If you’ve picked up one of Aldi’s bacon-wrapped filet mignon packages, you’re in for a treat. Understanding how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet properly will ensure you enjoy a delicious meal every time. This cut of steak is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a special dinner at home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet, from choosing the right filet to mastering various cooking techniques. Along the way, we’ll share tips on seasoning, pairing your meal, avoiding common mistakes, and enhancing your cooking experience with suggested internal links to related content.
Choosing the Perfect Aldi Bacon-Wrapped Filet
Before you start learning how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet, it’s essential to select the best filet mignon. When shopping at Aldi, here are some key points to consider:
- Thickness: First, look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thicker steaks cook more evenly and retain their juices better, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. On the other hand, thin steaks tend to overcook quickly, making them tough and dry.
- Marbling: Additionally, choose filets with a good amount of marbling, which means thin streaks of fat running through the meat. Marbling is crucial as it melts during cooking, infusing the meat with rich flavor and ensuring a tender texture. In contrast, steaks with little to no marbling can taste dry and lack depth in flavor.
- Packaging: Finally, ensure the filet is vacuum-sealed and leakproof. A deep purple color on the packaging indicates freshness. However, avoid steaks with tears in the packaging or those that appear discolored, as these might not be as fresh. Aldi is known for its quality products, but it’s always wise to inspect each piece before purchasing.
Selecting the right filet mignon is the first step toward a successful dish. Therefore, taking the time to choose a high-quality cut will pay off in the final flavor and texture of your meal.
Prepping the Aldi Bacon-Wrapped Filet
Proper preparation is crucial for how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet successfully. Here’s how to ensure your filet is ready for the best possible outcome:
Bringing the Filet to Room Temperature
Before cooking, it’s important to let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking throughout the steak. Otherwise, cold meat directly from the fridge will cook unevenly, with the outside potentially overcooking before the inside reaches the desired temperature. Letting the steak warm up slightly allows for more control over the cooking process and results in a juicier steak. This is a critical step in understanding how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet correctly.
Seasoning the Filet
While the bacon adds a lot of flavor, seasoning the filet itself is crucial. Therefore, generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. These basic seasonings help bring out the meat’s natural flavors without overpowering them. If you enjoy more complex flavors, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak seasoning blend. However, avoid over-seasoning as the bacon will add its own salty, smoky flavor during cooking. Proper seasoning is an integral part of learning how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet to perfection.
Wrapping with Bacon
Although the filet mignon from Aldi is pre-wrapped in bacon, it’s worth ensuring that the bacon is wrapped tightly around the steak. If it seems loose, you can re-wrap it, ensuring that the bacon is snug but not too tight. Additionally, secure the bacon with toothpicks, making sure they are inserted all the way through to avoid them falling out during cooking. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the steak moist by preventing the juices from escaping.
Cooking Aldi Bacon-Wrapped Filet in the Oven
One of the best methods to master how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet is using the oven. Cooking your bacon-wrapped filet in the oven is one of the most reliable methods to achieve a perfectly cooked steak. It combines the benefits of a high-heat sear with the gentle, even cooking of the oven. Here’s how to do it:
Preheating and Preparing the Oven
First, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the filet quickly while allowing the bacon to crisp up nicely without burning. While the oven heats, prepare to sear the filet on the stovetop. Searing is an essential step that helps lock in the steak’s juices and creates a flavorful crust on the outside. For the best results, use a cast iron skillet, which retains heat well and ensures even cooking.
Searing the Filet on the Stovetop
- First, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to become very hot before adding the steak—this will help achieve a good sear.
- Then, add a small amount of oil (canola or vegetable oil works well) to the skillet. These oils have high smoke points, making them ideal for searing at high temperatures.
- Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the filet in the skillet. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. It’s important to avoid moving the steak too much during this time; let it sit and develop that flavorful crust.
- Additionally, be sure to sear the bacon-wrapped edge as well. You can do this by holding the steak with tongs and rolling it along the skillet surface. This step ensures the bacon is crispy and fully cooked.
Finishing in the Oven
After searing, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven. This method, known as reverse-searing, helps to cook the steak evenly while retaining its juices. Knowing how to combine these techniques is key to mastering how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet.
Cook the filet to your desired doneness:
- Medium-rare: Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).
- Medium: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Well-done: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy. The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the filet, ensuring it doesn’t touch the pan or bone (if present), which could give a false reading. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the skillet from the oven.
Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the steak more flavorful and tender. Otherwise, cutting into the steak too soon could cause these juices to escape, leading to a dryer, less satisfying dish.
Stovetop Cooking for Aldi Bacon-Wrapped Filet
If you prefer to cook your bacon-wrapped filet entirely on the stovetop, it’s absolutely possible to achieve excellent results with a few careful steps. This method is particularly useful if you want to learn how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet without using an oven.
Pan-Searing Method
The stovetop method relies heavily on managing heat to cook the steak evenly without overcooking the bacon.
- First, start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a mixture of butter and olive oil to the skillet—this combination adds flavor and helps to prevent the butter from burning at high temperatures.
- When the butter is bubbling and the skillet is hot, place the steak in the skillet. Sear each side for 90 seconds. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- After searing both flat sides, use tongs to hold the steak upright and sear the bacon-wrapped edges. This step ensures the bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
Temperature Control
Maintaining the right heat is crucial when cooking on the stovetop. If the heat is too high, the outside of the steak will cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked. Conversely, if the heat is too low, the steak will cook unevenly, leading to a tough, dry texture.
To avoid overcooking, reduce the heat to medium after the initial sear. This allows the steak to cook more slowly, ensuring even doneness throughout. Additionally, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature:
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
If the steak is cooking too quickly on the outside but is still undercooked inside, you can place a lid on the skillet for a few minutes to help it cook more evenly. Knowing how to manage heat and cooking time is vital for anyone learning how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet perfectly.
Checking for Doneness
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, transfer it to a plate and cover it with foil. Letting the steak rest under foil will keep it warm while the juices redistribute. This resting period is essential for retaining the steak’s juices, ensuring each bite is flavorful and tender.
For more tips on ensuring your steak is perfectly cooked, you might want to explore our guide on why wrap filet mignon in bacon. It provides additional insights into how bacon wrapping enhances the cooking process and the final flavor.
Grilling Aldi Bacon-Wrapped Filet
Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the savory bacon-wrapped filet mignon. It’s an excellent method for those who enjoy cooking outdoors or prefer a slightly charred, smoky taste to their steak. Understanding how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet on the grill will add variety to your cooking repertoire.
Prepping the Grill
To begin, preheat your grill to 450°F (232°C). A hot grill is essential for searing the steak and locking in its juices. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they are covered with white ash before adding the steaks. This ensures even heat distribution.
While the grill heats, season your steaks as mentioned earlier and allow them to come to room temperature. Room-temperature steaks will cook more evenly, reducing the chances of overcooking.
Grilling Techniques
- First, lightly brush the steaks with olive oil before placing them on the grill. This helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle flavor.
- Place the steaks directly over the heat source and sear each side for 1-2 minutes. This initial sear will give the steaks a nice char and lock in the flavors.
- After searing, move the steaks to a low-heat area of the grill and close the lid. Cooking with the lid closed helps to maintain an even temperature and infuse the meat with smoky flavors.
Infusing Smoky Flavor
For a rich, smoky flavor, let the steaks cook over indirect heat for an additional 5-7 minutes. You can also add soaked wood chips (such as hickory or mesquite) to the grill for extra smokiness. The indirect heat allows the steak to cook through without burning the bacon or drying out the meat.
Aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare. Once the steaks are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting is crucial for maintaining the juices inside the steak, ensuring a tender, flavorful result.
Sous-Vide Cooking Method
Introduction to Sous-Vide
Sous-vide cooking is a method that involves vacuum-sealing food in a bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature. This technique is perfect for cooking filet mignon as it ensures even cooking throughout the steak while retaining all the natural juices and flavors. If you’re exploring how to cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet with precision, sous-vide is an excellent choice.
Preparing the Filet for Sous-Vide
To prepare your Aldi bacon-wrapped filet for sous-vide:
- First, season the filet as usual and place it in a vacuum-sealed bag along with a sprig of rosemary and a drizzle of olive oil. The vacuum seal ensures that the steak remains submerged and cooks evenly.
- Next, preheat the sous-vide water bath to 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. For medium, set the temperature to 140°F (60°C). For well-done, set it to 160°F (71°C).
Cooking and Finishing the Filet
Place the sealed bag into the preheated water bath and cook for 1-2 hours. The beauty of sous-vide is that the steak cannot overcook as long as it remains in the water bath at the set temperature.
After cooking, remove the filet from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the steak is important as it allows you to achieve a good sear. Finally, finish by searing the filet in a hot skillet with butter for about 1 minute per side. This step gives the steak a flavorful crust while keeping the inside perfectly cooked.
Checking for Doneness and Resting the Filet
Using a Meat Thermometer
To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, always use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer horizontally into the center of the steak, avoiding any bones or fat. This method gives the most accurate reading.
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
For more on how to properly use a meat thermometer, you can explore our detailed guide on meat thermometer accuracy, which offers insights into different types of thermometers and their benefits.
Hand Test for Doneness
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the hand test. This method involves pressing your finger into the steak and comparing the firmness to different parts of your hand:
- Rare: Touch your thumb to your index finger and press the fleshy part of your hand below your thumb. This is what a rare steak should feel like.
- Medium: Touch your thumb to your middle finger. The firmness you feel is what a medium steak should be like.
- Medium-well: Touch your thumb to your ring finger. This firmness corresponds to a medium-well steak.
- Well-done: Touch your thumb to your pinky finger. The firmness here is similar to that of a well-done steak.
Resting the Filet
After cooking, it’s crucial to let the filet rest for at least 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, making it more flavorful and tender. Resting the steak under loosely tented foil will keep it warm without steaming the crust, ensuring it remains crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Side Dishes
Pair your Aldi bacon-wrapped filet mignon with these delicious sides:
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers provide a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich steak. Grilled vegetables are easy to prepare and can be cooked alongside your steak on the grill.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, roasted potatoes are a classic pairing with steak. Season them with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil before roasting for added flavor.
- Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette or a Caesar salad adds a refreshing element to the meal. Consider adding elements like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
For more side dish ideas, consider exploring our guide on what goes with loaded fries—a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that could complement your steak perfectly.
Sauces and Condiments
Enhance your steak with these sauce ideas:
- Garlic Butter: First, melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Then, drizzle over the steak for added richness. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
- Red Wine Reduction: A bold red wine reduction complements the savory notes of the steak. To make a reduction, simmer red wine with shallots and beef broth until thickened, then strain before serving.
For those interested in experimenting with different sauces, our guide to bruschetta pizza offers some inspiration for incorporating fresh, zesty flavors into your meal.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
For the perfect pairing, consider serving a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The tannins in the wine cut through the fat and enhance the overall taste experience. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Filet
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the steak, which can lead to a tough, dry texture. Therefore, always monitor the internal temperature and remove the steak from heat a few degrees before it reaches your desired doneness, as it will continue to cook while resting.
Under-Seasoning
Under-seasoning can make your steak taste bland. Don’t be afraid to generously season your filet with salt and pepper before cooking. Proper seasoning enhances the meat’s natural flavors.
Not Resting the Meat
Cutting into the steak too soon after cooking can cause the juices to run out, leaving the meat dry. Therefore, always let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to lock in the moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet?
The cooking time depends on the method and desired doneness. In the oven, it typically takes 6-8 minutes for medium-rare. On the stovetop, sear each side for 90 seconds and finish in the oven if needed. Grilling takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
What temperature should I cook the filet to?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). For medium, go for 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, reach 160°F (71°C).
Can I cook Aldi bacon-wrapped filet from frozen?
It’s best to thaw the steak before cooking to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven results and a tough texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the steak tough.
Is it necessary to use a meat thermometer?
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. It helps you avoid overcooking or undercooking the filet.
Final Thoughts and Expert Tips
Cooking Aldi bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a rewarding experience that can yield restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you choose to cook it in the oven, on the stovetop, or on the grill, following these steps will ensure your steak is flavorful, juicy, and perfectly cooked. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods and pairings to make the dish your own. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll master the art of cooking the perfect bacon-wrapped filet.
For more insights into similar recipes, you might want to explore our detailed guide on why wrap filet mignon in bacon, which provides additional tips and techniques for enhancing your steak dishes.
Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
