Bacon medallions are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, cooking them can be a bit tricky, as they are very lean and can easily become dry if overcooked.
In this article, we will explore different methods for cooking bacon medallions, including in the oven, under the grill, and on the stovetop. We’ll also share some tips for achieving the perfect level of crispiness and flavor.
So whether you’re a bacon lover or just looking to try something new, read on to learn how to cook bacon medallions like a pro!
How To Cook Bacon Medallions?
There are several ways to cook bacon medallions, each with its own unique advantages and challenges. Here are some of the most popular methods:
What Are Bacon Medallions?
Bacon medallions are a type of back bacon that have been trimmed of all fat except for the eye of the loin. This lean part of the rasher is the only part used to make bacon medallions, which can have up to 30% less fat than traditional back bacon.
To make them, the eye of the loin of pork is dry cured in a special bacon blend with 97% pork content and no added water. This makes them ideal for those on a low calorie diet.
Bacon medallions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavor of bacon without the added fat. When cooked, they have a slightly different texture than traditional bacon, but still pack a flavorful punch.
Preparing Bacon Medallions For Cooking
Before cooking bacon medallions, it’s important to properly prepare them. The first step is to choose the right type of bacon. Streaky bacon is ideal for achieving a super-crispy texture, while lean bacon medallions require a bit more care during cooking to prevent them from becoming dry.
Once you have your bacon medallions, you can prepare them for cooking in a few different ways. One option is to wrap each medallion with a piece of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. This method adds flavor and moisture to the lean medallions, but requires a bit more time and effort.
Another option is to simply place the medallions in a preheated oven at 190C/170C fan for around 5-10 minutes. This method is quick and easy, but requires careful monitoring to prevent overcooking.
For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, you can cook bacon medallions on the stove. Start by placing the bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until lightly browned and still flexible, then drain the slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove any excess bacon grease from the skillet, then wrap the pork tenderloin with the bacon strips and secure with toothpicks. Dip both sides of the medallions in a seasoning mix of garlic powder, seasoning salt, basil, and oregano. Melt butter and oil together in the same skillet over medium-high heat, then cook each medallion for 4 minutes on each side. Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake until the pork is no longer pink in the center.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to check that your bacon medallions are piping hot throughout before serving. With a little bit of preparation and care during cooking, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful bacon medallions every time.
Cooking Bacon Medallions In The Oven
Cooking bacon medallions in the oven is a great way to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy and tender rashers without any fuss. However, since bacon medallions are very lean, it is important to be careful not to overcook them, as this can result in dry and tough meat. Here’s how to cook bacon medallions in the oven:
1. Preheat your oven to gas mark 5 / 190C / 170C fan.
2. Line a baking tray with foil, ensuring it covers the sides.
3. Place the bacon medallions in a single layer directly on the foil-lined tray. Be careful not to overlap them, as this can cause uneven cooking.
4. Roast at 375°F (191oC) for about 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon medallions. Check your rashers are piping hot throughout before serving.
5. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with a piece of kitchen towel to soak up any excess fat.
Cooking bacon medallions in the oven is a great option if you want to cook a large batch of bacon at once, without having to stand over a hot stove. It’s also a healthier option since the fat drips off the meat and onto the foil-lined tray, resulting in less grease and fewer calories. Just be sure to keep an eye on your bacon medallions while they’re cooking, and take them out of the oven as soon as they’re done to avoid overcooking them.
Cooking Bacon Medallions Under The Grill
Cooking bacon medallions under the grill is a great option for those who want to enjoy the smoky flavor of grilled bacon. To start, preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature of about 450°F. While the grill is heating up, prepare your bacon medallions by wrapping two slices of bacon around each piece of pork tenderloin and securing them with toothpicks.
Once your grill is hot, place the bacon-wrapped medallions directly over the heat source. Grill them for about 5 to 8 minutes per side, or until they are just about cooked through. Keep an eye on them to ensure that they don’t burn or overcook.
If you prefer your bacon to be crispy, you can also cook it separately under the grill. Simply place the bacon slices on a grill pan or rack and cook them under a high heat for about 6 minutes, turning them halfway through. Be sure to cook the bacon thoroughly before eating.
When your bacon medallions are done, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure that your meat is tender and juicy. Serve your bacon medallions alongside your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Cooking Bacon Medallions On The Stovetop
Cooking bacon medallions on the stovetop is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious dish. To start, place the bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and still flexible, which should take about 6 to 7 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate.
Next, remove any excess bacon grease from the skillet and combine garlic powder, seasoning salt, basil, and oregano in a small bowl. Set aside. Take the pork tenderloin and wrap each piece tightly with a pre-cooked bacon slice. Use a toothpick to secure them together. Then slice the tenderloin between each bacon strip to create the medallions.
Dip both sides of the medallions in the seasoning mix and melt butter and oil together in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each medallion for 4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. After that, place the skillet into a preheated oven and bake until the pork is no longer pink in the center, which should take about 17 to 20 minutes.
Once done, remove all toothpicks from the pork medallions and plate them up with fresh parsley on top. This dish is sure to impress your family and guests with its fantastic flavor and presentation.
Tips For Achieving Perfectly Cooked Bacon Medallions
Cooking bacon medallions can be a tricky task, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked, crispy and flavorful bacon medallions every time. Here are some tips to help you cook bacon medallions to perfection:
1. Choose the right type of bacon: When it comes to cooking bacon medallions, it’s important to choose the right type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon works best for medallions as it holds its shape well and doesn’t shrink too much during cooking.
2. Preheat your pan: Preheating your pan is essential for achieving perfectly cooked bacon medallions. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the bacon to ensure even cooking.
3. Use a non-stick pan: Using a non-stick pan will prevent the bacon from sticking and breaking apart during cooking.
4. Cook over medium heat: Cooking bacon medallions over medium heat will ensure that they cook evenly without burning or becoming too crispy.
5. Use tongs: Use tongs to flip the bacon medallions instead of a fork or spatula, as they can break apart the delicate medallions.
6. Drain excess grease: Remove excess grease from the pan as you cook to prevent the bacon from becoming too greasy.
7. Use an air fryer: An air fryer is a great alternative to traditional frying methods, as it allows you to cook bacon medallions without any mess or fuss. Air fryer bacon is extra crispy and flavorful, making it a delicious and healthy option.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked bacon medallions every time, whether you’re using a traditional frying pan or an air fryer. So go ahead and give it a try today!