Have you ever wanted to impress your friends or family with a delicious steak that’s easy to make? Cooking a bacon-wrapped filet mignon on a gas grill might just be the perfect solution. This mouthwatering dish combines the rich flavors of tender beef and savory bacon, creating a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Imagine the sizzle of bacon and steak on the grill, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Not only is this dish a showstopper, but it’s also simple enough for any home cook to master. In this article, you’ll learn step-by-step how to achieve that perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy steak, making your next cookout unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Choose high-quality, thick-cut, or uncured bacon and fresh filet mignon for the best flavor and texture in your grilled dish.
- Proper Preparation: Allow filet mignon to reach room temperature before wrapping it in bacon, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Searing Techniques: Start grilling with direct heat for a crispy bacon exterior, then move to indirect heat for even cooking without burning.
- Temperature Accuracy: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F for perfect medium-rare.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Preheat your grill, wrap the bacon securely, and pat the steak dry before grilling to prevent flare-ups and ensure consistent cooking.
- Rest for Best Flavor: Let the bacon-wrapped filet mignon rest for 5 to 10 minutes post-grilling to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
Ingredients Needed
Cooking bacon-wrapped filet mignon on a gas grill requires specific ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Gather the following items for your cooking adventure.
Bacon Selection
Choose high-quality bacon for optimal results. Look for options like:
- Thick-cut Bacon: Adds richness and a nice crisp when cooked.
- Uncured Bacon: Offers a more natural flavor without chemical additives.
- Smoked Bacon: Provides a smoky flavor that complements the steak.
Filet Mignon Preparation
Select fresh filet mignon steaks that are around 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Prior to cooking, ensure that you:
- Trim Excess Fat: Remove any large fat caps for even cooking.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let the steaks sit out for about 30 minutes for uniform cooking.
- Wrapp in Bacon: Securely wrap each filet with bacon, using toothpicks if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
Seasoning Options
A simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of your meat. Consider these options:
- Salt and Pepper: A classic choice for bringing out the beef’s flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds a subtle depth to the taste.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme works well for an aromatic touch.
- Steak Rub: Pre-made or homemade rubs can add unique flavor profiles.
Gather these ingredients and prepare for a delicious grilling experience.
Cooking Tools
To cook bacon-wrapped filet mignon perfectly on a gas grill, gather essential tools that ensure efficiency and quality in your grilling experience.
Gas Grill Essentials
- Gas Grill: Select a reliable gas grill with even heat distribution. Look for at least two burners for versatile cooking.
- Grill Thermometer: Use an accurate grill thermometer to monitor temperature. Aim for a cooking temperature between 450°F and 500°F for optimal searing.
- Grill Grates: Ensure grates are clean and well-oiled. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
- Tongs: Use long, sturdy tongs for flipping and removing the steaks. They’ll provide a secure grip without piercing the meat.
- Basting Brush: Opt for a basting brush to apply marinades or butter during grilling, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Meat Thermometer: Utilize a meat thermometer to check doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.
- Cutting Board: Prep on a stable cutting board, allowing for easy handling of ingredients and cooked steaks.
- Sharp Knife: Keep a sharp knife handy for slicing cooked filet mignon before serving. It enhances presentation and ensures clean cuts.
Gathering these tools sets the stage for grilling success, allowing for a delicious and memorable meal.
Preparation Steps
Follow these preparation steps to ensure a delicious bacon-wrapped filet mignon cooked to perfection on your gas grill.
Wrapping the Filet Mignon
- Choose bacon: Use thick-cut, uncured, or smoked bacon for the best flavor.
- Prepare the steak: Trim any excess fat from the sides of the filet mignon. This helps the bacon render properly.
- Room temperature: Allow the filet mignon to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before wrapping; this ensures even cooking.
- Wrap securely: Start at one end of the steak, wrapping the bacon tightly but not too tight to avoid tearing. Overlap the bacon edges slightly, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Trim excess bacon: Cut off any overly long pieces to ensure a uniform cook.
- Select a marinade: Opt for a simple blend of olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. For a zesty kick, add lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
- Combine ingredients: Mix the marinade in a small bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Marinate: Place the wrapped filet mignon in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, coating it evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, allowing it to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Remove excess marinade: Before grilling, pat the steak dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture on the grill.
Grilling Process
Grilling a bacon-wrapped filet mignon requires attention to detail and timing for the best results. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.
Preheating the Gas Grill
Preheat your gas grill to a consistent temperature between 450°F and 500°F. This range ensures even cooking. Open the lid and ignite the burners, adjusting them as needed to reach the target temperature. Allow the grill to heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps achieve the desired sear on the bacon and browning on the steak.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook your bacon-wrapped filet mignon for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately. For thicker steaks, increase cooking time slightly, and for preferred doneness, adjust the internal temperature: 140°F for medium and 150°F for medium-well.
Searing Techniques
Sear the wrapped steaks over direct heat for the first few minutes of cooking. This step creates a crispy bacon exterior and enhances the flavors. After searing, move the filet mignon to indirect heat to finish cooking. Close the grill lid during this phase to maintain a consistent temperature and promote even cooking. This two-zone cooking method allows for perfect doneness without overcooking the bacon.
Tips for Success
Success in cooking bacon-wrapped filet mignon on a gas grill comes from attention to detail and following best practices. Here are key tips to ensure perfect results.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Selecting Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a balanced texture and flavor. Avoid overly thin bacon, as it may burn before the steak cooks.
- Wrapping Technique: Wrap the bacon tightly around the filet mignon to secure it during cooking. Trim excess bacon to prevent uneven cooking, but make sure the entire steak is covered.
- Temperature Control: Don’t skip preheating the grill. An unevenly heated grill leads to inconsistent cooking.
- Marinade Management: Pat dry the filet mignon before grilling. Excess marinade causes flare-ups and uneven cooking.
- Turning the Steaks: Avoid excessive flipping. Turn the steaks only once halfway through to allow a nice sear and to keep juices intact.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature for accuracy. Aim for 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare.
- Timing: Cook the filet mignon for about 10 to 15 minutes total. Adjust based on thickness and desired doneness.
- Resting Time: Let the steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
- Visual Cues: Look for a crispy, golden brown bacon exterior. If the bacon appears burnt, the steak may be overcooked.
- Experiment with Techniques: Try indirect heat for the latter half of grilling. This method allows the bacon to crisp without overcooking the steak.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a perfectly grilled bacon-wrapped filet mignon that impresses family and friends alike.
Conclusion
Cooking a bacon-wrapped filet mignon on your gas grill is a surefire way to wow your guests. With the right ingredients and techniques you can achieve that perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy steak.
Don’t forget to take your time with the grilling process and use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks are cooked to perfection. Allowing the meat to rest before serving will enhance the flavors even more.
So gather your friends and family around the grill and get ready for a delicious meal that’ll have everyone raving. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your mouthwatering creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need to cook bacon-wrapped filet mignon?
To cook bacon-wrapped filet mignon, you’ll need high-quality bacon (thick-cut or smoked), fresh filet mignon steaks (1.5 to 2 inches thick), and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Optional ingredients include fresh herbs or steak rubs for added flavor.
How do I prepare the filet mignon before grilling?
Preparation involves trimming excess fat from the steak and allowing it to reach room temperature. Securely wrap the filet mignon in bacon, making sure it’s tightly wrapped to hold everything together while cooking.
What tools are necessary for grilling bacon-wrapped filet mignon?
Essential tools include a reliable gas grill, a grill thermometer, clean and oiled grill grates, long tongs, a basting brush, and a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
What is the ideal internal temperature for medium-rare filet mignon?
The target internal temperature for medium-rare filet mignon is between 130°F and 135°F. Using a meat thermometer will help you achieve perfect doneness without overcooking.
How can I avoid common grilling mistakes?
To avoid mistakes, use thick-cut bacon, wrap it tightly, control the grill temperature, limit flipping, and let the steak rest after grilling. Also, monitor the cooking time and consider using indirect heat for a crispy bacon exterior.
Can I experiment with different marinades or seasonings?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different marinades, spices, and herbs to enhance the flavor of your bacon-wrapped filet mignon. Just be mindful not to overpower the natural flavors of the meat.
