Tender pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon

Tender Pork Tenderloin Wrapped in Bacon – A Holiday Delicacy

If you're looking for a spectacular recipe for the holidays, you've come to the right place. The bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is a perfect choice to impress everyone at the Christmas or New Year's table. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make, providing an impressive result. With the crispiness of the bacon and the tenderness of the meat, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 70-80 minutes
Total time: 100 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1 thin and long pork tenderloin (approximately 600g)
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 pinch of hot paprika (optional, for a bit of spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 150 g long strips of bacon

Preparing the Tenderloin

1. Washing and preparing the meat: Start by washing the pork tenderloin under cold water, then carefully dry it using a kitchen towel to remove excess water. It's important for the meat to be dry to allow the spices to adhere better.

2. Preparing the spice paste: Peel the 2 garlic cloves and lightly crush them with a knife or a garlic press. In a bowl, combine the crushed garlic with the mustard, room temperature butter, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and hot paprika (if you want a spicier taste). Mix well until you get a smooth paste.

3. Seasoning the meat: Use this paste to coat the tenderloin on all sides. Make sure to cover it well with the spice mixture for an intense flavor.

4. Wrapping in bacon: Arrange the strips of bacon side by side, overlapping them slightly. Place the pork tenderloin in the center of the bacon strips and wrap it tightly, ensuring that the bacon completely covers the meat. This will not only add delicious flavor but also keep the meat moist during baking.

5. Wrapping in parchment paper: Take a piece of parchment paper and carefully place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin on it. Wrap it tightly so that steam stays inside. This step is crucial for achieving tender and juicy meat.

6. Baking: Place the wrapped tenderloin in a deep baking dish. Add one and a half cups of water to the dish to create steam during baking. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and place the dish in the oven. Let it bake for 70-80 minutes. Check the water level occasionally, adding more water if necessary.

7. Resting the meat: After the baking time is up, turn off the oven but leave the tenderloin wrapped in parchment paper for at least another hour. This step allows the meat to rest and absorb the juices, resulting in a more tender texture.

8. Slicing and serving: After the resting time, unwrap the tenderloin and slice it into pieces about 1 cm thick. Serve it warm, alongside sides such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the meat: Choose a young pork tenderloin, with a pink appearance and firm texture. This will taste better and remain more tender during baking.
- The bacon: The strips of bacon are essential for this dish, as they not only add flavor but also fat, which helps keep the meat juicy. You can use smoked bacon for an even more intense flavor.
- Spice variations: You can experiment with spices by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or you can use soy sauce to add an umami note.
- Serving: This tenderloin pairs perfectly with a dry red wine or a fresh citrus-based cocktail.

Nutritional Benefits

Pork tenderloin is an excellent source of protein, contributing to the maintenance of muscle mass. The fat content in bacon can be balanced with healthy sides such as fresh vegetables or whole grains. This recipe has approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the sides and the amount of bacon used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, the recipe can be adapted using chicken breast. The baking time will need to be reduced, as chicken cooks faster than pork.

2. How do I know when the meat is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches 70°C.

3. What sides go best with it?
Mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad are excellent sides that complement this dish.

4. Can I prepare the tenderloin in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tenderloin a day ahead, keep it in the fridge, and bake it on the day of serving.

5. What is the secret to a juicy tenderloin?
Resting after baking is essential. Don't rush to slice it immediately after taking it out of the oven; let it absorb the juices for a perfect texture.

No matter the occasion, this tender pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon is an excellent choice that will bring joy to your table. I hope you try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!