Cooking a bacon wrapped steak can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to grilling or cooking steaks. However, with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can create a deliciously tender and flavorful steak that is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we will take you through the steps of cooking the perfect bacon wrapped steak, from selecting the right cut of meat to serving the final product.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to cooking a bacon wrapped steak, the type of steak you choose is crucial. You want a cut that is tender, yet has enough fat to keep it juicy and flavorful. Some popular cuts of steak that work well for bacon wrapping include:
- Filet Mignon: This cut is known for its tenderness and mild flavor, making it a great choice for bacon wrapping.
- Ribeye: This cut is rich in fat, which makes it perfect for bacon wrapping. The fat content helps to keep the steak juicy and flavorful.
What to Look for When Selecting a Steak
When selecting a steak, there are several things you want to look for. First, you want to choose a steak that is at least 1-1.5 inches thick. This will ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness without becoming too charred on the outside. You also want to choose a steak with a good balance of marbling, which is the amount of fat that is dispersed throughout the meat. A steak with too little marbling may become dry and tough, while a steak with too much marbling may become too greasy.
Preparing the Steak
Once you have selected your steak, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. The first step is to bring the steak to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too charred on the outside. To bring the steak to room temperature, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit for 30-45 minutes.
Seasoning the Steak
While the steak is coming to room temperature, you can start seasoning it. You want to use a combination of seasonings that will complement the flavor of the bacon and the steak. Some popular seasonings for bacon wrapped steak include:
| Seasoning | Description |
|---|---|
| Salt and Pepper | A classic seasoning combination that enhances the natural flavor of the steak. |
| Garlic Powder | Adds a savory flavor to the steak that pairs well with the smokiness of the bacon. |
| Paprika | Adds a smoky flavor to the steak that complements the bacon nicely. |
Wrapping the Steak in Bacon
Now that the steak is seasoned, it’s time to wrap it in bacon. You want to use a thick-cut bacon that will hold its shape and provide a nice smoky flavor to the steak. To wrap the steak in bacon, simply lay the bacon slices on top of the steak, overlapping them slightly as you go. Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the steak, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
Cooking the Bacon Wrapped Steak
Now that the steak is wrapped in bacon, it’s time to cook it. You can cook the steak using a variety of methods, including grilling, pan-frying, or oven broiling. Here, we will focus on grilling the steak.
Grilling the Steak
To grill the steak, you want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You also want to make sure that the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the steak from sticking. Once the grill is preheated, place the steak on the grates and close the lid. Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Internal Temperature Guide
Here is a guide to the internal temperature of the steak, depending on the level of doneness:
| Level of Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120-130°F |
| Medium Rare | 130-135°F |
| Medium | 140-145°F |
| Medium Well | 150-155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F+ |
Serving the Bacon Wrapped Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to serve it. You can serve the steak on its own, or with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a salad.
Letting the Steak Rest
Before serving the steak, you want to let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to retain its tenderness. To let the steak rest, simply place it on a plate or cutting board and cover it with foil.
Slicing the Steak
Once the steak has rested, you can slice it thinly against the grain. This will help to ensure that the steak is tender and easy to chew.
Conclusion
Cooking a bacon wrapped steak can be a bit intimidating, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you can create a deliciously tender and flavorful steak that is sure to impress your family and friends. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your bacon wrapped steak is cooked to perfection every time. So next time you’re looking for a special occasion meal, consider giving bacon wrapped steak a try. You won’t be disappointed!
What type of steak is best suited for bacon wrapping?
The type of steak best suited for bacon wrapping is a matter of personal preference, but generally, a cut with a good balance of tenderness and flavor works well. Ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip are popular choices for bacon-wrapped steaks. These cuts have a good amount of marbling, which helps keep the steak juicy and flavorful.
When selecting a steak, look for one that is at least 1-1.5 inches thick. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and the bacon has enough time to crisp up. Avoid using very thin steaks, as they may cook too quickly and become overcooked.
How do I choose the right type of bacon for wrapping my steak?
When it comes to choosing the right type of bacon for wrapping your steak, you’ll want to select a type that is thick enough to hold its shape and provide a good balance of smokiness and flavor. Thick-cut bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, works well for bacon-wrapped steaks.
Avoid using very thin bacon, as it may become too crispy and overpower the flavor of the steak. You’ll also want to choose a bacon that is not too salty, as this can overpower the flavor of the steak. Look for a bacon with a good balance of smokiness and flavor, and that is made from high-quality ingredients.
How do I prepare the steak for bacon wrapping?
To prepare the steak for bacon wrapping, start by seasoning the steak with your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
Next, pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the bacon adhere to the steak and create a crispy texture. Make sure the steak is completely dry before wrapping it with bacon.
How do I wrap the steak with bacon?
To wrap the steak with bacon, start by cutting the bacon into strips that are long enough to wrap around the steak. You’ll want to use about 4-6 strips of bacon, depending on the size of your steak.
Place the steak on a flat surface and begin wrapping the bacon strips around the steak, overlapping each strip slightly as you go. Make sure the bacon is snug against the steak and that there are no gaps between the strips. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon in place, if needed.
What is the best way to cook a bacon-wrapped steak?
The best way to cook a bacon-wrapped steak is to use a combination of high heat and finishing with a lower heat. Start by searing the steak in a hot skillet over high heat to create a crispy crust on the bacon. Then, finish cooking the steak in the oven at a lower heat to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness.
This method allows the bacon to crisp up and the steak to cook evenly. You can also grill the steak, but be careful not to burn the bacon. Make sure to cook the steak to a safe internal temperature of at least 135°F for medium-rare.
How do I prevent the bacon from burning during cooking?
To prevent the bacon from burning during cooking, make sure to cook the steak over medium-high heat and keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks. If the bacon starts to get too crispy, you can cover the skillet with a lid to reduce the heat.
You can also use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak and adjust the heat as needed. Additionally, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp up.
How do I serve a bacon-wrapped steak?
A bacon-wrapped steak can be served on its own or with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. To add some extra flavor, you can top the steak with a sauce, such as a Béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.
Make sure to let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to retain its tenderness. Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.