That crispiness, saltiness, and sizzling sound of bacon is the best remedy for a sluggish morning. But more than just a breakfast favorite, bacon finds its way into all sorts of recipes, from burgers to salads. You can cook it in various ways, and each results in a different texture, whether you like it chewy or crispy. However, you’ll want to know if it’s cooked properly, as undercooked bacon can pose health risks. So, how to know when bacon is done? Let’s explore that.
Can You Eat Bacon Raw?
No, you absolutely should not eat raw bacon. While steak can be undercooked slightly and still be safe to eat, bacon is not. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), bacon must be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 148°F (74°C) to be safe to consume. Otherwise, there's a risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to foodborne illness.
What Are Dangers of Undercooked Bacon?
Most bacon is made from raw pork, though some turkey bacon is also available. These raw meats can carry harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. Undercooking can cause food poisoning with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and muscle aches.
The most alarming concerning parasite in undercooked pork is Trichinella spiralis, a tiny roundworm that can burrow into your muscle tissue and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. While modern farming methods have reduced the prevalence of these bacteria and parasites, it’s still not worth the risk. That’s why it’s essential to know if your bacon is cooked thoroughly.
How to Tell If Bacon Is Cooked?
The only way to safely consume bacon is to cook it at high temperatures. However, if you’re afraid of overcooking it and just want that perfect, slightly charred aroma, and slightly chewy texture, here are some tips to tell if your bacon is cooked properly.
1. The Meat Thermometer
Using a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of meat is the most dependable way to tell if it’s done, whether you’re cooking a medium-rare steak or just bacon. The only problem is that if your bacon is too thin, a regular thermometer may not be able to penetrate it. In such cases, you might need additional methods to help you determine if your bacon is cooked just right.
2. The Color
Raw bacon is primarily pinkish-red, with white, slippery fat. As it cooks, bacon changes color to rich brown, with the fat turning tan or golden. However, if it becomes dark brown or black, it’s obviously overcooked and may taste bitter.
3. The Shape
When bacon is fully cooked, its shape will also change. The edges will go from being flat and limp to curling, waving, and rigid. To ensure it cooks evenly, you might need to press down on the bacon with a spatula and flip it over at least once.
4. The Size
Raw bacon, like any other meat, can shrink significantly after cooking, even by up to 40% of its volume. This is because the fat and moisture in the meat are rendered out, and you should see white foam around each slice of bacon. When you notice the foam, it’s an indication that it’s time to flip it over.
5. The Texture
Getting crispy bacon is not a difficult thing, but achieving a slightly chewy texture can be a challenge. Use tongs to pick up a piece of bacon from the pan. If it’s soft, limp, and sagging, it’s definitely undercooked. If it holds its shape but still has a slight bend, it’s probably a bit chewy but not overly crispy.
The Best Ways to Cook Bacon
Here are some of the best ways to cook bacon, as well as tips on how to tell if it's done.
- Pan-frying: This is the most classic way to cook bacon. All the above methods for doneness apply here. You’ll see a noticeable color change and hear a sizzling sound. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Turn the bacon over when you see white foam, and it is done when the sizzling sound subsides.
- Oven-baking: Besides pan-frying, I also like to bake bacon in the oven because I don’t have to flip or pay attention to it. The downside is that you won’t hear the sizzle, so you can only tell if it’s cooked by its appearance. Additionally, without the direct heat and fat from pan-frying, the bacon won’t get that crispy texture. To bake, simply lay the bacon on a baking sheet and cook it at 350˚F (177˚C) for 20-30 minutes.
- On the grill: Adding bacon to your menu is a common occurrence during grilling season, but its thickness can lead to quick burning. To avoid this, grill the bacon over indirect heat and turn it over frequently to avoid overcooking. It is effective to use the texture method to tell if your bacon is done.
- Air Fryer: It is easy to cook crispy bacon in an air fryer without a greasy residue. Just place the bacon in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 9 minutes. For an even crispier finish, let it go for 10 to 12 minutes. You can check the bacon a few minutes before the timer goes off to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
To Summarize
How to know when bacon is done? Bacon is cooked when it changes color from pink to brown, shrinks a bit, curls up, feels firm, and has a slight resistance when lifted, all while reaching an internal temperature of 148°F. Not sure which thermometer to choose? For bacon, I recommend the INKBIRD Instant-Read Meat Thermometer for its thin probe and quick readings. But for thicker bacon destined for the oven, a wireless thermometer might be a better choice.
