Herb-Crusted Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Elevate your dinner experience with these luscious Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions, a delightful fusion of smoky bacon and tender, herb-seasoned pork tenderloin. This recipe allows you to customize the flavors by experimenting with different types of bacon, such as cracked-pepper for a spicy kick. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, these medallions are baked to perfection, ensuring a juicy center with a deliciously crispy exterior. Serve them with your favorite sides for a meal that is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
8 slices (cut into strips)
Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Seasoning Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried Basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Pork Tenderloin
2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a large, oven-safe skillet, place the bacon slices in a single layer and cook over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until the bacon is lightly browned but still flexible. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
3
Carefully pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
4
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, seasoning salt, dried basil, and dried oregano. Mix well and set aside.
5
Take the trimmed pork tenderloin and wrap it with the cooked bacon strips, securing them in place with 1 or 2 toothpicks per strip. Ensure the bacon is snug around the pork.
6
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions between each bacon wrap, resulting in approximately 8 medallions.
7
Dip each medallion into the seasoning mix on both sides, ensuring they are coated evenly.
8
In the same skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together until bubbling.
9
Carefully add the bacon-wrapped medallions to the skillet, cooking for 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
10
Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
11
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the medallions rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
1g
Carbs
32.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herb-Crusted Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions?
This dish is a flavorful fusion of smoky bacon and tender pork tenderloin, seasoned with a blend of garlic and dried herbs, then seared and baked to perfection.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for a pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat, which is then sliced into medallions.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to ensure the pork cooks thoroughly and the bacon remains crispy.
Why do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
Pre-cooking the bacon for 6 to 7 minutes ensures it is partially rendered and flexible enough to wrap around the pork without being raw when the pork is finished.
How do I secure the bacon to the pork medallions?
You can secure the bacon strips in place by using 1 or 2 toothpicks per strip, ensuring the wrap remains snug during cooking.
What seasonings are used in the herb crust?
The seasoning mix consists of garlic powder, seasoning salt, dried basil, and dried oregano.
How many medallions does this recipe yield?
Using 2 lbs of pork tenderloin and 8 slices of bacon, the recipe typically results in approximately 8 medallions.
What fats are used to sear the pork?
A combination of 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is used for searing.
How long should I sear the medallions in the skillet?
Each medallion should be seared for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How long do the medallions need to bake in the oven?
Once seared, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for pork medallions?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Should I let the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, removing the skillet from the oven and letting the medallions rest for a few minutes helps retain juiciness before serving.
Can I use different types of bacon?
Yes, you can experiment with varieties like cracked-pepper bacon for an extra spicy kick or applewood-smoked bacon for different flavor profiles.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 32.5g of protein.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe low-carbohydrate?
Yes, it is very low in carbs, containing only 1g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 27.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried herbs, you can use fresh; however, you generally need to triple the amount of fresh herbs to match the potency of dried ones.
What should I do with the bacon grease in the skillet?
After pre-cooking the bacon, pour off any excess grease but leave a thin layer in the skillet to add extra flavor to the pork.
Do I need an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, an oven-safe skillet is required because the medallions are seared on the stovetop and then moved directly into the oven.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Absolutely, the elegant presentation of bacon-wrapped medallions makes it perfect for dinner parties or holiday meals.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 8 main ingredients: bacon, garlic powder, seasoning salt, dried basil, dried oregano, pork tenderloin, butter, and olive oil.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No, based on the ingredient list and nutritional data, this recipe does not contain added sugar.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can wrap and season the medallions ahead of time, but for the best texture, they should be seared and baked just before serving.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need an oven-safe skillet, a small mixing bowl, paper towels, toothpicks, and an instant-read meat thermometer.
Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?
While similar, pork loin is a much larger and tougher cut. It would require significantly different cooking times and slicing methods.
How do I ensure the seasoning is even?
Dip each wrapped medallion into the seasoning mix on both sides before placing them in the skillet to ensure even coating.
Is extra virgin olive oil necessary?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor, but you can use standard olive oil or another high-smoke-point oil if preferred.
What sides are recommended?
The recipe suggests serving these medallions with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
What is the category of this recipe?
This is a main dish, categorized as comfort food and a dinner staple.