I Caved to the TikTok Trend of Cooking Bacon in Water. Here’s How It Went

When it comes to breakfast, bacon is a beloved staple that comes in various textures, from crunchy to tender. Despite this diversity, a TikTok trend suggests a method of cooking bacon in water, promising even cooking, reduced splatter, and even a slight reduction in sodium content. To assess this claim, I decided to give the water-cooking technique a try. Though I typically prefer the convenience of oven baking or the speed of an air fryer, I was curious about the purported benefits of this unconventional approach.

After following the TikTok instructions, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The bacon strips turned out chewy yet crispy, with none of the charred bitterness typically associated with overcooked bacon. Cleanup was remarkably quick, thanks to a simple wipe down with a sponge and towel. The leftover bacon grease proved to be a valuable asset, adding a rich flavor to other dishes like vegetables and rice.

It’s worth noting that this method did take slightly longer than using an oven or cast-iron skillet, but the reduction in cleanup time more than made up for it.

While there was a slight trade-off in terms of cooking time, the overall quality of the bacon made the extra few minutes worthwhile. This water-cooking method stands out as a gem in the often-overhyped world of culinary shortcuts. It’s particularly refreshing to find an effective hack that genuinely enhances the cooking process for a universally cherished ingredient like bacon.

The fact that this trend has taken off on TikTok is a testament to the power of social media, often getting things right when conventional wisdom might fall short. For fellow bacon enthusiasts, this technique is a welcome addition to the culinary repertoire.