Bacon is a delicious and incredibly versatile cured meat. It takes time to defrost it in the fridge, but there are alternative ways to do it faster. This article will tell you how to defrost half a pound of bacon in under an hour using the microwave or soaking the entire pack in water.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Thaw Bacon Using the Microwave
Step 1. Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels
Line a glass or ceramic plate with kitchen paper. If the plate is large, use two sheets of paper towels to be able to cover the entire surface. The paper has the function of absorbing excess grease. Remove the bacon from its original packaging and place it on the paper.
Spread the bacon slices evenly on the plate to speed up the defrosting process. If they are stuck to each other and you can't separate them, let them defrost for 2 minutes, this will make it easier to separate them
Step 2. Cover the bacon with paper towels
The high fat content of this cured meat means that greasy splashes can occur as it defrosts in the microwave. Place a sheet of paper towels on top of the bacon to avoid soiling the oven walls.
Use the normal kitchen paper that you buy at the supermarket
Step 3. Activate the "defrost" function of the microwave
If you need to specify the weight of the food to be defrosted, check the weight on the package and set it appropriately. The microwave will use this information to determine how long it takes to defrost it. Depending on the model of the oven, it may be sufficient to also specify the type of food and activate the "defrost" function for the microwave to automatically determine how long it takes to defrost it.
- If you don't have the original bacon package, weigh it using a kitchen scale.
- The time required to defrost the bacon will likely be less than 15 minutes.
Step 4. Cook the bacon as soon as it has defrosted
When the microwave turns off, carefully remove the dish from the oven and lift the paper towel. If the bacon has thawed, cook it immediately to prevent bacteria from the meat from proliferating and making you sick. Cook it in a pan, oven or microwave.
Step 5. Once cooked, you can store the bacon in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Place it in an airtight container and make sure it doesn't smell bad before you eat it.
Method 2 of 2: Thaw the Bacon by Soaking it in Water
Step 1. If the bacon package is open, place it in a waterproof plastic bag
If the original bacon package is open or damaged, you will need to transfer it to an airtight bag to prevent water or bacteria from compromising its quality. Zip lock food bags are functional for this purpose as they are easy to open and close.
- You can buy zip lock food bags at the supermarket.
- Leave the bacon in its original packaging if it is still intact.
Step 2. Dip the bacon in cold water
Fill the sink or large bowl with cold water, then insert the package or bag into the water.
Don't use the sink if you need to wash the dishes soon
Step 3. Change the water every 30 minutes until the bacon has thawed
Over time, the water will warm up, especially if the weather is hot. Replace it every half hour so the bacon can continue to thaw quickly, but safely. You will know that it is completely thawed when it becomes flexible.
To defrost half a kilo of bacon, it will take about an hour
Step 4. Cook the bacon in the oven, pan, or microwave, as you like
Once defrosted, it must be cooked immediately to prevent bacteria from proliferating. Cooking it when it is not yet completely defrosted is not dangerous to health. Just choose the method you prefer.
Step 5. Once cooked, you can store the bacon in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Put it in an airtight container and make sure it doesn't smell bad before you eat it.
