Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. But who has time for a pan and stovetop cooking every morning? Microwaving turkey bacon is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious breakfast staple. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to achieve perfectly cooked, crispy turkey bacon in your microwave.
What You'll Need:
- Turkey Bacon: Choose your preferred brand and cut. Pre-cooked turkey bacon requires less cooking time than uncooked.
- Microwave-Safe Plate: A flat plate is ideal to ensure even cooking. Avoid using anything metallic.
- Paper Towel: This helps absorb excess grease and prevents splattering.
- Microwave: Obviously!
How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparation
Lay the turkey bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they're not overlapping. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
Step 2: Paper Towel Placement
Place a paper towel on top of the turkey bacon. This will help absorb excess grease, resulting in crispier bacon.
Step 3: Microwave Cooking Time
Cooking times vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and the thickness of the bacon. Start with short bursts of 30-45 seconds, checking frequently. For most microwaves, 1-2 minutes total should suffice for pre-cooked turkey bacon, while uncooked turkey bacon might require 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
Turkey bacon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. It should be crispy and slightly browned.
Troubleshooting Common Microwave Turkey Bacon Problems
My Turkey Bacon is Soggy:
- Overlapping: Ensure your bacon slices aren't overlapping. This prevents even cooking and can lead to soggy bacon.
- Too Much Moisture: Use a fresh paper towel to absorb excess moisture. You might even need to replace the paper towel halfway through cooking.
- Low Wattage Microwave: Increase the cooking time in short increments, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
My Turkey Bacon is Burning:
- High Wattage Microwave: Reduce the cooking time and use shorter bursts.
- Too Long Cooking Time: Use a lower power setting or reduce the cooking time.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave?
This depends greatly on the wattage of your microwave and whether your bacon is pre-cooked or not. Pre-cooked turkey bacon generally only requires 1-2 minutes. Uncooked turkey bacon may need 2-3 minutes. The best approach is to start with shorter intervals (30-45 seconds) and check frequently.
Can I Cook Frozen Turkey Bacon in the Microwave?
While technically possible, it's not recommended. Frozen turkey bacon will require significantly longer cooking times, increasing the risk of uneven cooking and burning. It's best to thaw the bacon before microwaving.
What's the Best Way to Make Crispy Turkey Bacon in the Microwave?
The key is even cooking and moisture absorption. Arrange the bacon in a single layer, use a paper towel to absorb grease, and cook in short bursts, checking frequently.
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious microwave turkey bacon in minutes! Remember, every microwave is different, so adjust cooking times according to your specific appliance and the thickness of your bacon.
