Are you a fan of bacon and steak?
Why not combine the two and try cooking some delicious bacon loin steaks?
These thick slices of bacon resemble a steak and can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Whether you prefer grilling, pan frying, or oven cooking, we’ve got you covered with some easy-to-follow methods.
Plus, we’ll even throw in a bonus recipe for cauliflower steaks topped with bacon for a tasty vegetarian option.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Bacon Loin Steaks?
To start, you’ll want to pat your bacon loin steaks dry with paper towels. This will help form a beautiful crust when cooked.
Next, season your steaks with oil and your favorite seasonings. Gently and evenly distribute the seasonings on all sides.
If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
For pan frying, 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.
If you prefer oven cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the steaks on a baking sheet and cook for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to test for doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the side of each steak.
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a cutting board and cover them with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes while the internal heat continues to cook the meat.
Serve your bacon loin steaks with your favorite sauces or sides. Need inspiration? Try topping them with fresh watercress and a spoonful of piccalilli for a tangy kick.
What Are Bacon Loin Steaks?
Bacon loin steaks, also known as bacon chops or bacon steaks, are thick cut chops taken from whole bacon loins. These steaks are essentially super thick cuts of bacon that are produced in the same way as regular bacon. The only difference is that they are cut thicker and resemble a steak.
Bacon loin steaks can be a great substitute for gammon steak or regular bacon in a cooked breakfast. They can be grilled, pan-fried or oven-cooked at 300°F for 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. It’s important to test for doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer before serving.
When cooking bacon loin steaks, it’s recommended to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning with oil and your favorite seasonings. This will help create a beautiful crust when cooked. Once cooked, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the internal heat to continue cooking the meat.
Bacon loin steaks can be served with a variety of sauces and sides, such as fresh watercress and piccalilli for a tangy kick. With endless opportunities for new recipes and dishes, bacon loin steaks are a great addition to any meal.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Bacon Loin Steak
When it comes to choosing the right cut of bacon loin steak, there are a few options available in supermarkets. The most common types of bacon cuts include streaky, middle cut, short cut bacon, and more.
Streaky bacon is cut from the belly of the pig and is known for its fatty, marbled texture. It’s perfect for those who love crispy bacon with a rich flavor. Middle cut bacon is cut from the loin of the pig and has a leaner texture than streaky bacon. It’s a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of bacon without the excess fat. Short cut bacon is cut from the shoulder of the pig and has a meatier texture than other types of bacon cuts.
When it comes to cooking bacon loin steaks, it’s important to choose a cut that will hold up well on the grill or in the oven. Streaky bacon is a great choice for grilling as it will crisp up nicely and add a smoky flavor to your steak. Middle cut bacon is ideal for oven cooking as it will remain tender and juicy when roasted. Short cut bacon can be used for both grilling and oven cooking, depending on your preference.
No matter which type of bacon loin steak you choose, be sure to look for fresh cuts that are free of any discoloration or off-odors. When storing your bacon loin steaks, keep them in the fridge at 40°F or below until ready to cook.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to choose the perfect cut of bacon loin steak for your next meal and cook it to perfection.
Grilling Bacon Loin Steaks To Perfection
Grilling bacon loin steaks is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. To achieve the perfect grilled bacon loin steaks, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the steaks on the grate and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
To ensure even cooking, be sure to turn the steaks at a quarter turn to ensure that the bacon is facing up. This will help to cook the bacon evenly and prevent it from burning.
While cooking, avoid pressing down on the steaks with a spatula or fork, as this can cause the juices to escape and result in dry meat. Instead, let the steaks cook undisturbed until they are ready to be flipped.
Once the steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board. Cover them with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender and flavorful.
Serve your grilled bacon loin steaks with your favorite sides and sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or hosting a summer barbecue, grilled bacon loin steaks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Pan Frying Bacon Loin Steaks For A Crispy Finish
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.
When pan frying, it’s important to keep an eye on the heat. You want it hot enough to sear the steaks and create a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the bacon or dries out the meat. If you find that your pan is too hot, reduce the heat slightly and adjust accordingly.
Once your bacon loin steaks are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a cutting board and cover them with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes while the internal heat continues to cook the meat. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a tender and juicy bite.
Serve your pan-fried bacon loin steaks with your favorite sauces or sides. For a classic pairing, try serving them with mashed potatoes and green beans. Alternatively, you can get creative and try topping them with fresh watercress and a spoonful of piccalilli for a tangy kick. No matter how you choose to serve them, these bacon loin steaks are sure to impress!
Oven Cooking Bacon Loin Steaks For A Juicy Result
Oven cooking bacon loin steaks is a great way to achieve juicy and flavorful meat. To start, preheat your oven to 300°F. While the oven is heating up, rub your pork chops all over with your preferred herb mixture, such as fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Next, partially cook your bacon at 400°F on an oven-safe rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. The bacon should still be flexible but starting to crisp when you remove it from the oven. Wrap the bacon slices around each seasoned chop and place them on the same oven-safe baking rack.
Bake the bacon-wrapped pork chops at 400°F until the bacon is crisp to your liking and the chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This method seals in moisture and flavor, resulting in juicy meat every time.
Once cooked, remove the steaks from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Cover them with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes while the internal heat continues to cook the meat.
Serve your bacon loin steaks with your favorite sauces or sides. You can also try topping them with fresh watercress and a spoonful of piccalilli for a tangy kick. With this foolproof method, you’ll have perfectly cooked bacon loin steaks that are juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests or family.
Bonus Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks With Bacon Topping
Cauliflower steaks are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional steak. They are easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, and pan-frying. In this bonus recipe, we’ll show you how to make cauliflower steaks with bacon topping that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cauliflower heads
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat.
2. Remove the leaves from each cauliflower head and trim the stem so that the cauliflower can lay flat on a cutting board with the core remaining intact.
3. Cut each cauliflower into thick “steaks” about 3/4 inch thick.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush one side of each steak with the olive oil mixture and place brushed side down on the grill.
6. Brush the top sides with olive oil mixture and cook until tender and charred in spots, about 8 minutes per side.
7. Top each cauliflower steak with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
8. Continue heating until cheese is melted.
9. Remove from grill and sprinkle with chives.
10. Serve immediately as a main course or side dish.
This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering. The combination of the smoky bacon flavor with the tender cauliflower steaks is irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet!