Bacon wrapped filet mignon is the perfect combination of tender, juicy steak and crispy, flavorful bacon. This dish looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home, making it ideal for date nights, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook bacon wrapped filet mignon to perfection, this guide will walk you through the process with simple steps and tips to get that crispy bacon and tender steak every time.
What You’ll Need
– Filet mignon steaks (about 6 oz each, at least 1 inch thick)
– Thick-cut bacon strips
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil or cooking oil
– Butter
– Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary (optional)
– Garlic cloves (optional)
– Kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure bacon
Step 1: Prepare Your Steaks
Start by taking the filet mignon out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Letting the steaks come to room temperature helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is key for getting a nice sear.
Lightly season the steaks with salt and pepper. Since filet mignon is a tender, high-quality cut, simple seasoning is enough to enhance its natural flavor.
Step 2: Partially Cook the Bacon (Optional but Recommended)
For extra crispy bacon, partially cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium-low heat until they start to render fat but aren’t fully cooked or shrunken. Drain on paper towels and wipe out the pan. This step prevents soggy bacon later and helps it crisp nicely when seared with the steak.
Step 3: Wrap the Steaks with Bacon
Wrap one strip of bacon around the edge of each filet mignon. Overlap the ends slightly and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks to keep the bacon in place during cooking.
Step 4: Sear the Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Heat a skillet (preferably oven-safe like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter to coat the pan. Place the bacon wrapped filets in the hot pan and sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms on the steak and the bacon starts to caramelize.
Don’t forget to sear the bacon edges by holding the steaks with tongs and pressing the bacon sides against the hot pan until crispy. This step ensures the bacon is evenly cooked and crunchy all around.
Step 5: Add Aromatics and Butter (Optional for Extra Flavor)
Once the steaks are seared on both sides, add a couple of garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and rosemary sprigs to the pan along with a few tablespoons of butter. Spoon the melted butter and herbs over the steaks as they cook to infuse extra flavor.
Step 6: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Transfer the skillet with the seared steaks to a preheated oven at 400-450°F (204-232°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes depending on your preferred doneness:
– Rare: 120°F (no oven time usually needed)
– Medium rare: 130°F (2-3 minutes)
– Medium: 140°F (3-4 minutes)
– Medium well: 150°F (4-5 minutes)
– Well done: 160°F (5-7 minutes)
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect results. Remember the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a plate. Let them rest for about 5-7 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Remove the twine or toothpicks before serving.
For an extra touch, add a pat of butter on top or drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet tangy finish.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
– Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
– Don’t skip the resting step; it makes a big difference in juiciness.
– If you want extra crispy bacon, partially cooking it before wrapping helps.
– Use an oven-safe skillet so you can easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
– Season simply with salt and pepper to let the quality beef shine.
– Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Cooking bacon wrapped filet mignon is easier than it looks and delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. Follow these steps, and you’ll impress your guests or loved ones with a perfectly cooked, juicy steak wrapped in crispy, flavorful bacon every time.
Enjoy your delicious creation!