Bacon Wrapped Steak

Bacon Wrapped Steak

Nothing quite compares to the tantalizing aroma and mouthwatering taste of bacon. Its smoky, salty goodness can transform any dish into a culinary delight. When you combine bacon with a juicy, tender steak, you create a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. In this article, we will delve into the art of making bacon-wrapped steak, exploring the details of the top sirloin cut, providing cooking tips, listing the necessary ingredients and tools, and offering variations on the recipe. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will help you create a delectable dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

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Understanding the Top Sirloin Cut

The top sirloin cut is a popular choice for bacon-wrapped steak due to its tenderness and rich flavor. This cut comes from the primal section of the beef, located just below the tenderloin. It is lean and has a moderate amount of marbling, which adds juiciness and flavor. When properly cooked, the top sirloin offers a delightful combination of tenderness and beefy taste that pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory notes of bacon.

Cooking Tips

To ensure your bacon-wrapped steak turns out tender and succulent, it's crucial to follow some cooking tips. The first tip is to cook the steak low and slow. This method allows the meat to gradually reach the desired level of doneness, resulting in a tender texture. High heat can cause the steak to become tough and chewy. Additionally, using a meat thermometer is essential to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Here is a general guide to beef cooking temperatures:

Rare  125°F (52°C)
Medium-Rare
135°F (57°C)
Medium
145°F (63°C)
Medium-Well
150°F (66°C)
Well Done
160°F (71°C)

 

Keep in mind that these temperatures are just guidelines, and personal preference may vary. Another tip is to let the steak rest after cooking. Allowing it to sit for a few minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final product. Lastly, be sure to season the steak generously with salt and pepper before wrapping it in bacon. This enhances the flavors and ensures that every bite is seasoned to perfection.

Essential Ingredients

To elevate the taste of your bacon-wrapped steak, each ingredient plays a crucial role. Let's explore the purpose of each element:

  • FFF Top Sirloin Steak: The star of the dish, the top sirloin cut provides the base for your bacon-wrapped creation. Its tenderness and beefy flavor are the perfect complement to the smoky bacon.
  • FFF Natural Smoked Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty kick to the steak, infusing it with its distinctive flavor. Opt for natural smoked bacon to avoid any artificial additives and to enjoy a more authentic taste.
  • Black Pepper: This simple yet powerful seasoning enhances the natural flavors of both the steak and the bacon. Its mild heat adds depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Salt: this ingredient is optional. If the salt from the bacon is good enough for you then no need for more salt! Otherwise it is a powerful flavor enhancer.

List of Tools You'll Need

  • Chef's knife: To cut the steak into small cubes.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and prepping the ingredients.
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the bacon-wrapped steak cubes together.
  • Sheet pan: A baking sheet that provides a flat surface for cooking the steak bites in the oven.
  • Meat thermometer: Essential for achieving the desired level of doneness.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Steak

Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making mouthwatering bacon-wrapped steak. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring that even novice cooks can successfully create a delicious meal. Follow these ten steps for a foolproof cooking experience:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cut the top sirloin steak into small, bite-sized cubes using a chef's knife. Season the cubes generously with freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Cut each slice of bacon in half, creating two shorter strips from each slice.
  4. Take one bacon strip and wrap it around a steak cube. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the meat and bacon, ensuring it holds everything together. Repeat this step for all the steak cubes.
  5. Place the wrapped steak bites on a sheet pan, making sure they are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
  6. Put the sheet pan in the preheated oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. The bacon should be crispy, and the steak cooked to your desired level of doneness. For an extra crispy bacon finish, you can broil the bites for an additional minute or two at the end.
  7. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the bacon-wrapped steak bites rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the overall tenderness of the meat.
  8. Carefully remove the toothpicks from each bite before serving to avoid any accidents.
  9. Serve your succulent bacon-wrapped steak bites as an appetizer or alongside your favorite side dishes. They pair exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
  10. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the explosion of flavors as you savor every delicious bite.

Storing Bacon-Wrapped Steak

If you happen to have leftovers or want to make the bacon-wrapped steak in advance, proper storage is key to maintain its freshness. Place the cooled steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the bacon lose its crispy texture.

Variations on the Recipe

While the classic bacon-wrapped steak is undoubtedly delightful on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to add new dimensions of flavor. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

  • Cheese-Stuffed: Before wrapping the bacon around the steak cubes, insert a small cube of your favorite cheese into each piece. The melted cheese will ooze out, creating a delectable surprise inside each bite.
  • Herb-Infused: Sprinkle your choice of herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, over the seasoned steak cubes before wrapping them in bacon. The herbs will infuse the meat with their aromatic flavors during the cooking process.
  • Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of sweetness and heat to your bacon-wrapped steak by brushing each bite with a mixture of maple syrup and a dash of hot sauce. The combination of flavors will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Teriyaki Glazed: Marinate the steak cubes in a teriyaki sauce before wrapping them in bacon. This Asian-inspired twist will infuse the meat with a savory, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
A: While the top sirloin cut

is ideal for bacon-wrapped steak due to its tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like filet mignon or ribeye. Keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time and temperature.

Q: Can I cook bacon-wrapped steak on the grill instead of in the oven?
A: Absolutely! Grilling bacon-wrapped steak adds an extra layer of smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak bites for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking.

Q: What side dishes go well with bacon-wrapped steak?
A: Bacon-wrapped steak pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic options include roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp green salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the dish and provide a balance of textures.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cut the top sirloin steak into small cubes. Season with black pepper.
  3. Cut each slice of bacon in half.
  4. Wrap each steak cube with a strip of bacon. Secure with a toothpick and place on a sheet pan.
  5. Bake the bacon-wrapped steak bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  6. Optional: Broil the bites for an additional minute or two to crisp up the bacon.
  7. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
  8. Let the bacon-wrapped steak bites rest for a few minutes before enjoying.
  9. Serve as an appetizer or alongside your favorite side dishes.
  10. Indulge in the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

ENJOY!

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