Quick Reference How Long To Cook Turkey Bacon
When preparing breakfast, the cooking time of turkey bacon often makes people hesitate. Too long or too short a time will affect the taste. Let's discuss how to grasp the best cooking time for turkey bacon.
How long is turkey bacon supposed to be cooked?
The best frying time for turkey bacon is 5 to 6 minutes. This time can make the bacon both thoroughly cooked and keep it tender.
The specific operation is to preheat the pan over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes and then put in the bacon. Fry one side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and then turn it over. During the frying process, always observe the color change of the bacon. When the surface shows a uniform golden color and the edges are slightly curled up, it means the heat is just right.
Turkey bacon is easier to be overcooked than ordinary bacon, so the time must be well controlled. If it exceeds 8 minutes, it will become dry and tough. It is recommended that you can turn off the heat 30 seconds in advance when frying for the first time and continue to heat with the remaining heat, so it is easier to master the best heat.
Can turkey bacon be undercooked?
Turkey bacon cannot be eaten half-cooked. It must be fried until completely cooked before eating.
Unlike ordinary pork bacon, turkey is prone to carrying bacteria. Eating undercooked turkey bacon can easily cause abdominal pain, vomiting and even food poisoning. When frying, wait until the surface of the bacon turns a uniform golden color and the inside completely turns white. There cannot be any pink raw meat. Only in this way is it safe. Generally, it can be cooked through in 5 to 6 minutes.
How to tell if turkey bacon is fully cooked?
It can be accurately judged by color, texture and aroma.
Color judgment: Raw turkey bacon is pink like chicken breast in the supermarket's chilled fresh area. After frying, it will turn dark brown similar to KFC's roasted chicken wings. After cutting it open, the inside should completely turn white like boiled chicken breast and there should be no pink of raw meat.
Texture observation: Raw turkey bacon is as soft as raw chicken breast. After frying, it will become firm like turkey slices sold in deli stores. When pressed with chopsticks, it should be elastic, just like cooked chicken breast and there will be no blood flowing out.
Aroma identification: Fried turkey bacon will emit an aroma like roasted chicken wings, completely different from the fishy smell of raw meat. When frying at home and smelling this aroma, it means that the turkey bacon has been fried properly.
Why doesn't turkey bacon get crispy?
Turkey bacon is difficult to achieve a crispy texture, which is determined by its special meat structure and composition.
Each slice of turkey bacon contains less than 1 gram of fat, while ordinary bacon contains 3 to 4 grams of fat. During frying, the lack of sufficient fat melting makes it impossible to form a crispy surface, resulting in a tougher texture of turkey bacon.
The fiber structure of turkey meat is particularly tight, and moisture is not easy to evaporate. Even when fried at high temperatures, this tight structure will also hinder the loss of moisture, and only a slight crispness can be formed on the surface. But this characteristic makes turkey bacon a healthy and low-fat choice, suitable for people on a controlled diet.
Should I add oil when cooking turkey bacon?
No additional oil is needed for turkey bacon. It can be fried directly in a non-stick pan. Because bacon itself contains a certain amount of oil, which is enough to complete the cooking process.
If you are worried about it being too dry, you can smear a little oil on the bottom of the pan and wipe off the excess with kitchen paper. Leaving a thin layer is enough. It is recommended to use olive oil or vegetable oil. Butter is easy to burn and affects the taste.
The characteristic of turkey bacon is that it is healthy and low in fat. Adding too much oil not only goes against the original intention of choosing it but also makes the bacon soften. Frying directly in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat can maintain health and fry out a good taste.
Does turkey bacon get crispier in the oven or in a pan?
Turkey bacon becomes crispier in the oven than in a frying pan because the oven can provide more uniform heating and allow moisture to fully evaporate.
When using the oven, spread the bacon flat on a baking tray lined with tin foil and bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to turn it over once halfway so that both sides can be baked evenly. When frying in a frying pan, fry over medium-low heat for 6 to 7 minutes, but it is difficult to achieve the crispness of the oven.
For better results, you can completely absorb the moisture on the surface of the bacon with kitchen paper before cooking, so that it is easier to make turkey bacon with better texture.
