Patrick Oconnell
Bacon-wrapped pork loin is a juicy and flavourful dish that is perfect for serving to guests. The bacon helps seal in moisture, preventing the meat from drying out. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made even more delicious by adding a layer of cheese. To make this mouth-watering meal, you'll want to start by seasoning the pork loin and then carefully wrapping it with bacon strips. The loin is then roasted, and with a few simple techniques, you'll achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful meal.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pork Loin Wrapped in Bacon with Cheese:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Oven roasting |
| Temperature | 350°F-425°F |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour and a half or 20-25 minutes per pound |
| Resting Time | 5-20 minutes |
| Meat Temperature | 145°F |
| Bacon | Thin/regular or thick-cut |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic, brown sugar, rosemary, olive oil |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, sprouts, corn on the cob, chutney |
| Sauce | Honey, balsamic glaze |
| Meat Type | Pork tenderloin or pork loin |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
If you choose to use pork tenderloin, it is recommended to use thin-cut bacon as thick-cut bacon slices may be difficult to wrap around the tenderloin. You can secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed. Additionally, when roasting pork tenderloin, it is suggested to place it on a wire rack or a roasting pan to ensure even cooking.
On the other hand, if you opt for pork loin, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly as it will take longer to cook than pork tenderloin. It is recommended to cook pork loin in an oven-safe skillet or roasting pan.
Regardless of the cut of pork you choose, it is crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches the recommended 145°F for food safety.
When selecting your pork, look for meat that is pinkish-red with white fat. Avoid pork that has a lot of brown or grey spots, as this may indicate that it is not fresh. Choose pork with a good amount of marbling, which are the streaks of fat within the meat, as this will contribute to juiciness and flavour.
In summary, the key considerations when choosing the right cut of pork for this recipe are the cooking method, cooking time, and ensuring the meat is fresh and has a good amount of marbling.
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Preparing the bacon for wrapping
Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of bacon. Opt for streaky bacon strips that are long enough to wrap around the pork loin. You will need enough bacon to cover the entire surface of the meat. Depending on the size of your pork loin, prepare anywhere between 7 to 10 bacon slices. If you prefer thicker bacon slices, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker bacon may require a bit more time to cook through.
Before wrapping the pork loin, it is recommended to season the meat generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavour of the dish. You can also try other seasonings like garlic, rosemary, or brown sugar to elevate the taste even further. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile.
Now, let's get to the wrapping technique. Start by laying out the bacon slices vertically on a clean surface, slightly overlapping each slice with the next. Place the pork loin at one end of the bacon arrangement and use a knife to lift the bacon under the meat. Carefully roll the pork loin so that the bacon wraps around it seamlessly. Ensure that the bacon covers the entire surface of the meat, creating a protective layer that will seal in moisture during cooking.
If you're concerned about the bacon staying in place, you can secure it with toothpicks at both ends of the pork loin. This will ensure that the bacon doesn't unravel during cooking. However, make sure to remove the toothpicks before serving, as they are not edible.
Some recipes suggest pre-cooking the bacon before wrapping it around the pork loin. This can be done by placing the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and cooking it in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at a temperature of around 425˚F. This step is especially useful if you want to ensure that the bacon is crispy and cooked through, as it can sometimes remain rubbery or undercooked when wrapped around the meat.
Remember, the key to successful bacon wrapping is to ensure complete coverage of the pork loin, creating a flavourful and moist barrier that enhances the overall taste and texture of your dish.
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Seasoning and searing the meat
Next, searing the meat is important to create an evenly cooked finish. Heat a skillet or frying pan to a high temperature and add a little oil. Place the pork loin in the pan and sear on all sides for around 5 minutes, until browned. This step is important as it ensures the meat is cooked evenly and prevents a thick band of overcooked meat surrounding the just-done centre.
After searing, you can wrap the pork loin in the bacon. However, some recipes suggest wrapping the bacon first and then searing the meat, so the bacon firms up. This is a personal preference and depends on how crispy you like your bacon. If you wrap the bacon first, be careful not to burn it during the searing process.
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Cooking methods and temperatures
Cooking methods for pork loin wrapped in bacon with cheese vary, but most recipes agree on a few key steps. Firstly, season the pork loin with salt and pepper, and, optionally, brown it in a skillet before wrapping it in bacon. The browning step helps to give the pork loin a head start before it goes in the oven and prevents it from having a thick band of overcooked meat around the outside.
Next, wrap the pork loin in bacon. Some recipes suggest using a toothpick to secure the bacon, while others simply wrap and place the joint in a roasting pan. One recipe recommends laying the bacon strips vertically on a work surface, with each piece overlapping slightly, before placing the pork on the bacon and rolling it up. Another recipe suggests wrapping the bacon under the pork loin and securing it with a toothpick, before wrapping the rest of the bacon around the outside.
The oven temperature varies across recipes, but most agree that the pork loin should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. One recipe recommends roasting at 350°F for 20-25 minutes per pound, or about an hour and a half, while another suggests 425°F for 25-30 minutes. If you want a nice crust, one source recommends roasting at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, then removing it from the oven and letting it rest, covered in foil, until the temperature reaches 145°F. Finally, finish by returning the joint to a very hot oven to brown the bacon.
Some recipes add extra flavour with a glaze or a spice rub. One recipe recommends a rub of garlic, brown sugar, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil, while another suggests a honey glaze. One recipe includes red wine, balsamic vinegar, honey, onion, and rosemary in the glaze.
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Serving suggestions
Bacon-wrapped pork loin is a juicy and flavourful dish that is relatively easy to cook. The bacon helps seal in moisture and adds flavour and fat to the meat.
- Bacon-wrapped pork loin can be served with whole roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes.
- For a festive meal, serve the pork loin with rosemary melting potatoes. The rosemary complements the meat well.
- For a sweet touch, serve with pureed garlic potatoes and spicy quince chutney.
- If you're cooking for a large family, roast two pork tenderloins to feed a crowd.
- For a simple side, roast the pork loin with potatoes.
- For a more complex flavour, serve with corn on the cob.
- For a savoury, sticky coating, season the pork loin with salt, pepper, oil, and rosemary.
- For a sweet dish, roast the pork loin with a honey balsamic glaze.
- For added texture, sprinkle the pork loin with raisins.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork loin wrapped in bacon is a great way to keep the meat moist and add flavor. Here are the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the bacon around the pork loin, using toothpicks to secure it.
- Place the wrapped pork loin in a roasting pan and cook for about 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let the pork loin rest for a few minutes before serving.
To make the bacon crispy, you can finish the pork loin under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning. Alternatively, you can sear the bacon-wrapped pork loin in a skillet over high heat before transferring it to the oven.
While there are no explicit recipes for pork loin wrapped in bacon with cheese, you could try using a hard cheese like Parmesan or a creamy cheese like Boursin, which could be spread on the pork before wrapping it in bacon.
