When it comes to elevating a meal to an unforgettable dining experience, few things can compete with a perfectly cooked filet mignon, especially when it’s wrapped in bacon. The Omaha Steak Company is renowned for its high-quality beef, and their filet mignon is no exception. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the steps to prepare this sumptuous dish, offering tips that ensure your steak is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. From the perfect seasonings to the best cooking methods, you’ll find everything you need to master this culinary delight.
Understanding Omaha Filet Mignon
Omaha filet mignon is a tender cut of beef, derived from the smaller end of the tenderloin. This cut is celebrated for its buttery texture and beefy flavor, making it a favorite among steak lovers. When skillfully paired with bacon, the richness of the pork complements the filet mignon beautifully, creating a dish that is both luxurious and satisfying.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make this dish truly remarkable, it’s important to select the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Omaha Filet Mignon: Opt for steaks that are at least 1.5 inches thick for the best results.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a hearty texture and excellent flavor.
- Seasonings: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to allow the steaks to shine.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil will help to create a beautiful crust.
- Butter: Optional, but adding a pat of butter at the end can enhance richness.
Prep Work: Thawing and Seasoning
Before cooking your Omaha filet mignon, ensure that it is fully thawed. If you’ve purchased frozen steaks, place them in the refrigerator for 24 hours or submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
Once your steaks are thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is critical as it helps to achieve a perfect sear. Here’s how to season your filet mignon:
- Generously Season: Sprinkle both sides of each steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of flavor, add a light dusting of garlic powder.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take two strips of bacon per filet mignon. Starting at one end, wrap the bacon around the steak in a spiral fashion, securing it with toothpicks if necessary.
Cooking Methods for Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon
There are several methods to achieve perfectly cooked filet mignon wrapped in bacon, including grilling, broiling, and pan-searing. Let’s take a closer look at each method.
Grilling Your Filet Mignon
Grilling is a fantastic option that infuses a delightful smoky flavor into the meat.
Steps to Grill the Steak
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly brush your grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Filets: Place your bacon-wrapped filets on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Cook: After 4-5 minutes, flip the steaks and continue grilling for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on your preferred level of doneness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For best results, use a meat thermometer. Medium-rare is achieved at 130°F-135°F, while medium is 140°F-145°F.
- Rest Your Steaks: Remove the filets from the grill and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step is essential as it enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Oven Broiling: A Convenient Option
If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor grilling or if you prefer the ease of cooking indoors, broiling is an excellent alternative.
Steps to Broil the Steak
- Preheat the Broiler: Turn your oven’s broiler on and allow it to preheat.
- Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top if you have one. This allows the juices to drain.
- Broil the Filets: Place your wrapped filets on the wire rack or directly onto the foil-lined pan. Broil for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and broil for another 4-5 minutes.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for your desired doneness.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove from the oven and let the filets rest for 5-10 minutes.
Pan-Seared Perfection
For a truly restaurant-quality flavor, pan-searing your filet mignon is an excellent approach. This method gives the bacon a delicious crispiness and creates a beautiful crust on the steak.
Steps to Pan-Seal the Steak
- Heat Your Pan: Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the Filets: Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place your bacon-wrapped steaks in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip and Baste: Flip the filets and add a tablespoon of butter to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter as they cook. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare.
- Check the Internal Temperature: As with the grilling and broiling methods, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for desired doneness.
- Let Them Rest: Remove the filets from the pan and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve mastered cooking your Omaha filet mignon wrapped in bacon, consider how you wish to present it. Here are some serving suggestions that pair beautifully with this dish.
Accompaniments
- Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms for a delightful contrast to the rich steak.
- Potatoes: Classic choices like garlic mashed potatoes or a baked potato with sour cream will complement the filet perfectly.
- Sauce Options: Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a rich red wine sauce to elevate the dish further.
- Salads: A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the steak.
Wine Pairing
For the ultimate dining experience, accompany your meal with a glass of red wine. Full-bodied wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec are excellent choices that will enhance the savory flavors of the steak.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of cooking Omaha filet mignon wrapped in bacon is not only fulfilling but also an impressive feat for any home chef. Whether you choose to grill, broil, or pan-sear, the key lies in attentive cooking and allowing the steak to rest. Pair it with complementary sides and a good wine, and you have a meal fit for a celebration.
With these tips and techniques in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious and elegant dish that is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the experience, and savor every moment as you indulge in this luxurious meal!
What is filet mignon, and why is it considered a luxury cut of meat?
Filet mignon is a premium cut of beef taken from the tenderloin section of the cow, making it exceptionally tender and flavorful. Its name translates to “dainty fillet” in French, which reflects its delicate texture and high-quality nature. The muscle from which filet mignon is cut does very little work, resulting in a soft and buttery consistency that is highly sought after in fine dining.
The luxurious status of filet mignon comes with its scarcity and rich flavor profile. As one of the most desirable cuts, it typically costs more than other steaks. When wrapped in bacon, it gains an added depth of flavor and richness, elevating the dining experience and making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
How do you prepare the filet mignon before cooking?
Preparing a filet mignon begins with selecting high-quality meat. Look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat, as this will enhance the flavor and tenderness when cooked. Before cooking, it’s recommended to let the steaks rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps in achieving an even cook throughout the meat.
Next, season the filet mignon generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. If you prefer, you can also apply a rub or marinade, but keeping it simple often allows the steak’s quality to shine through. Taking the time to properly prepare and marinate the meat can significantly improve the final dish.
What cooking methods work best for filet mignon wrapped in bacon?
Filet mignon wrapped in bacon can be cooked using several methods, with the most popular being pan-searing followed by oven roasting. Searing the wrapped steak in a hot cast-iron skillet allows the bacon to crisp up and imparts a delicious caramelized flavor. This method also helps lock in the juices, making for a succulent steak.
Alternatively, grilling is another fantastic option. The smoke from the grill adds a unique flavor while allowing the bacon to render beautifully. Whichever method you choose, the key is to monitor the internal temperature closely to achieve the desired doneness without overcooking either the beef or the bacon.
What temperature should the filet mignon be cooked to for the best flavor?
For the best flavor and texture, filet mignon is typically cooked to medium rare, which means an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Cooking to this temperature allows the meat to remain tender and juicy while ensuring that it is safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer will help you accurately gauge when your steak reaches the desired doneness.
If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can cook it to medium (140-145°F/60-63°C) or medium well (150-155°F/65-68°C), but keep in mind that the meat will lose some of its tenderness and moisture. Always allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
Can the bacon change the cooking time for the filet mignon?
Yes, the bacon can influence the cooking time of the filet mignon. When wrapping the steak in bacon, the additional fat can help keep the meat moist but may also require a bit more time to ensure the bacon cooks through and becomes crispy. The thickness of the bacon and the steak will both be factors in determining the total cooking time.
To ensure properly cooked bacon, it is crucial to choose a cooking method that allows for even heat distribution. Monitoring both the internal temperature of the filet mignon and the color and texture of the bacon will help ensure that both components are cooked perfectly. Adjusting cooking times based on visual cues and using a thermometer will yield the best results.
What sides pair best with filet mignon wrapped in bacon?
Filet mignon wrapped in bacon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted asparagus, or grilled vegetables. These sides provide both a satisfying balance and a pleasing contrast to the succulent steak, enhancing the overall dining experience.
For a more elegant touch, consider serving the steak with a red wine reduction sauce or a side of sautéed mushrooms. Salads with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Ultimately, the best sides will be those that accentuate the luxurious qualities of the filet mignon while offering a well-rounded meal.