If you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal, look no further than these Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Medallions! This delectable dish combines the juicy tenderness of pork with the irresistible crunch of bacon, creating a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone raving about your cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 8 slices of bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Remove pork tenderloin from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Slice the pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions, creating approximately 8 equal pieces.
- Season medallions generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Wrap each pork medallion completely with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary to keep bacon in place.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Carefully place bacon-wrapped medallions in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper browning.
- Cook medallions for approximately 4-5 minutes on the first side until bacon becomes crisp and golden brown.
- Flip medallions and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove medallions from skillet and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures tender meat.
- Remove toothpicks before serving and plate the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For the best results, remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and achieve that perfect tenderness.
- Dry Before Cooking: Patting the pork dry with paper towels is crucial. This step helps achieve a beautifully browned exterior, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
- Uniform Medallions: Slice the pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions to ensure even cooking. This not only looks appealing but also guarantees that each piece cooks consistently.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! A generous coating of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on all sides of the medallions will enhance the flavors and create a delicious crust.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the bacon-wrapped medallions in the skillet, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the bacon to crisp up beautifully and ensures even cooking.
- Perfectly Crisp Bacon: Cook the medallions for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This guarantees juicy pork with perfectly crisp bacon.
- Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the medallions rest for 5-7 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Presentation Matters: Don’t forget to remove any toothpicks before serving! Plate your bacon-wrapped medallions with a garnish of fresh herbs for an elegant touch that will wow your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
