If you want to learn how to cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels, you are in the right place. This method saves you from wasting paper and keeps your bacon crispy without the mess. Skipping paper towels in the microwave means using a bacon rack or a plate with a slight tilt.
Many people think you need paper towels to soak up grease. But you can get perfect bacon with less waste and fewer steps. This guide shows you exactly how to do it, with simple tools you already have at home.
Why Cook Bacon In The Microwave Without Paper Towels
Paper towels are not always handy. Maybe you ran out, or you want to cut down on kitchen waste. Cooking bacon without them is not just possible—it is often better.
The microwave heats bacon fast. Without paper towels, the grease can drip away from the meat. This leaves you with crispy strips that are not soggy. Plus, you save money on paper products.
Another reason is flavor. When bacon sits on paper towels, some of the fat soaks back into the meat. Without towels, the fat drains off completely. You get a cleaner, less greasy taste.
How To Cook Bacon In The Microwave Without Paper Towels
Here is the step-by-step method. You need a microwave-safe plate or a bacon rack. A bacon rack is best because it lifts the bacon above the grease.
What You Need
- Bacon strips (any thickness works)
- Microwave-safe plate or bacon rack
- Small bowl or cup to tilt the plate
- Paper or cloth to wipe the plate later (optional)
Step 1: Set Up Your Plate Or Rack
If you use a plate, place a small bowl or cup under one edge. This tilts the plate so grease runs to one side. Make sure the plate is stable and will not tip.
If you have a bacon rack, put it directly on the microwave turntable. The rack has slots that let grease drip into a tray below.
Step 2: Arrange The Bacon
Lay bacon strips flat on the plate or rack. Do not overlap them. Overlapping causes uneven cooking and soggy spots. If you need to cook more than 4 strips, do them in batches.
Space the strips so they are not touching. This lets hot air circulate and cook each piece evenly.
Step 3: Cover The Bacon
Cover the bacon with a microwave-safe lid or another plate turned upside down. This stops grease from splattering inside your microwave. It also traps steam, which helps the bacon cook faster.
If you do not have a lid, use a microwave-safe bowl to cover the plate. Do not use plastic wrap unless it is labeled microwave-safe.
Step 4: Microwave In Intervals
Cook the bacon on high power. Start with 1 minute for thin bacon or 2 minutes for thick-cut. Check the bacon after each interval.
Continue cooking in 30-second bursts until the bacon reaches your desired crispness. Thin bacon usually takes 3 to 4 minutes total. Thick bacon may take 5 to 6 minutes.
Watch closely near the end. Bacon can burn quickly in the microwave.
Step 5: Remove And Drain
Use tongs or a fork to lift the bacon from the plate or rack. The grease will be hot, so be careful. Place the bacon on a clean plate or cutting board.
Let it cool for 30 seconds. The bacon will crisp up more as it cools. If you want extra crispiness, microwave for 10 more seconds.
Using A Bacon Rack For Best Results
A bacon rack is a simple tool that makes this method easier. It is a microwave-safe plastic or ceramic tray with raised ridges. The bacon sits on the ridges, and grease drips into the tray below.
You can buy a bacon rack online or at kitchen stores. They cost around $10 to $20. Some microwave turntables come with a built-in rack.
If you do not have a rack, a tilted plate works just as well. The key is to let the grease run off the bacon.
Tips For Perfect Microwave Bacon
- Use thin bacon for faster cooking. Thick bacon takes longer and may not crisp as evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the plate. Cook 3 to 4 strips at a time for best results.
- Check the bacon after each interval. Microwaves vary in power.
- Let the bacon rest for 30 seconds after cooking. It will crisp up as it cools.
- Save the rendered bacon grease. Pour it into a jar and use it for cooking later.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Overlapping The Strips
When bacon overlaps, the parts under other strips stay raw. This gives you unevenly cooked bacon. Always lay strips flat and separate.
Not Covering The Bacon
Without a cover, grease splatters all over your microwave. This makes a mess and can cause burns. Always use a lid or plate to cover the bacon.
Cooking Too Long At Once
Microwaves cook fast. Cooking bacon for 5 minutes straight can burn it. Use short intervals and check often.
Using The Wrong Plate
Some plates are not microwave-safe. Check the bottom of your plate for a microwave-safe label. Metal-trimmed plates can cause sparks.
How To Clean Up After Cooking
One benefit of skipping paper towels is less waste. But you still need to clean the plate or rack. Let the grease cool slightly, then pour it into a container. Wipe the plate with a paper towel or cloth.
If you used a bacon rack, wash it with hot soapy water. Most racks are dishwasher-safe. The tray underneath may have a lot of grease, so rinse it before washing.
For a tilted plate, just wipe off the grease and wash normally. The bowl or cup you used to tilt the plate can be washed too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook Bacon In The Microwave Without Paper Towels And Without A Rack?
Yes. Use a microwave-safe plate tilted with a small bowl or cup under one edge. This lets grease run off the bacon. Cover with a lid to prevent splatters.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Bacon In The Microwave Without Paper Towels?
Thin bacon takes 3 to 4 minutes total. Thick bacon takes 5 to 6 minutes. Cook in 30-second intervals and check for doneness.
Is Microwave Bacon As Crispy As Pan-fried Bacon?
Microwave bacon can be very crispy, but it is slightly different from pan-fried. It tends to be more uniform in texture. Letting it rest after cooking helps it crisp up.
Can I Reuse The Bacon Grease From Microwave Cooking?
Yes. Pour the rendered grease into a heat-safe container and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to a month. Use it for frying eggs or roasting vegetables.
Do I Need To Flip The Bacon During Microwave Cooking?
No. Flipping is not necessary if the bacon is arranged flat and covered. The microwave cooks from all sides. If you want extra even cooking, you can flip halfway through.
Why This Method Saves Time And Money
Microwave bacon cooks in under 6 minutes. Pan-frying takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires constant attention. The microwave method is faster and hands-off.
Skipping paper towels saves you money over time. A roll of paper towels costs around $2 to $4. If you cook bacon once a week, you use about 2 towels per batch. That adds up to over $100 per year in paper towels alone.
Plus, you reduce waste. Paper towels are not recyclable when soaked with grease. By using a plate or rack, you skip the trash entirely.
Variations: Different Bacon Types
Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick bacon needs more time. Start with 2 minutes, then add 30-second intervals. It may take up to 6 minutes. The texture will be chewier than thin bacon.
Turkey Bacon
Turkey bacon is leaner and cooks faster. Start with 1 minute, then add 15-second intervals. Watch closely because it burns easily. It will be less crispy than pork bacon.
Pre-Cooked Bacon
Pre-cooked bacon only needs reheating. Microwave for 15 to 30 seconds. Do not overcook or it will become hard.
Storing Leftover Microwave Bacon
If you cook more bacon than you need, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
You can also freeze cooked bacon. Lay strips on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen bacon lasts up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook bacon in the microwave without paper towels is simple and practical. You only need a plate or a rack, and a few minutes of your time. The result is crispy, less greasy bacon with no paper waste.
Try this method next time you want bacon fast. It works for breakfast, sandwiches, or salads. You might never go back to paper towels again.