If you have been searching for a show-stopping and mouthwatering centerpiece for your next special meal, look no further! This guide on How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Recipe will walk you through the secrets of preparing the most tender, juicy, and flavorful beef tenderloin you’ve ever tasted. Whether you choose to grill or roast it in the oven, this recipe brings out the natural richness of the beef with simple, quality ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it a favorite for gatherings and celebrations alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is the first step to mastering this spectacular dish. Each component plays a vital role in enhancing the beef tenderloin’s natural texture and flavor while maintaining a beautiful, inviting appearance on your plate.
- 4-5 pounds beef tenderloin (trimmed): The star of the dish, choose a high-quality, well-trimmed cut for the best tenderness and taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the rich beef flavor without overpowering.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds moisture and helps create a beautiful crust when cooking, enhancing the overall succulence.
How to Make How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Preparing and Seasoning Your Tenderloin
Start by generously seasoning your beef tenderloin with salt and pepper all over. Then, drizzle olive oil on the entire surface and rub it in so every part gets coated. This step is crucial as it locks in moisture during cooking and ensures a flavorful crust develops.
Step 2: Bringing the Tenderloin to Room Temperature
Allow the tenderloin to sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. This little pause prevents the outside from overcooking while the center reaches the perfect doneness.
Step 3: Choosing Your Cooking Method: Grilling or Roasting
You can either grill or roast your beef tenderloin, each bringing a distinct charm. If grilling, preheat your grill to 400 degrees. For roasting, preheat your oven to 425 degrees and prepare a skillet for searing.
Step 4: Grilling the Beef Tenderloin
Place the tenderloin over direct heat for 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to get that beautiful sear all around. Then, reduce your grill heat to 350 degrees and move the beef to indirect heat. Continue grilling for another 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking for medium-rare perfection or adjust timing to your preferred doneness.
Step 5: Oven Roasting Method
Sear the tenderloin in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Then, transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast the beef for 25-30 minutes, or until it hits your desired internal temperature. Both methods deliver a tender, juicy roast bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Resting and Slicing
Once cooked, remove your beef tenderloin from heat and tent it loosely with foil. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and melts in your mouth when served.
How to Serve How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme adds a fresh aromatic touch that complements the beef beautifully. You can also brush a light garlic butter over the top to deepen the flavor and add a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This beef tenderloin pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. These sides complement the richness of the meat and balance the meal with texture and color contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on toasted artisan buns with horseradish aioli for a gourmet sandwich twist, or elegantly plate it alongside a drizzle of balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a fine-dining effect. Presentation can elevate your dish and wow your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carefully wrap any leftover beef tenderloin in aluminum foil or airtight containers and refrigerate. Stored properly, it will stay tender and delicious for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed again.
Freezing
If you want to keep your leftovers longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain good quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, slowly warm slices in a low oven (around 250 degrees) wrapped in foil to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the tender beef. This gentle reheating will bring back much of the fresh-cooked texture and flavor.
FAQs
What temperature should beef tenderloin be cooked to?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature around 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness level.
Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?
Absolutely. While olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits, vegetable or avocado oil can also be used, especially for higher heat cooking like grilling.
How long should I rest the beef tenderloin after cooking?
Rest the meat for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite tender and juicy instead of dry.
Is it necessary to bring the beef to room temperature before cooking?
Yes, bringing the beef to room temperature helps achieve even cooking throughout the tenderloin, preventing the outside from getting overdone while the inside warms properly.
Can this recipe be adapted for smaller or larger cuts?
Definitely. Cooking times will vary based on the size of your tenderloin, but the seasoning, preparation, and resting steps remain the same. Use a thermometer to guide doneness for different sizes.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly easy to prepare. This How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Recipe has all the tips and steps you need to create a memorable meal that your family and friends will rave about. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to savor the juicy, tender flavors that make this dish such a standout!
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How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe provides detailed instructions for cooking a beef tenderloin either by grilling or roasting, resulting in a tender, flavorful centerpiece perfect for gatherings. The beef is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then cooked to medium-rare perfection with a resting period to retain its juices.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin
- 4–5 pounds beef tenderloin, trimmed
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons for roasting method
Instructions
- Season the beef: Generously season the beef tenderloin all over with salt and pepper. Drizzle 1/4 cup olive oil over the meat and rub it in thoroughly to ensure an even coating of seasoning and oil.
- Bring to room temperature: Allow the beef to come to room temperature before cooking. This step ensures even cooking throughout the tenderloin.
- Grilling method – Preheat grill: Heat your grill to 400°F (204°C) for direct grilling.
- Grill over direct heat: Place the beef tenderloin over direct heat on the grill and cook for 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to brown all sides evenly.
- Grill over indirect heat: Reduce the grill temperature to 350°F (177°C). Move the beef to indirect heat and continue grilling for an additional 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes, until the desired doneness (medium-rare recommended) is reached.
- Rest the meat: Remove the beef tenderloin from the grill and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the beef tenderloin and serve. Optionally, serve with buns if desired.
- Oven roasting method – Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, season the beef tenderloin as before with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tenderloin and brown it on all sides to develop flavor and color.
- Roast in the oven: Place the skillet with the browned beef in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the beef reaches the desired internal temperature (medium-rare recommended).
- Rest the meat: Remove the skillet from the oven and tent the beef with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute and enhance tenderness.
- Serve: Slice the rested beef tenderloin and serve immediately for a tender, juicy main course.
Notes
- The beef tenderloin can be cooked either by grilling or roasting, depending on your preference and available equipment.
- Resting the meat after cooking is crucial to ensure the juices redistribute and result in a moist and flavorful tenderloin.
- For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57°C) before resting.
- You can use buns to serve the sliced beef for a casual sandwich style.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the size of the tenderloin and your preferred level of doneness.
