This Is The Secret To Cooking Perfect Turkey Bacon

The perfect bacon is crispy on the outside, but still tender and chewy in the center. Unfortunately, if you're cooking turkey bacon, achieving that goal is a lot harder, because what makes turkey bacon healthier also makes it cook so differently from traditional bacon: the low fat content. 

In traditional bacon, about 68 percent of the calories come from fat, and one ounce contains about 30 milligrams of cholesterol, which is what makes the turkey variety so appealing (via HuffPost). Luckily, you can make turkey bacon crispy (and so much tastier) just by changing your preparation. So, if you're looking for the best possible bacon sans-pork, here's how you cook the perfect turkey bacon.

Unlike traditional bacon, you're going to want to skip preheating the oven. According to Cooks Illustrated, preparing turkey bacon in the oven can lead to a leathery outcome, and no one wants that. Instead, set a skillet over a medium heat, but make sure it isn't a dry pan. The secret to crispy turkey bacon is frying it in about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. 

This might seem like a lot, but the oil will ensure that the bacon makes constant, even contact with the heat, which allows for optimal crispiness. Once your pan of oil is shimmering, add the bacon in a single layer and let it fry for about eight to 10 minutes (or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness), flipping the bacon every two or three minutes to avoid burning. After that, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels (like you would with regular bacon) to drain the excess oil. 

If you're concerned about the added oil making a slightly-healthier version of bacon less healthy, you don't have to worry. The meat doesn't absorb much of the oil, and if you pat off any excess, you can ensure you aren't adding too many unnecessary calories to your turkey bacon (method via Cooks Illustrated). Enjoy!