Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions feature spice-rubbed meat covered in a smoky and crisp bacon wrap. This restaurant-quality meal is easy enough to make during weeknights, and elegant enough to impress guests!.
On top of that, it tastes so good with almost any side dish. On the side, serve them with Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots, beautiful Duchess Potatoes, or a simple Garlic Shrimp Pasta!
Pork filets, also known as pork tenderloin medallions, make for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner. Wrapping the petite medallions with bacon adds a lovely smoky flavor and helps keep the lean pork juicy The combination of salty bacon and tender pork is sure to impress!
In this article I’ll walk you through how to cook perfect bacon wrapped pork filets from start to finish using two popular recipes as references. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make bacon wrapped pork filets, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin, cut into 1-2 inch medallions
- Bacon – use thick cut for best results
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, etc.
- Spices like garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Butter or olive oil for searing
I recommend allowing 1-2 pork medallions (around 4 oz of meat) per person. You’ll need 1 slice of bacon per medallion.
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Medallions
Start with a whole pork tenderloin, about 1-1.5 lbs. Trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Then, slice the tenderloin crosswise into rounds about 1-2 inches thick. These are your pork medallions.
Pro Tip: Cut the tenderloin AFTER applying any spices or marinade. This helps the flavors really penetrate each piece.
Step 2: Make a Quick Dry Rub
A simple dry rub adds lots of flavor fast. The most popular spices seem to be:
- 1-2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1-2 tbsp brown sugar
Mix the spices in a small bowl. Then generously coat the pork medallions on all sides with the rub.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take each seasoned pork medallion and wrap it completely with a slice of bacon. The bacon helps keep the lean pork moist and adds delicious smoky flavor.
Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place. Make sure the bacon wrap is tight and covers all the sides.
Pro Tip: Partially cooking the bacon first helps make it easier to wrap without ripping.
Step 4: Quickly Sear the Pork
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil or butter. Once hot, add the bacon wrapped pork medallions and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
You’ll want a nice sear to form on the outside while the inside stays tender and juicy.
Step 5: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Transfer the seared pork medallions to a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
An instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part should read 140-145°F when done.
Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.
Step 6: Make a Pan Sauce (Optional)
Once the pork is done cooking, make a quick pan sauce if desired. Here’s how:
- Add minced shallots and garlic to the hot skillet. Sauté 1 minute.
- Deglaze pan with chicken broth, wine or juice and simmer until reduced slightly.
- Whisk in a pat of butter.
- Season with herbs and salt/pepper.
Drizzle the sauce over the pork filets for added flavor!
Cooking Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Let pork rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Mix up the spices in the rub – get creative!
- Use wood-smoked, maple or other flavored bacon.
- Add fresh herbs like sage or rosemary.
- Cook in a hot cast iron skillet for the best sear.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon wrapped filets pair well with so many sides like:
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Creamy polenta
- Buttery egg noodles
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf or risotto
A quick pan sauce, fresh herbs and roasted veggies round out the meal wonderfully. Enjoy this easy yet elegant dinner idea on a weeknight or for company! The bacon wrapped pork filets look so fancy but come together quickly.
Bacon Pork Medallions Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions steal the show every time I serve them on the table. Don’t get me wrong—bacon and very tender pork is always a winner! Add the smoky, sweet, and peppery spice crust we put on the meat right before roasting, and you know every bite will be amazing.
This is the kind of recipe you serve on a romantic date, at a dinner party, or any other time you want to make a meal extra special. When served with great sides like Fondant Potatoes, Caprese Salad, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts, it looks so pretty. No one will suspect how effortless it was to make!.
How do you tenderize pork medallions?
You can put them between cling film, then tenderize with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Try marinating them with vinegar, soy sauce, or brine.
In this recipe, the bacon keeps the outside from drying out, and the hot roasting process makes sure the meat stays moist and is fully cooked.
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe- How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin
How do you cook bacon wrapped pork?
Secure the bacon in place using toothpicks or kitchen twine. Place the bacon wrapped pork filet on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet. Transfer the skillet or baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can you cook bacon wrapped pork filets on a grill?
Yes, you can cook bacon wrapped pork filet both on a grill or in the oven. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and cook the filets over indirect heat to prevent flare-ups. If using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and place the filets on a baking sheet lined with foil or a wire rack.
How long do you cook bacon wrapped pork tenderloin?
Turn the bacon wrapped pork tenderloin over so that it’s seam-side down on the sheet pan. Place in a preheated oven and allow to roast for 25-30 minutes or until the pork reaches 145°F/63°C internal temperature on a meat thermometer. Remove the pork from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving. Can I make this ahead?
How do you eat bacon wrapped pork filets?
Carve the pork filet into thick slices, removing the toothpicks or twine as you go. Serve the succulent bacon wrapped pork filet with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
How do you wrap a pork tenderloin in bacon?
First, a no-fail method for wrapping bacon evenly around the tenderloin. Second, rubbing the pork with an aromatic blend of olive oil, rosemary, and garlic before it’s wrapped in bacon infuses it with flavor. And finally a technique I swear by, roasting it on an oven-safe rack inside a rimmed baking sheet so the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.
How do you cook a bacon Tenderloin in a frying pan?
Wrap four slices bacon around each tenderloin, securing each strip with 1 to 2 toothpicks. Slice tenderloins between each bacon strip to create a total of eight medallions. Dip medallions into seasoning mix on both sides. Melt butter and oil together in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add medallions and cook for 4 minutes on each side.