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!

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