Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long to grill filet mignon wrapped in bacon? ›

Grill steaks, covered, over cooker side until crisp. Flip steaks and grill, covered, over hotter side of grill until steaks register 125 to130 degrees (for medium-rare), 5-10 minutes. Transfer to plate, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks, serve crumbling bacon over steaks.

Wrapping a tenderloin steak in bacon serves three purposes: 1) infuses the filet with savory, salty, umami goodness as it bastes the filet with bacon fat. 2) prevents the filets from drying out, making them even more succulently juicy as the fat seeps into the steaks. 3) creates a caramelized crust from the extra fat.

Cook steaks, uncovered, until internal temperature reaches 5°F lower than the desired final temperature, according to the chart below. For the perfect medium-rare, 2.5-inch thick filet mignon, cook in oven for 13-14 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 130°F.

When the grill is heated, place the bacon wrapped steaks on the grill, and cook for 5-6 minutes on both the top and bottom, flipping once. Cook until the steaks reach 130ºF internal temperature for medium rare doneness or 140ºF for medium doneness, and the bacon is crispy.

Technically, filet mignon is as kosher as any other cut of meat. The problem with filet mignon and other cuts from the rear is that they are located near the sciatic nerve and fatty deposits known in Hebrew as chelev, which are Biblically forbidden.

Because the short loin is tucked under the cow's ribs and next to the cow's backbone, the musculature bears little weight and contains minimal connective tissue, keeping the meat beautifully soft and tender. Filet is prized for its wonderful mouth texture — it practically melts — and delicate yet beefy flavor.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch cast iron pan until it begins to shimmer. Put the steaks in the pan, rub-side down and cook until a crust forms, about 3 minutes. Turn the steaks over, lower heat a bit and continue cooking until medium-rare doneness, about 4 minutes longer.

Cook the filets in your oven for 5-8 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness: 5-6 minutes for rare, 6-7 minutes for medium-rare or 7-8 minutes for medium. Carefully remove the sauté pan from your oven and transfer the filets to a clean plate. Tent them with foil and let them rest for 5-7 minutes.

Should I cook filet mignon in butter or oil? ›

I like to use a combination of oil and butter for cooking the steak. Make sure you use a high-smoke point oil. I like to use Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or Olive Oil. Extra virgin olive oil does not have that high of a smoke point so I do not suggest using it.

Quickly butter baste the steaks with a spoon for exactly 1 minute. Bake the steaks. Transfer the hot pan to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on your desired level of doneness (see chart below). Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to check in on your steaks!

Grilling Filet Mignon Medium-Rare (recommended)

Grill for 7–8 minutes for a 1-inch steak, and 9–11 minutes for a 1½ inch steak, turning about 1 minute before the halfway point. A meat thermometer should read 130°F. Rest your steaks for 5 minutes before serving, covering lightly with foil.

Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat. Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or lower the heat, and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The additional cooking time might be considerably shorter if you close the lid of the grill to contain the heat.