Bacon Wrapped Fillet

Bacon-Wrapped Fillet on the Braai: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

There’s something truly special about cooking over an open flame, and when you combine that with the most popular bacon-wrapped fillet recipe, you get a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat. Today, we’re taking this classic dish to the braai, giving it a smoky, char-grilled twist that elevates the flavors to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

4 beef fillet steaks (about 1 ½ inches thick)
8 slices of streaky bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Toothpicks or butcher’s twine

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the fillets

Wrap the Fillets: Wrap two slices of bacon around the edge of each fillet steak, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks or tie with butcher’s twine to hold the bacon in place.
Season the Steaks: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Braai

Prepare the Fire: Light your charcoal or gas braai. For charcoal braai, wait until the coals are covered with white ash and have a medium-high heat. For gas braai, preheat to a medium-high temperature.
Clean and Oil the Grates: Clean the braai grates thoroughly and oil them to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Braai the Fillets

Sear the Fillets: Place the bacon-wrapped fillets on the hot braai grates. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until the bacon is crispy and has beautiful grill marks.
Cook to Desired Doneness: Move the fillets to a cooler part of the braai or reduce the heat slightly. Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time to suit your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 52°C (125°F) for rare, 57°C (135°F) for medium-rare, 63°C (145°F) for medium, 68°C (155°F) for medium-well, and 73°C (165°F) for well-done.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Rest the Steaks: Once cooked to your liking, remove the fillets from the braai and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your bacon-wrapped fillets with your favorite sides. Grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes make excellent accompaniments. Enjoy the smoky, savory flavors of this classic dish, now with a delicious braai twist!

Tips for the Perfect Braai Fillet

Quality Meat: Choose high-quality fillet steaks for the best flavor and tenderness.
Consistent Heat: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat on the braai to ensure even cooking.
Rest Time: Always let the meat rest after cooking to retain its juices.

Cooking bacon-wrapped fillet on the braai not only enhances the dish with a wonderful smoky flavor but also makes for a fun and engaging cooking experience. Gather your friends and family, fire up the braai, and enjoy this delectable dish in the great outdoors!