Just the sound of it sizzling in a pan is enough to wake us from a deep slumber. Whether we’re devouring it with eggs, crumbling pieces of it over a salad or adding it to our sandwich, we believe bacon is truly the gift that keeps on giving. If we had any qualms with the stuff, it’s that the consistency can vary widely depending on who’s cooking. Here, a simple trick for getting perfectly crispy, even strips every single time—while cutting down on grease splatters to boot.

What you need: Your premium cuts of meat, a pan (we recommend a cast-iron skillet) and a few tablespoons of all-purpose flour. What you do: Lay the bacon strips across the pan, making sure they’re evenly spaced and not crowding the surface. Then sprinkle a few pinches of flour on top before frying them. Wait a couple minutes before flipping the strips and repeating on the other side.

Why it works: The flour absorbs some of the excess grease, which helps the strips hold their shape so they don’t curl up on themselves. What does this mean for you? Extra crispy yet still juicy bacon—without all the splattering on the stove top.