Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook beef tenderloin? Look no further than your Instant Pot!
With its pressure cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot can cook a tenderloin of beef to perfection in just a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.
Plus, with the ability to sear the meat right in the pot, you can achieve a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking beef tenderloin in an Instant Pot, as well as tips for achieving the perfect level of doneness.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Beef Tenderloin In Instant Pot?
First, start by marinating your beef tenderloin for at least 24 hours in a large food bag with all the marinade ingredients. Give it a good massage and pop it in the fridge. If you can, give it another massage every now and then to distribute the ingredients.
When you’re ready to cook, take the beef out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand to take the chill off. Then, put your Instant Pot onto Sauté and sear the beef all over. Take your time with this step and get a good char before turning.
Next, reserve the marinade in its bag for now and tip the marinade ingredients into the pot. Set the seared beef on the onions so that it is raised up a little off the base. Crumble the stock cube into the water and pour in enough water to come just to the bottom of the beef.
Put the lid on and set to Manual High for 4 minutes (make sure the vent is closed). When the 4 minutes are up, don’t touch the pot and instead leave it on Keep Warm for one hour for a perfectly cooked medium-rare beef tenderloin.
When the hour is up, remove the beef to a serving plate and cover with foil. To make the gravy, remove the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs then turn the pot onto Sauté once more. Use a stick blender to purée the onions and garlic and make a smooth gravy.
Whisk in mustard powder and slake cornflour in a little cold water then whisk in enough of this mixture for the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency. Add boiling water if it becomes too thick and taste for seasoning before serving.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef Tenderloin
When it comes to cooking beef tenderloin in an Instant Pot, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. The tenderloin is a long cut of beef that comes from the back half of the animal and is cut from the loin and sirloin primals. It’s a particularly useful cut for entertaining guests and special occasions, as you can cut several extremely tender, perfectly portioned, mouthwatering steaks from it.
When choosing a beef tenderloin for your Instant Pot recipe, consider the size of your crowd. If you’re serving a small group of four to six guests, a center-cut tenderloin is nicely evenly shaped for roasting whole. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a larger dinner party, a tail-end tenderloin is ideal, although you’ll want to tie the roast to ensure even cooking.
It’s also important to note that while all filet mignon comes from beef tenderloin, not all of the tenderloin is filet mignon. Filet mignon is cut from the tip of the tenderloin, a delicate and tender area of the loin primal. It’s an incredibly lean part of the animal, which means you’ll enjoy a fork-tender steak without much fat or connective tissue. However, if you’re looking for a larger roast or steak for your Instant Pot recipe, consider choosing another cut from the beef tenderloin, such as chateaubriand or muscle on roast.
Ultimately, when choosing the right cut of beef tenderloin for your Instant Pot recipe, consider your cooking method and your desired outcome. Whether you’re looking for perfectly portioned filet mignon steaks or a larger roast for your crowd, there’s a cut of beef tenderloin that will suit your needs.
Preparing The Beef Tenderloin For Cooking
Before cooking your beef tenderloin in the Instant Pot, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by marinating the beef in a large food bag with a mixture of oil, vinegar, mustard, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, smashed garlic, and honey for at least 24 hours. Massage the ingredients into the meat and distribute them evenly.
When you’re ready to cook, take the beef out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand to bring it to room temperature. Sear the beef all over on the Sauté setting of the Instant Pot, taking your time to get a good char before turning it.
After searing, reserve the marinade in its bag and add the marinade ingredients to the pot. Set the seared beef on top of onions in the pot so that it is raised up a little off the base. Crumble a stock cube into water and pour it into the pot until it comes just to the bottom of the beef.
Put on the lid and set to Manual High for 4 minutes, making sure that the vent is closed. Once the 4 minutes are up, leave the pot on Keep Warm for one hour for a perfectly cooked medium-rare beef tenderloin.
After an hour, remove the beef from the pot and cover it with foil. To make gravy, remove bay leaves and rosemary sprigs and turn on Sauté once more. Use a stick blender to purée onions and garlic to make a smooth gravy. Whisk in mustard powder and slake cornflour in a little cold water then whisk in enough of this mixture for the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency. Taste for seasoning before serving.
Searing The Beef Tenderloin In The Instant Pot
Searing the beef tenderloin in the Instant Pot is an important step in creating a delicious and flavorful dish. To begin, pat the beef tenderloin dry and season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Next, press the Saute button on the Instant Pot and heat up some oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. It’s important to take your time with this step to ensure that the beef is evenly seared all around.
Once the beef is seared, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. In the same Instant Pot, melt some butter and saute some onions for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add garlic and saute for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add wine to the pot and deglaze it by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the wine to reduce for 2 minutes before pressing the Cancel button. Add beef stock, rosemary, and thyme to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nestle the seared beef tenderloin in the sauce and secure and seal the lid. Cook on Manual High for 4 minutes (depending on the size of your tenderloin) and do a natural release for 5 minutes.
Once depressurized, carefully remove the lid and transfer the beef tenderloin to a cutting board to rest. Press Saute, whisk in some cream, and allow the sauce to thicken for 3-5 minutes. Season to taste before serving with your favorite sides.
Searing the beef tenderloin in the Instant Pot not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in juices during cooking. It’s an essential step in creating a delicious and tender beef dish that will impress your guests or make for a special family dinner.
Pressure Cooking The Beef Tenderloin In The Instant Pot
Pressure cooking beef tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to achieve a perfectly cooked medium-rare beef. After searing the beef all over, add the marinade ingredients to the pot and set the seared beef on the onions so that it is raised up a little off the base. Crumble the stock cube into the water and pour in enough water to come just to the bottom of the beef.
Put the lid on and set the Instant Pot to Manual High for 4 minutes (make sure the vent is closed). Once the 4 minutes are up, don’t touch the pot and instead leave it on Keep Warm for one hour for a perfectly cooked medium-rare beef tenderloin. The pressure cooking process allows for even cooking throughout, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Once the hour is up, remove the beef to a serving plate and cover with foil. Use the remaining liquid in the pot to make a delicious gravy by removing any bay leaves and rosemary sprigs, then turning the pot onto Sauté once more. Use a stick blender to purée the onions and garlic to make a smooth gravy. Whisk in mustard powder and slake cornflour in a little cold water then whisk in enough of this mixture for the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency. Add boiling water if it becomes too thick and taste for seasoning before serving.
Pressure cooking beef tenderloin in an Instant Pot is a convenient way to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Checking The Internal Temperature For Doneness
To ensure that your beef tenderloin is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s important to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and shape of the cut, as well as your desired degree of doneness.
For medium-rare beef tenderloin, the internal temperature should read 145°F. For medium, the temperature should be 160°F, and for well-done, it should be 170°F. To check the temperature, insert the meat thermometer horizontally from the side, so that it penetrates the thickest part or center of the beef, not touching bone or fat.
It’s important to remove the beef from heat when the thermometer is 5°F lower than your desired doneness. After cooking, let the beef rest for at least three minutes. The temperature will continue to rise while resting, resulting in a perfectly cooked and juicy beef tenderloin.
Resting And Serving The Beef Tenderloin
After cooking your beef tenderloin, it is important to let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful roast. While the meat rests, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
When carving the beef tenderloin, slice it against the grain into thin slices. This will ensure that each piece is tender and easy to chew. Serve with your favorite side dishes and condiments, such as horseradish sauce or grainy mustard.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Leftover beef tenderloin can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches or salads.