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Bacon wrapped pork medallions make for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner. These tender pork medallions are wrapped in bacon seasoned beautifully then seared and baked to perfection.
The medallions come out juicy and flavorful, encased in crispy, salty bacon. It’s a combo that’s sure to please!
While the prep is simple there are some important tips to follow for cooking bacon wrapped pork medallions flawlessly. Read on to learn all the secrets step-by-step, including
- How to buy and prep the pork
- Choosing the right bacon
- Pro tips for seasoning
- Wrapping methods
- Cooking instructions
- Serving suggestions
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to make restaurant-quality bacon wrapped pork medallions at home!
How to Buy and Prep Pork Medallions
Choose pork tenderloin – The tenderloin is the most tender cut of pork. When sliced into rounds it makes perfect medallions. Pork loin is thicker and needs longer cooking.
Buy high quality – Choose the freshest, best pork you can find. The meat should have a light pink color without any off smells.
Cut into rounds – Slice the tenderloin widthwise into rounds about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. This makes them a nice single-serve portion.
Season well – Rub a seasoning blend all over the pork before wrapping. This adds lots of flavor.
Buying the right cut of pork and prepping it correctly makes all the difference in the finished dish. Now let’s talk about the bacon.
Choosing the Right Bacon
Pick a thick cut – Thin bacon will overcook and burn before the pork cooks through. Opt for thick-sliced artisanal bacon or high-quality store-bought.
Choose a flavor – Applewood smoked bacon is delicious. Or try fun flavors like maple, brown sugar, peppered, or hickory smoked.
Get good quality – Factory farm bacon tends to be thin and flimsy. Spend a few extra bucks for high-quality, humanely raised bacon when possible.
Partially pre-cook – Par-cook the bacon before wrapping so it renders some fat and crisps up beautifully.
Selecting tasty, good quality bacon really takes the dish to the next level.
Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor
Dry brine first – Gently rub salt, pepper, and sugar all over the pork. Let rest 20 mins.
Use herbs and spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder are all great picks.
Flavor the bacon – Coat bacon in brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, or other seasonings before cooking.
Splurge on a rub – Pre-made blends like cajun seasoning take the guesswork out.
Properly seasoning is key for pork medallions with great flavor in every bite. Now let’s get to the fun part – the wrapping!
How to Wrap the Bacon Around the Pork Medallions
Pre-cook bacon – Fry until just starting to crisp but still pliable enough to wrap easily.
Wrap it up – Snugly wrap a bacon slice around edge of the pork round.
Secure with toothpicks – Use bamboo skewers to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
Chill first – For easy wrapping, chill wrapped medallions 30 mins before cooking.
Wrapping while the bacon is warm makes it stick to the pork well. Chilling firms it up. Almost ready for the skillet!
Cooking Instructions for Perfect Results
Get pan very hot – Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan. Heat on high until smoking hot.
Sear pork – Lay medallions in pan. Don’t overcrowd. Sear about 2 minutes per side.
Finish in oven – Transfer pan to preheated 400°F oven. Bake 10-15 minutes until pork is 145°F.
Rest before serving – Let medallions sit 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.
Cooking in a ripping hot pan gives you a beautiful crust. Finishing in the oven ensures pork cooks perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon wrapped pork medallions deserve some tasty accompaniments:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Green salad with balsamic dressing
- Buttery dinner rolls or corn muffins
Astarch, veggie, and simple salad or bread make perfect complements. And don’t forget the sauce!
Make a pan sauce – Deglaze the pan with wine or broth to make an easy wine or mustard sauce.
Serve drizzled with balsamic – Good quality aged balsamic adds a tangy sweetness.
Squeeze fresh lemon – A spritz of lemon brightens up the rich pork and bacon.
With the right sides and a simple sauce, you have an elegant yet easy dinner party menu!
Top Tips for Bacon Wrapped Pork Perfection
- Chill wrapped medallions before cooking for neater results
- Use bamboo skewers to secure the bacon
- Get the pan screaming hot before searing
- Bake at 400°F until pork reaches 145°F internally
- Let meat rest before serving
- Make a simple pan sauce from the drippings
Follow these tips and you’ll have restaurant-quality bacon wrapped pork medallions anytime. Impress your family or guests with this easy yet exquisite dinner!
How to cook bacon in an air-fryer
Air-fryers are a great gadget for using to cook crispy bacon.
- Turn on the air fryer to 180C and put the bacon strips in the basket in a single layer.
- Turn the food over once during the 8–10 minutes of cooking, until it is done and the edges are crispy.
How to dry fry bacon
Put the bacon in a non-stick frying pan set over a medium heat. When the bacon fat starts to drain, turn up the heat and cook for one to three minutes on each side, or until it’s crispy to your liking.
How to Cook Bacon So It’s Crispy, Tender, and the Most Perfect Ever
FAQ
How long do bacon medallions take to cook?
Do you bake or pan fry bacon?
What is the best cooking method for bacon?
How to cook bacon medallions?
Choose the right type of bacon: When it comes to cooking bacon medallions, it’s important to choose the right type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon works best for medallions as it holds its shape well and doesn’t shrink too much during cooking. 2. Preheat your pan: Preheating your pan is essential for achieving perfectly cooked bacon medallions.
What is bacon wrapped pork medallions?
Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions is a dinner showstopper featuring flavorful tenderloin slices encased in crispy, caramelized bacon. Mix all the Seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and rub onto the pork tenderloin BEFORE cutting it into medallions.
How long does it take to make bacon wrapped pork medallions?
Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions is a dinner showstopper featuring flavorful tenderloin slices encased in crispy, caramelized bacon. Impress your family and guests with a fantastic dinner that takes about 30 minutes to make! A satisfying meal doesn’t have to take a lot of effort.
Can you cook pork tenderloin medallions wrapped in bacon?
While this recipe is specifically designed for oven-roasting, you can also cook the Pork Tenderloin Medallions Wrapped in Bacon using alternative methods, such as: