Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

These Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions are incredibly easy to make, and they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Tender pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon and pan-seared to perfection – what’s not to love? This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it a go-to dish for anyone looking for a quick, impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of pork and bacon is a classic for a reason. The saltiness of the bacon complements the mild flavor of the pork beautifully.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These medallions look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. They’re perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as a main course with your favorite sides, or slice them up and add them to salads or pasta dishes.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with different seasonings, sauces, or glazes to create your own unique variation.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork Tenderloin:** This is the star of the show! Choose a good quality pork tenderloin for the best results. Avoid pork loin, which is a different cut and will be much tougher.
* **Bacon:** Opt for thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and crispiness. You can use regular bacon, peppered bacon, or even maple-flavored bacon.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for searing the medallions. You can also use another cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the pork. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Paprika:** Contributes a subtle smokiness and color.
* **Optional:** Toothpicks – To secure the bacon to the pork medallions.
* **Optional Sauce Ingredients (see Sauce Variations below):**

* **For Honey Garlic Glaze:** Honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger
* **For Balsamic Glaze:** Balsamic vinegar, brown sugar
* **For Dijon Mustard Sauce:** Dijon mustard, heavy cream, white wine (or chicken broth)

## Equipment Needed

* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the pork and bacon.
* **Sharp Knife:** For slicing the pork tenderloin.
* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** A cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving a good sear.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the medallions.
* **Toothpicks (optional):** To secure the bacon.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the seasonings.
* **Whisk (if making a sauce):** For blending the sauce ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped pork medallions:

**1. Prepare the Pork:**

* Remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin. The silver skin is a thin, silvery membrane that runs along the side of the tenderloin. It can be tough and chewy, so it’s best to remove it. To do this, slide a sharp knife under the silver skin and carefully peel it away.
* Slice the pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions. You should get about 8-10 medallions from a standard-sized tenderloin.
* Gently flatten the medallions with the palm of your hand or a meat mallet to an even thickness (about ¾ inch). This helps them cook evenly.

**2. Season the Pork:**

* In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
* Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork medallions. Gently rub the seasoning into the meat.

**3. Wrap with Bacon:**

* Wrap each pork medallion with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary. If using thick-cut bacon, you may need to cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise to make them easier to wrap.

**4. Sear the Medallions:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the medallions. This will help them sear properly and prevent them from sticking.
* Carefully place the bacon-wrapped medallions in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
* Sear the medallions for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the pork is cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

**5. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the medallions from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork.
* Remove the toothpicks before serving (if used).
* Serve the bacon-wrapped pork medallions immediately with your favorite sides.

## Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions

* **Don’t Overcook the Pork:** Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat, so it can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Use Thick-Cut Bacon:** Thick-cut bacon will hold its shape better during cooking and will provide a more satisfying crispy texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the medallions from searing properly. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Let the Pork Rest:** Allowing the pork to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
* **Secure the Bacon Well:** If the bacon isn’t secured properly, it can unravel during cooking. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold it in place.
* **Pat the Pork Dry:** Before seasoning, pat the pork medallions dry with paper towels. This will help them sear better and develop a nice crust.

## Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all excellent choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for pork.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pork and bacon.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and nutritious alternative to rice or potatoes.
* **Green Beans:** Sautéed or steamed green beans are a quick and easy side dish.
* **Stuffing:** Serve during the holidays alongside your favorite stuffing recipe.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs surprisingly well with the savory pork.

## Sauce Variations

While these Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions are delicious on their own, a simple sauce can elevate them to the next level. Here are a few sauce variations to try:

* **Honey Garlic Glaze:** Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a saucepan. Simmer until the glaze thickens slightly. Brush the glaze over the medallions during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Balsamic Glaze:** Simmer balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan until the glaze thickens. Drizzle the glaze over the medallions before serving.
* **Dijon Mustard Sauce:** Sauté minced shallots in butter until softened. Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and white wine (or chicken broth). Simmer until the sauce thickens. Spoon the sauce over the medallions before serving.
* **Creamy Mushroom Sauce:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until softened. Add heavy cream, beef broth, and a touch of thyme. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Spoon the sauce over the medallions before serving.
* **Apple Cider Reduction:** Simmer apple cider in a saucepan until it reduces to a thick syrup. Add a pat of butter and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the reduction over the medallions before serving. This sauce is especially delicious in the fall.

## Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the bacon-wrapped pork medallions ahead of time. Wrap the medallions with bacon and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply sear them as directed in the recipe. Note that they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time since they will be cold.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover bacon-wrapped pork medallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them when reheating, as they can become dry.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(per serving, without sauce):

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 25-30g
* Carbohydrates: 1-2g

_Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used._

## Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe

This is the detailed recipe for Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions.

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

### Ingredients

* 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed
* 8 slices thick-cut bacon
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Toothpicks (optional)

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Pork:** Slice the pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions. Gently flatten the medallions to an even thickness.
2. **Season the Pork:** In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork medallions.
3. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each pork medallion with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
4. **Sear the Medallions:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon-wrapped medallions to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
5. **Cook:** Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and the pork is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
6. **Rest and Serve:** Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks (if used) and serve with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions!