The Surprising Trick For How to Cook Bacon Without Splatters

Life motto: You can never have too much bacon. Where would we be without candied bacon, bacon-wrapped veggies, bacon guacamole and bacon fried rice? But man, cooking it (even if it’s to enjoy all by itself) is a huge mess. Not to mention it’s sometimes painful. That’s why we were excited to hear about a technique that completely eliminates bacon spatters and makes perfectly crispy slices. And it’s even more simple than you think. Here, our tips for how to cook bacon without splatter.

The trick: All you need is water. Yep, it’s that simple. Pour just enough water over your slices in the skillet so they’re submerged. Then, crank the heat up to high. When the water boils, turn the heat down to medium. Won’t that leave you with soggy bacon, though? Nope. The H20 will completely evaporate, giving you perfectly crispy yet succulent—not brittle—results. And a way cleaner stove. (Not to mention, burn-free arms.)

Why does it work, though? Simmering water keeps the initial cooking temperature low, so the meat keeps its tenderness. By the time the water boils away, most of the fat has rendered—so you’re less likely to burn the bacon and the grease won’t spatter. #Science.

Anything else? One last thing—don’t let all of that grease go to waste. For the ultimate breakfast treat, use it to make your eggs taste a million times better. Have more fat than you know what to do with? Here are 18 genius ways to use up leftover bacon grease.

Now go enjoy that time we saved you since you don’t have to clean a sticky stovetop.