Why is it not recommended to microwave UK or Canadian bacon?
Following this thread (Is it possible to cook bacon without melting as much fat?), @Italian Philosopher mentions that this is not a good idea for UK or Canadian bacon.
I've noticed that most bacon I purchase in the UK says do not microwave, although I do occasionally nuke a few slices of back bacon for a short blast to get the water and phosphates out before frying.
Having eaten a few sandwiches in the past that the bacon has been microwaved, I'm still here to tell the tale. I assume the "don't microwave" advice is because the fat won't fry or render properly, but why is this OK for stateside pork?
Best Answer
If we are talking about bacon in these terms:
I believe it's because of the meat content difference. American bacon has a much higher fat-to-meat ratio and it's usually thinner, so when you microwave it the thin meat gets crispy (which is, arguably, a good thing in this case).
Canadian and UK bacon have much more meat, and if you microwave it the meat will dry out too much that both texture and flavour will be ruined.
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Quick Answer about "Why is it not recommended to microwave UK or Canadian bacon?"
Canadian and UK bacon have much more meat, and if you microwave it the meat will dry out too much that both texture and flavour will be ruined.Can you microwave Canadian bacon?
To Microwave: Place Canadian Bacon slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe paper towel. Cook on high for 20-30 seconds or until hot. All microwaves and appliances vary.Can you microwave British bacon?
Yes, you can cook bacon in the microwave! It's actually one of the easiest ways to cook it. As long as you follow a few simple instructions, your bacon will come out wonderfully crispy and evenly cooked. And you don't need a special cooker!Why you should not microwave bacon?
Processed Meats Bacon, hot dogs, lunch meat, and sausages should be cooked on the stove or in the oven, not in the microwave. That's because heating these processed meat products leads to the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). COPs have been linked to coronary heart disease.Why does Canadian bacon spark in the microwave?
"Arcing," according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, usually happens with foods that contain high amounts of minerals, including iron, magnesium, and selenium. Since those minerals act like "tiny pieces of metal," microwaves bounce off them just like they would a fork, causing the sparking effect.Do Microwave Bacon Cookers Work? Let's Find Out!
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