Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender filet mignon wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon—without ever turning on your oven. Sounds amazing, right?
If you want to impress yourself or your guests with a mouthwatering steak but don’t have access to an oven, this guide is made just for you. You’ll learn how to create a perfect bacon wrapped filet mignon using simple tools and easy steps.
Keep reading, because your next unforgettable meal is just a few minutes away.
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Choosing The Right Filet Mignon
Choosing the right filet mignon is key for a perfect bacon wrapped filet mignon without an oven. This cut of meat is tender and flavorful, but the quality and size affect the final dish. Picking the best filet mignon helps it cook evenly and taste delicious.
Selecting Quality Meat
Choose fresh meat with a bright red color. Avoid meat with dark or brown spots. Look for fine marbling, which means small white fat streaks inside the meat. This fat melts during cooking, making the filet juicy and tender. Buy from a trusted butcher or store with good reviews. Freshness is important for taste and safety.
Size And Thickness Tips
Pick filet mignon steaks about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Thicker cuts cook well without drying out. Small steaks cook too fast and can become tough. Even thickness helps the bacon wrap cook evenly around the meat. Size matters to balance cooking time and tenderness. Choose steaks that fit your pan size for easy cooking.
Preparing The Filet Mignon
Preparing the filet mignon is an important step for a delicious bacon-wrapped steak. Careful preparation helps the meat cook evenly and taste great. It starts with trimming the meat and seasoning it well. Then, wrapping the filet with bacon adds flavor and keeps it juicy without an oven.
Trimming And Seasoning
Begin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the filet mignon. This makes the steak tender and easier to cook. Use a sharp knife and work carefully. Next, season the filet generously with salt and pepper. These simple spices bring out the natural taste of the meat. You can add garlic powder or herbs if you like. Season both sides evenly for the best flavor.
Wrapping With Bacon
Take thin bacon strips and wrap them around the filet mignon. The bacon should cover the sides completely. Secure it with toothpicks to hold it in place. Bacon adds a smoky flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking. This step is key for a tasty, juicy steak without using an oven.
Stovetop Cooking Essentials
Cooking bacon wrapped filet mignon on the stovetop needs some basic tools and tips. Getting the right pan and heat setting helps cook the steak evenly. It also keeps the bacon crispy without burning it. These essentials make cooking easier and tastier.
Best Pan Types
Choose a heavy pan that holds heat well. Cast iron skillets work perfectly for this recipe. They create a nice sear on the meat. Stainless steel pans also work but need more oil to prevent sticking. Avoid thin pans that heat unevenly. A good pan helps cook the steak evenly and keeps the bacon crisp.
Heat Settings And Timing
Start with medium-high heat to sear the steak and bacon. This gives a nice brown crust. After searing, lower the heat to medium or medium-low. This cooks the filet inside without burning the bacon. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Adjust timing based on steak thickness. Use a timer to avoid overcooking.
Cooking Steps For Bacon Wrapped Filet
Cooking Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon without an oven is simple and quick. This method keeps the steak juicy and flavorful. Each step builds great taste and texture. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Searing The Bacon
Start by heating a pan on medium heat. Place the bacon strips in the pan. Cook the bacon until it starts to get crispy but still flexible. This helps the bacon wrap tightly around the steak. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
Cooking The Steak
Wrap each filet mignon with the seared bacon strips. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Heat the pan again with a little oil. Place the wrapped steaks in the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Turn carefully to cook evenly. Adjust time for your preferred doneness.
Resting Time
Remove the steaks from the pan and place them on a plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute inside the meat. This step makes the steak tender and moist. Serve immediately after resting.
Tips For Perfect Results
Perfecting bacon wrapped filet mignon without an oven takes care and attention. Small details make a big difference in taste and texture. Follow these tips to cook a tender, flavorful steak every time.
Avoiding Overcooking
Use medium heat to cook the filet mignon. High heat burns the bacon before the steak cooks inside. Flip the steak often for even cooking on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Remove the steak at 130°F for medium-rare. Rest the meat for a few minutes before serving. Resting keeps the juices inside the steak.
Enhancing Flavor
Season the filet mignon with salt and pepper before wrapping. Wrap the bacon tightly around the steak to hold in moisture. Add a small amount of butter to the pan for extra richness. Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the pan. Baste the steak with the melted butter and herbs while cooking. This adds layers of flavor to the meat and bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the filet mignon against the grain for tenderness. Serve with simple sides like steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad pairs well for a light touch. Drizzle any pan juices over the steak for extra taste. Offer a mild dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, on the side. Keep the presentation clean and inviting for best results.
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Common Mistakes To Avoid
Cooking bacon wrapped filet mignon without an oven can be tricky. Many cooks face common problems that ruin the taste or texture. Avoiding these errors helps you get a perfect steak every time. Two main issues often spoil the dish: bacon shrinkage and burnt bacon.
Handling Bacon Shrinkage
Bacon shrinks a lot when heated. This can cause the bacon to pull away from the steak. To stop this, pick bacon strips that are not too thin. Wrap the bacon tightly around the filet. Use toothpicks to hold it in place. Cook on medium heat to avoid quick shrinkage.
Preventing Burnt Bacon
Burnt bacon tastes bitter and ruins the dish. High heat burns the bacon before the steak cooks. Start cooking on low heat and raise it slowly. Turn the filet often for even cooking. Keep a close eye on the bacon’s color. Remove from heat once it is golden brown, not dark.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Cook Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Without An Oven?
You can cook it on a stovetop using a skillet. Sear the bacon-wrapped filet mignon on medium-high heat. Cook each side until the bacon is crispy and the steak reaches your preferred doneness.
What Is The Best Skillet For Cooking Filet Mignon?
A cast iron skillet is ideal for bacon wrapped filet mignon. It retains heat evenly and creates a perfect sear. Non-stick pans can also work but may not give the same crust.
How Long Should I Cook Filet Mignon On The Stove?
Cook bacon wrapped filet mignon for about 3-4 minutes per side. Adjust time based on steak thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 130°F for medium-rare.
Can I Use Bacon Fat To Cook Filet Mignon?
Yes, bacon fat adds rich flavor to the steak. Use rendered bacon fat to sear the filet mignon in the skillet. This enhances taste and helps achieve a beautiful crust.
Conclusion
Bacon wrapped filet mignon cooks well without an oven. Use a pan or grill for great results. The bacon keeps the meat juicy and tasty. This method saves time and energy. Perfect for quick meals or when ovens aren’t an option.
Try it for a simple, delicious dinner tonight. Enjoy the rich flavors with easy steps. Cooking filet mignon this way feels satisfying and fun. A tasty meal is always within reach.