Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a flavorful and juicy dish where tender pork is wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a delicious contrast of textures. The bacon helps keep the pork moist while adding a savory, smoky flavor. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a hearty weeknight meal. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
• 12 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:

• Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a nice sear.
• Season the tenderloin generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub the seasoning into the meat on all sides.

3. Wrap the Pork in Bacon:

• Lay the bacon slices flat on a cutting board, slightly overlapping.
• Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on top of the bacon slices. Begin wrapping the bacon around the tenderloin, overlapping each slice slightly as you go, ensuring the entire pork tenderloin is covered.
• Once wrapped, use kitchen twine to tie the bacon in place, or you can secure it with toothpicks if needed.

4. Sear the Pork Tenderloin (Optional but Recommended for Crispiness):

• Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (such as a cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin to the skillet. Sear the pork on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side, until the bacon is golden and slightly crispy. This step helps render the fat from the bacon and adds flavor to the dish.

5. Roast the Pork:

• After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the pork for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
• If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like at the end of cooking, you can broil the pork for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the pork tender and juicy.
• Slice into medallions, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Pork Tenderloin Size: If your pork tenderloin is larger or smaller, adjust the bacon wrapping accordingly. You may need more or fewer slices of bacon.
• Add Extra Flavor: For a slightly sweet contrast, you can brush the pork with a bit of honey or maple syrup before roasting. The sweetness will pair nicely with the savory bacon and pork.
• Cooking Method: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the pork in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish to roast in the oven.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a tangy apple or mustard-based sauce to complement the richness of the pork and bacon.

This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is an easy yet impressive dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household! Enjoy!