Are you looking to impress your dinner guests with a mouth-watering beef tenderloin?
Look no further than this guide on how to cook the perfect beef tenderloin. With simple steps and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and juicy tenderloin that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you prefer your meat rare or medium-rare, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started and learn how to cook beef tenderloin like a pro!
How To Cook Beef Tenderloin Ina Garten?
First, preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven is heating up, place your beef tenderloin on a baking sheet and pat the outside dry with a paper towel.
Next, spread butter all over the beef with your hands, making sure to cover every inch. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
For rare beef tenderloin, roast in the oven for exactly 22 minutes. For medium-rare, roast for 25 minutes. Keep in mind that these timings can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tenderloin, so always check for desired doneness.
Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender beef tenderloin.
After resting, remove the strings and slice the filet thickly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef Tenderloin
When it comes to cooking beef tenderloin, choosing the right cut is crucial. The most tender beef cut is the filet, which comes from the loin. This is where filet mignon, which is created from the tenderloin’s pointed end, originates. However, it’s important to note that the tenderloin is an extremely lean cut since it has very little fat.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can opt for a center-cut tenderloin instead of a whole beef tenderloin. Center-cut tenderloins are typically smaller and more affordable than whole beef tenderloins, but they still offer the same tenderness and flavor.
When selecting your beef tenderloin, make sure to choose one that is bright red in color and has a fine marbling of fat throughout. This will ensure that your beef tenderloin is both flavorful and tender.
Preparing The Beef Tenderloin For Cooking
Before you start cooking your beef tenderloin, it’s important to prepare it properly. Begin by placing the filet on a sheet pan and patting it dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture and help the seasoning stick better.
Next, brush the filet all over with oil, making sure to reserve about half a tablespoon. This will help the meat cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Sprinkle the filet all over with salt and pepper to taste.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your beef tenderloin, consider adding herbs like tarragon, rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves. Simply place the branches around the beef and tie them in 4 or 5 places with kitchen twine to keep them in place. Brush the herbs with the reserved oil and roast the filet of beef as directed.
No matter how you choose to season your beef tenderloin, always make sure it’s evenly coated before cooking. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful and delicious.
Seasoning The Beef Tenderloin To Perfection
To achieve a perfectly seasoned beef tenderloin, start by patting the filet dry with paper towels. This will ensure that the seasoning sticks to the meat and not to any excess moisture.
Next, brush the filet all over with oil, making sure to reserve a small amount for later. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper to taste.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding tarragon branches around the beef. Tie them in 4 or 5 places with kitchen twine to keep them in place, and then brush the tarragon with the reserved oil.
Roast the beef tenderloin in the oven for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, until the temperature registers 125-130 degrees in the center for rare and 130-135 degrees for medium-rare. Remember to cover the filet with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, you can also make a Gorgonzola sauce to accompany your beef tenderloin. To do so, bring heavy cream to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Continue boiling rapidly for 45-50 minutes until it thickens like a white sauce. Remove from heat and add crumbly Gorgonzola cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced fresh parsley. Whisk rapidly until the cheeses melt and serve.
Cooking The Beef Tenderloin To Your Desired Temperature
Cooking beef tenderloin to your desired temperature is crucial in achieving the perfect taste and texture. To ensure that harmful bacteria have been destroyed, it is recommended that beef be cooked to medium-rare doneness, with an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
To achieve rare beef tenderloin, roast it in the oven for exactly 22 minutes. For medium-rare, roast for 25 minutes. If you prefer a medium-done beef tenderloin, aim for 28-30 minutes of roasting time, while a medium-well done beef tenderloin requires 30-32 minutes of roasting time. Do not cook your beef tenderloin for more than 33-35 minutes as it will result in a well-done meat.
Keep in mind that these timings can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tenderloin. To ensure that you are cooking your beef tenderloin to your desired temperature, use an oven thermometer to be sure that your oven temperature is accurate.
Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Remember that the internal temperature will continue to rise about 5 to 7 degrees after being removed from the oven, so take this into account when determining your desired doneness.
Resting And Carving The Beef Tenderloin
Resting the beef tenderloin is an important step in ensuring it is juicy and tender. After removing the beef from the oven and covering it with aluminum foil, let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of being lost when you cut into it immediately.
Once the beef has rested, remove the strings of butcher’s twine and slice the filet thickly. To do this, use a sharp carving knife and cut against the grain of the meat for maximum tenderness.
For presentation, you can move the whole filet to a dish and carve only half, then surround it with greens. Alternatively, you can serve the sliced beef on a platter with your favorite sides.
Remember to save any leftover beef tenderloin by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and storing it in the fridge. You can use it for sandwiches or salads the next day.
Serving And Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Beef Tenderloin
Congratulations on cooking a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin! Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are some tips on serving and enjoying your beef tenderloin:
1. Presentation is key: Place the sliced beef tenderloin on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme. You can also add some roasted vegetables or a side salad to complete the meal.
2. Temperature: If you plan on serving the beef tenderloin warm, make sure to reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can serve it at room temperature, which is perfect for a buffet-style meal.
3. Sauces: A good sauce can elevate the flavor of your beef tenderloin. Consider making a red wine sauce or a béarnaise sauce to accompany your meal.
4. Wine pairing: A full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs well with beef tenderloin. If you prefer white wine, try a Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio.
5. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked beef tenderloin with family and friends!