Bacon is a popular breakfast staple that’s beloved by many. While the traditional way of cooking bacon on the stove is effective, Instant Pot bacon is gaining popularity among bacon lovers. Instant Pot bacon is quick, easy, and results in crispy and delicious bacon every time. If you’re wondering how to cook bacon in an Instant Pot, we’ve got you covered with this detailed guide.
Why cook bacon in an Instant Pot?
Instant Pot is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes. When it comes to cooking bacon, Instant Pot offers several benefits. Instant Pot bacon is quick and hassle-free, as you don’t have to attend to the stove and turn the bacon strips. Cooking bacon in the Instant Pot also reduces the mess and splatters that often accompany stove-top cooking. Plus, the Instant Pot seals in the moisture, enhancing the flavor and texture of the bacon.
Another advantage of cooking bacon in an Instant Pot is that it allows you to cook a large quantity of bacon at once. This is especially useful when cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week. You can easily fit up to a pound of bacon in the Instant Pot, and it will cook evenly without the need for flipping or rotating.
Additionally, cooking bacon in an Instant Pot is a healthier option compared to frying it on the stove. The excess fat drips off the bacon and collects at the bottom of the Instant Pot, resulting in a leaner and less greasy bacon. This is a great option for those who are health-conscious or trying to reduce their fat intake.
Choosing the right bacon for an Instant Pot
When choosing bacon for your Instant Pot recipe, select high-quality bacon that has a balanced fat-to-meat ratio. Thick-cut bacon is ideal for this cooking method as it can withstand the pressure of the Instant Pot and won’t overcook quickly.
It is also important to consider the flavor profile of the bacon. Hickory-smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to dishes, while applewood-smoked bacon has a sweeter, fruitier taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose unsmoked bacon. Keep in mind that the type of bacon you choose will affect the overall taste of your dish.
Preparing the Instant Pot for cooking bacon
Before using your Instant Pot for cooking bacon, ensure that it’s clean and dry. Place the stainless steel trivet inside the Instant Pot and add one cup of water to it. This water will help create steam and prevent the bacon from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
It’s important to note that the amount of bacon you can cook in your Instant Pot will depend on the size of your pot. For a 6-quart Instant Pot, you can cook up to 8-10 slices of bacon at a time. For an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can cook up to 12-14 slices of bacon at a time. It’s also recommended to use a natural release method when cooking bacon in the Instant Pot to prevent any splattering or mess.
Adding liquid to your Instant Pot bacon recipe
Adding liquid to your Instant Pot bacon recipe is optional. However, it can help to infuse the bacon strips with flavor and prevent them from becoming too dry. You can add maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar to the water in the Instant Pot. Alternatively, you can use chicken or beef broth for added flavor.
Another benefit of adding liquid to your Instant Pot bacon recipe is that it can help to create a delicious sauce or glaze. As the bacon cooks, the liquid will reduce and thicken, creating a flavorful coating for the bacon. You can also add herbs and spices to the liquid to further enhance the flavor.
It's important to note that if you choose to add liquid to your Instant Pot bacon recipe, you should use a trivet or steamer basket to keep the bacon strips elevated above the liquid. This will prevent the bacon from becoming soggy and ensure that it cooks evenly. Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your Instant Pot to ensure that you are using the correct amount of liquid and cooking time for your recipe.
Adjusting cooking time based on bacon thickness and desired crispiness
The cooking time for Instant Pot bacon depends on the thickness of the bacon strips and how crispy you want them to be. For thin bacon strips, cook them on high pressure for two minutes. For thick bacon strips, cook them on high pressure for four minutes. To achieve really crispy bacon, increase the cooking time by one or two minutes. Once the bacon cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for five minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
It's important to note that the type of bacon you use can also affect the cooking time and crispiness. For example, if you're using maple-flavored bacon, it may cook faster and become crispier than regular bacon. Additionally, if you're cooking a large amount of bacon at once, you may need to adjust the cooking time and pressure to ensure that all the bacon is cooked evenly. Experiment with different types of bacon and cooking times to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.
Tips for preventing splattering and mess when cooking bacon in an Instant Pot
To minimize the splatters and mess when cooking bacon in an Instant Pot, cover the lid with a kitchen towel. This towel will absorb any excess moisture and prevent it from splattering all around the kitchen. Also, avoid overcrowding the bacon strips in the Instant Pot as this can cause them to stick together and become soggy.
Another tip to prevent splattering and mess when cooking bacon in an Instant Pot is to use a splatter screen. This screen will prevent the hot grease from splattering all over the kitchen and also allow the bacon to cook evenly. Additionally, you can place the bacon on a wire rack before cooking it in the Instant Pot. This will allow the excess grease to drip off and prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy.
It is also important to choose the right type of bacon when cooking in an Instant Pot. Thick-cut bacon works best as it holds its shape and texture better than thin-cut bacon. Moreover, you can experiment with different seasonings and spices to add flavor to your bacon. Some popular options include brown sugar, black pepper, and paprika.
How to properly release pressure after cooking bacon in an Instant Pot
After the cooking time is up, it’s important to release the pressure from the Instant Pot properly. Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for five minutes before turning the release valve to quick-release the remaining pressure. Use tongs to remove the bacon strips from the Instant Pot and place them on a paper towel. Blot the excess oil with another paper towel before serving.
Creative ways to season and flavor your Instant Pot bacon
Besides the traditional way of cooking bacon in the Instant Pot, you can spice up your bacon with creative seasoning and flavoring options. You can add black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the bacon strips before cooking them in the Instant Pot. Alternatively, you can brush the bacon strips with a mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Serving suggestions and pairing ideas for your cooked bacon dish
Instant Pot bacon is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Besides the classic breakfast pairing with eggs, you can add the bacon strips to sandwiches, salads, or serve them as a side dish to your favorite main course. Pair the bacon with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of steaming coffee for a perfect breakfast treat.
Using Instant Pot bacon in meal prep recipes for the week ahead
Instant Pot bacon is a great ingredient for meal prep recipes for the week ahead. You can add the cooked bacon strips to your meal prep containers and store them in the fridge for future use. The bacon strips can be used in omelets, breakfast burritos, or added to stir-fries for a protein boost.
Common mistakes to avoid when cooking bacon in an Instant Pot
One common mistake when cooking bacon in an Instant Pot is using too much liquid, which can result in soggy bacon strips. Another mistake is cooking the bacon for too long, resulting in burnt or overcooked bacon. To avoid these mistakes, ensure you follow the recommended cooking times and use the right amount of liquid for your recipe.
Troubleshooting tips for common issues with cooking bacon in an Instant Pot
If the bacon strips are sticking to the trivet, you can add a thin layer of oil to the trivet to prevent this. If the bacon strips aren’t crispy enough after the recommended cooking times, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the bacon strips for an additional one or two minutes.
In conclusion
Instant Pot bacon is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that is perfect for breakfast or meal prep for the week ahead. With these tips and guidelines, you can cook crispy and flavorful bacon in your Instant Pot with minimal fuss and mess.
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