Bacon loin steaks also known as Canadian bacon are a delicious pork cut that can be prepared in various ways. Among the most popular cooking methods for bacon loin steaks is oven-roasting. When done properly, oven cooking yields steaks that are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and full of savory bacon flavor.
In this article we’ll provide a simple foolproof oven method for achieving perfect bacon loin steaks easily and consistently. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this technique helps bacon loin steaks come out great every time. Let’s get cooking!
Benefits of Cooking Bacon Loin Steaks in the Oven
There are several advantages to oven-roasting bacon loin steaks rather than pan frying or grilling them:
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Hands-off cooking – once placed in the oven, no need to monitor constantly like on the stovetop. Just set a timer and let the oven work its magic.
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Evenly cooked meat – the ambient heat surrounds the steaks and penetrates deep for consistent doneness edge to edge No cold spots.
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Crispy exterior – the hot dry air of the oven dehydrates the exterior and renders fat for crispy browned bacony goodness.
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Juicy interior – oven heat gently cooks the interior without drying it out. The result is a steak that’s moist and tender.
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Easy to prepare large servings – multiple steaks easily fit on one or two baking sheets. Great for cooking for groups.
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Minimal mess – oven containment means no splattering grease like with frying. Much cleaner!
Equipment Needed
Oven-roasting bacon loin steaks doesn’t require any special equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking sheet(s)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Carving knife
And that’s it! Now let’s get to the good stuff – the cooking method.
Step-by-Step Oven Bacon Loin Steak Recipe
Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven bacon loin steaks every time.
Ingredients:
- Bacon loin steaks, 1-1.5 lbs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature prevents overcooking.
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Line baking sheet with foil or parchment. Keeps steaks from sticking.
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Coat steaks lightly with olive oil. Helps browning and makes seasoning stick.
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Season generously with salt and pepper. I like coarse sea salt and cracked black pepper.
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Arrange steaks on sheet without overlapping. Lets steam escape; cooks evenly.
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Roast for 15 minutes. Then check doneness by temperature (see next step).
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Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F. That’s medium rare. Cook longer for more done.
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Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Allows juices to redistribute.
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Slice thick and serve immediately. Enjoy your juicy, bacony oven-roasted steaks!
And that’s all it takes! The oven does most of the work while you kick back until the steaks are perfectly cooked.
Oven Bacon Loin Cooking Tips for Best Results
Follow these extra tips for foolproof, delicious oven-roasted bacon loin steaks:
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Choose 1-inch thick steaks for ideal roasting. Thinner cuts overcook quickly.
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Avoid overlapping steaks so steam can escape and bacon crisps up.
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Brush with a bit of maple syrup instead of olive oil for candied bacon flavor.
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Flip steaks halfway through roasting for even cooking on both sides.
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Let steaks rest before cutting to prevent juice loss.
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Cook to just under your desired doneness. Meat keeps cooking once removed from oven.
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Roast at 400°F if you want extra bacon crispiness. Lower heat if steaks are getting too dark.
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Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Remove at 140°F for medium rare.
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Add roasted garlic, rosemary, or other herbs and spices to complement bacon flavor.
Troubleshooting Oven-Roasted Bacon Loin Steaks
Having an issue with your oven-cooked bacon steaks? Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:
Steaks are undercooked: Increase oven temperature and cook time. Use a thermometer to confirm doneness.
Steaks are overcooked and dry: Lower oven temp, reduce cook time, and monitor closely. Don’t overlap steaks.
Exteriors are pale instead of crispy: Roast at a higher temp (400°F), rub with oil, and flip steaks midway.
Steaks stick to the pan: Make sure you use foil or parchment and don’t overcrowd pan.
Steaks curl up: Normal for bacons steaks. Weigh down with another baking pan if desired.
Fat isn’t rendering: Make shallow cuts in fat cap before roasting to help it render.
Flavor is bland: Season liberally before and after cooking. Maple syrup, garlic, rosemary all add flavor.
Serving Your Perfect Oven Bacon Loin Steaks
Bacon loin steaks just beg to be the star of the show. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
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Bacon steak sandwiches with caramelized onions and BBQ sauce
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Wrapped in lettuce leaves with tomato, avocado and ranch dressing
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Bacon steak Caesar salad topped with shaved parmesan
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Crispy baked potato with steamed broccoli and melted cheddar
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Bacon steak breakfast tacos with eggs, cheese, and salsa
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Bacon steak carbonara fettuccine tossed in eggy bacon parmesan sauce
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Grilled bacon skewers wrapped in pineapple and bell peppers
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Burgers topped with bacon steak, fried onion rings, and chipotle mayo
However you choose to serve them, oven-roasted bacon loin steaks are sure to be a hit thanks to their craveable salty, smoky, and savory bacon essence.
Take Your Bacon Steak Game to the Next Level
Cooking bacon loin steaks in the oven is one of the easiest ways to achieve crispy, juicy perfection. With this simple oven method, you’ll get tender, flavorful steaks every time without the hassle of grilling or stovetop cooking.
Be sure to prep a lined baking sheet, lightly coat steaks in oil, generously season, roast at 375°F, and use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Letting the steaks rest before slicing is also crucial for keeping all the delicious juices locked in.
In no time, you’ll be serving up restaurant-worthy bacon loin steaks from the comfort of your own oven. So next time you’re craving these irresistible bacony beauties, skip the stove and head straight for the oven. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Safe Cooking Temperatures For Pork
The USDA’s recommendation for pork is to cook to an internal temperature of 145°F and that is what I prefer. It will be moist and slightly pink in the middle. For this recipe, I take my pork out of the oven when the internal temperature is 140°F and then as it rests it will rise up to the safe temperature.
If you know, however, that you prefer your pork to be fully white and well done, you can cook it a little longer. If you grew up with the old guideline of 160°F for pork, you may be more comfortable cooking till your instant read thermometer reaches 155-160°F. It won’t take much longer to get there, maybe 15 minutes more to the the first cook time (not 15 extra minutes per pound).
What To Serve With Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin
This is a great dish to serve to guests because it’s pretty hands-off. Once you wrap the pork in the bacon, it stays in the roasting pan. You can do other things, clean up, or talk to people while it cooks. Serve with mashed potatoes and whole roasted Brussels sprouts.
Pan-seared Bacon-wrapped Filet Mignon – Bruce Holley
FAQ
Is it better to bake bacon at 350 or 400?
How long should bacon be in the oven at 400 degrees?
Do I need to flip bacon in the oven?
How long does it take to cook bacon in the oven?
How long do you cook bacon on a steak?
Cook undisturbed 30 seconds or until this part of the bacon is crispy, which will seal it closed. Then turn steaks every 30 seconds to crisp the bacon all the way around. Turn steaks upright. Cook undisturbed 4 minutes each side for rare, 6 minutes each side for medium, or 8 minutes each side for well done.
How to cook bacon loin steak in a frying pan?
Pan frying bacon loin steaks is a great way to achieve a crispy finish on your meat. To start, preheat a heavy-based frying pan until it sizzles when you add a drop of oil. Place the steaks in the pan or griddle fat side down, to render a little and become golden. Cook for 5-6 minutes each side until firm to touch.
How do you cook a steak in the oven?
Wrap the steak with the bacon and secure with a toothpick. Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. When melted, add the steak to the skillet and sear on both sides until a really nice color, about 1 minute per side. Remove the skillet from the stovetop and place into the oven to finish cooking.
How do you cook a ribeye steak in the oven?
Watch how to make this recipe. Generously salt and pepper both sides of the steak. Wrap the steak with the bacon and secure with a toothpick. Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. When melted, add the steak to the skillet and sear on both sides until a really nice color, about 1 minute per side.