacon Under The Broiler
Cooking bacon under the broiler is an excellent way to cook bacon when you need a lot of bacon at a go.
Below are a few things you can consider when cooking bacon under the broiler.
- Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack six inches below the broiler element.
- Use a baking sheet lined with foil to catch the grease from the bacon.
- Place bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Broil the bacon for about six minutes until golden brown.
- Use tongs to remove the bacon from the sheet and set on a plate or paper towel.
Using The Right Temperature For Your Bacon
Cooking bacon at the correct temperature is critical in achieving consistently crispy bacon.
Below are some of the things to consider when selecting the right temperature for your bacon.
- Use medium heat for the gas cooktop and low heat for the electric stovetop.
- Preheat the pan for a few minutes before placing the bacon on it.
- Place the bacon strips in a single layer on the pan to prevent overlapping.
- Let the bacon cook until the fat starts to bubble and the edges become crispy.
- Use tongs to remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a plate or paper towel.
Flipping Bacon For Even Cooking
Flipping bacon is essential to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides.
Below are some tips to help you flip your bacon correctly.
- Use tongs to flip the bacon, flipping it once in the middle of cooking.
- Flip the bacon after the top surface is crispy.
- Do not flip the bacon too frequently to avoid breaking it.
- Use a fresh paper towel to drain the grease after flipping the bacon.
Follow these simple tips, and you can achieve consistently crispy bacon every time!
FAQ On Draining Bacon Without Paper Towels
How Can I Drain Bacon Without Paper Towels?
To drain bacon without paper towels, use a wire rack or a cloth instead. Simply place the cooked bacon on the rack or cloth to allow the excess oil to drip off.
What Is The Benefit Of Draining Bacon?
Draining bacon removes excess oil, reduces calories and improves the texture and taste of the bacon. It also reduces the risk of grease stains and spills.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Bacon?
The best way to cook bacon is to use a skillet over low heat and turn it occasionally. This creates crisp, evenly cooked bacon.
Can I Reuse The Bacon Grease?
Yes, bacon grease can be reused for various cooking purposes such as frying, sautéing, baking and even as a spread. However, it must be stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several effective methods to drain bacon without relying on paper towels. Whether you choose to use a wire rack, a baking sheet, or a cast-iron skillet, each technique offers its own unique benefits. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce the amount of waste in your kitchen and create a more sustainable cooking routine.
Additionally, you can enjoy bacon that is just as crispy and delicious as ever, without the added hassle and mess of paper towels. So the next time you’re in the mood for some savory, salty bacon, try using one of these techniques to drain it instead.
Your taste buds – and the environment – will thank you!
