Thick-Cut Peppered Bacon Braised in Water

Ingredients

• 12 oz thick-cut bacon (about 8 strips)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Before you cook

• Separate the bacon strips.
• Line a plate with paper towels.

Steps

1. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in a cold 12-inch skillet.
2. Pour the cold water over the bacon so it comes about halfway up the strips.
3. Set the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the water to a hard simmer.
4. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, until the water has boiled away and you hear the sizzle change from bubbling to frying.
5. Lower the heat to medium and let the bacon fry in its own rendered fat for 4 minutes.
6. Turn each strip with tongs and grind the black pepper over the top.
7. Fry 3 to 5 minutes more, until the strips are firm and evenly browned but still show pink-brown streaks of meat.
8. Drain the strips on the paper towels for 1 minute and serve.