Calling all meat lovers! If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party, bacon-wrapped filet mignon is the ultimate dish. This simple recipe combines the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of filet mignon with the smoky, savory goodness of crispy bacon. And no, you don’t need a culinary degree or fancy tools to pull this off at home.
How to cook bacon wrapped filet mignon ?
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need, from sourcing the best ingredients to getting that perfect sear. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the steps, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Filet mignon steaks (2–3 inches thick): Look for tender, high-quality cuts. Prime or choice-grade beef works best.
- Thick-cut bacon: The smoky flavor of high-quality bacon complements the filet perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: These classics never go out of style for seasoning the steaks.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds just a hint of flavor.
- Olive oil or butter: For that lovely sizzle in the pan.
- Toothpicks: Essential for securing the bacon around the steaks.
That’s it—simple, right? Now to the fun part.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prep Your Steaks
Start by patting your filet mignon steaks dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear! Once dry, season the steaks generously on all sides. Just keep it simple with salt and pepper, but a sprinkle of garlic powder doesn’t hurt if you’re feeling fancy.
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Wrap with Bacon
Take a strip of thick-cut bacon and wrap it snugly around the edge of each steak. The goal here is to encase the filet in bacon without overlapping too much. Secure the ends of the bacon strip with a toothpick (or two).
Pro tip: If you’re worried about the bacon drying out during searing, use slightly undercooked bacon from the stove or microwave so it finishes on the steak.
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Preheat Your Pan
A good sear is critical for locking in all the juices, so you’ll want a hot pan. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works wonders) over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or butter and allow it to heat until shimmering.
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Sear to Perfection
Place your bacon-wrapped steaks in the hot pan. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs to avoid unwrapping the bacon. You want a golden-brown crust on the steak and slightly crispy bacon edges.
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Transfer to the Oven
Now that you’ve nailed the sear, finish cooking the steaks in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), transfer the skillet (handle and all) directly into the oven, and roast for about:
- 5–6 minutes for medium-rare.
- 7–8 minutes for medium.
- Anything longer, and we’ll pretend we didn’t have this conversation.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer—medium-rare should hit an internal temp of 130–135°F. Remember, the steak will continue to cook for a bit once it’s out of the oven.
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Rest & Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a cutting board. Here’s the hardest part—resist the urge to dig in right away! Allow the steaks to rest for 5–10 minutes. This step seals in all those glorious juices.
Serve with your favorite sides, like garlicky mashed potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.
Additional Tips for Bacon-Wrapped Filet Success
- Choose the right bacon: Your bacon should have a good balance of fat and flavor. Avoid overly sweet options (like maple-glazed) as they can overpower the filet.
- Mind the toothpicks: Want to level up your plating game? Use colored toothpicks or cut off the tips so they blend seamlessly with the bacon.
- Experiment with sauces: Pair your steaks with a red wine reduction, béarnaise sauce, or a creamy peppercorn gravy for that fine-dining feel.
- Cook for your crowd: Filet mignon is all about indulgence, so don’t skimp on ingredients—your dinner guests will thank you.
Why You’ll Love Making This Dish
What makes bacon-wrapped filet mignon so special, you ask? Well, for one, it’s nearly foolproof. Even if you’re a kitchen newbie, the tenderness of the filet combined with crispy bacon delivers flavor every time. Plus, it’s versatile—fancy enough for a romantic dinner but simple enough to whip up on a Tuesday “just because.”
This meal is less about complication and more about celebrating those little moments that make life delicious. And trust us, when your kitchen smells like sizzling bacon and steak, you’ll savor every second.
Now it’s your turn to shine—share your bacon-wrapped filet pics or tag us. We’d love to celebrate your culinary creations!
Happy cooking !