🥣 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pork Tenderloin:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bacon slices (not thick-cut) | 10 slices |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley) | 2 tablespoons |
| Pork tenderloin (cleaned, 1-1.5 lbs) | 1 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper (ground) | ¼ teaspoon |
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Preparation Steps:
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Trim the pork tenderloin to remove any silverskin or bits. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, minced garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil. Set aside.
4️⃣ On a cutting board, lay the bacon slices next to each other, slightly overlapping, with the first slice closest to you.
5️⃣ Place the tenderloin on top of the bacon, perpendicular to the bacon slices.
6️⃣ Season the tenderloin with kosher salt and black pepper.
7️⃣ Slather the mustard mixture evenly over the tenderloin.
8️⃣ Starting with the bacon closest to you, fold it over the tenderloin, making an X shape with the overlapping bacon. Continue overlapping the bacon until the tenderloin is completely wrapped.
9️⃣ Secure the bacon with toothpicks or butcher's twine to keep everything in place.
🍳 Cooking Steps:
Optional Step (for faster bacon rendering):
1️⃣ Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin top-down in the skillet. Sear for 2 minutes, then carefully flip it over. Remove from heat.
OR if you skip this optional step:
2️⃣ Preheat the pan in the oven for 5 minutes. Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin in the pan with the overlapping bacon facing up.
3️⃣ Bake the tenderloin for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (64°C) for medium-rare. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
4️⃣ Remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
5️⃣ Slice at a diagonal for a beautiful presentation or as you prefer. Serve hot and enjoy!
🍽 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Juicy & Flavorful: The bacon keeps the pork tenderloin moist and packed with flavor.
✅ Herb-Infused: Dijon mustard and fresh herbs add a tangy, aromatic kick.
✅ Impressive Presentation: This recipe is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions with its gorgeous bacon wrap.
💡 Perfect Pairings
Side: Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Drink: Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white like Chardonnay.
🧐 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not using enough seasoning – Make sure you coat the tenderloin evenly with the mustard mixture and season it generously.
❌ Not resting the meat – Let the pork rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.
❓ FAQs
🔹 Can I use thick-cut bacon?
It’s best to use regular bacon slices so it crisps up evenly without overpowering the pork. But if you prefer thick-cut, be sure to cook it a little longer.
🔹 Can I make this ahead?
You can assemble the tenderloin and bacon ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
🔹 Can I use a different meat?
While this recipe works best with pork tenderloin, you can try it with chicken breasts for a similar effect.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a fantastic way to elevate a simple pork tenderloin into a gourmet dish! Whether for a weeknight dinner or a celebration, it's sure to impress. Enjoy every savory bite! 😋
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