Are you looking for a delicious and impressive meal to serve your guests?
Look no further than beef tenderloin tails! These succulent cuts of meat are tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
But how do you cook them to perfection in the oven? With so many different methods and techniques out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll break down the steps for cooking beef tenderloin tails in the oven, from preparing the meat to achieving the perfect level of doneness.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to impress your guests with this mouthwatering dish.
So let’s get started!
How To Cook Beef Tenderloin Tails In The Oven?
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare your beef tenderloin tails properly. Remove them from the packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, let the meat come to room temperature by leaving it out of the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to an hour. This will ensure that it cooks evenly throughout.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Once your beef tenderloin tails are at room temperature, it’s time to season them. Spread two tablespoons of butter on the meat and season liberally with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roast in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the seasoned beef tenderloin tails on a rack on top of a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes per pound for rare, or about 30 to 35 minutes per pound for medium rare.
It’s important to check the internal temperature of the meat with a thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 120°F, while medium rare should be around 130°F.
Step 4: Sear the Meat
Once your beef tenderloin tails are cooked to perfection in the oven, it’s time to give them a nice sear on the stovetop. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and place the meat in the skillet. Sear all sides until they are evenly browned.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After searing, remove the beef tenderloin tails from the skillet and let them rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and juicy.
Choosing The Right Beef Tenderloin Tails
When choosing beef tenderloin tails for your oven-roasted meal, it’s important to know which part of the tenderloin to select. The tails are a popular cut for roasting and can be found at most grocery stores and butcher shops.
It’s important to note that while all filet mignon comes from beef tenderloin, not all of the tenderloin is filet mignon. Beef tenderloin is a prime cut of beef that is divided into various parts, including filet mignon, chateaubriand, tail, muscle on roast, and chains.
While the entire meat portion is tender, filet mignon is especially tender despite being a lean cut of beef. Filet mignon is only 17% fat compared to the 25% found in beef tenderloin. However, the lower quantity of fat doesn’t make filet mignon tough or dry. In fact, since it is approximately the center of the muscle, the muscles are tender on their own.
When it comes to choosing the right beef tenderloin tails for roasting, it’s best to opt for the tail end of the tenderloin. The tail end is thinner and smaller than other parts of the tenderloin, making it perfect for individual servings or smaller roasts.
It’s also important to look for beef tenderloin tails that have been trimmed of any excess fat and silver skin. This will ensure that your roast cooks evenly and doesn’t become tough or dry. If you’re unsure about how to trim your meat properly, ask your butcher for assistance or look for pre-trimmed options at your local grocery store.
By selecting the right beef tenderloin tails and preparing them properly, you can create a delicious and elegant meal that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Preparing The Meat For Cooking
To ensure that your beef tenderloin tails cook evenly and turn out perfectly tender and juicy, it’s important to prepare the meat properly before cooking.
Begin by removing the meat from its packaging and patting it dry with a paper towel. This will remove any excess moisture on the surface of the meat, which can prevent it from browning properly in the oven.
Next, let the meat come to room temperature by leaving it out of the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to an hour. This will ensure that it cooks evenly throughout and reduces the risk of overcooking or undercooking certain parts of the meat.
Once your beef tenderloin tails have reached room temperature, it’s time to season them. Spread two tablespoons of butter on the meat and season liberally with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the meat and give it a delicious crust when cooked.
Now that your meat is seasoned, it’s time to roast it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F and place the seasoned beef tenderloin tails on a rack on top of a baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes per pound for rare, or about 30 to 35 minutes per pound for medium rare.
It’s important to check the internal temperature of the meat with a thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 120°F, while medium rare should be around 130°F.
Once your beef tenderloin tails are cooked to perfection in the oven, it’s time to give them a nice sear on the stovetop. Heat two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and place the meat in the skillet. Sear all sides until they are evenly browned.
Finally, after searing, remove the beef tenderloin tails from the skillet and let them rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and juicy. By following these steps, you’ll be able to cook delicious and flavorful beef tenderloin tails in your oven with ease.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options
While salt and pepper are classic seasoning options for beef tenderloin tails, there are many other ways to add flavor to your roast. Here are a few ideas:
1. Garlic and Herb Rub: Combine minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley), salt, pepper, and olive oil to make a flavorful rub for your beef tenderloin tails.
2. Whole Peppercorn Crust: Crush whole peppercorns in a mortar and pestle and press them onto the surface of the meat before roasting for a spicy crust.
3. Mustard and Herb Coating: Mix Dijon mustard with chopped fresh herbs (such as tarragon, chives, and basil) and spread it over the meat before roasting for a tangy and herbaceous flavor.
4. Red Wine Sauce: After searing your beef tenderloin tails, deglaze the skillet with red wine and reduce it to make a rich and flavorful sauce to serve alongside your roast.
5. Finishing Butters: Top your cooked beef tenderloin tails with flavored butters (such as garlic butter or blue cheese butter) to add an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Oven Temperature And Cooking Time
When cooking beef tenderloin tails in the oven, it’s important to pay attention to the oven temperature and cooking time to ensure that the meat is cooked to perfection.
The recommended oven temperature for cooking beef tenderloin tails is 300°F. This low temperature allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and tender roast.
The cooking time for beef tenderloin tails will vary depending on the weight of the meat and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, roast the meat for 20 to 25 minutes per pound for rare, or about 30 to 35 minutes per pound for medium rare.
To check the internal temperature of the meat, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 120°F, while medium rare should be around 130°F.
Once your beef tenderloin tails are cooked to perfection in the oven, it’s important to let them rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and juicy.
Checking For Doneness And Resting The Meat
Checking for doneness is crucial when cooking beef tenderloin tails in the oven. The best way to ensure that your meat is cooked to perfection is by using a meat thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch the bone or the pan. For rare, the internal temperature should read around 120°F, while medium rare should be around 130°F.
Once your beef tenderloin tails have reached the desired internal temperature, it’s time to let them rest. Resting is an essential step in cooking any meat because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy.
Tent your beef tenderloin tails loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Keep in mind that the temperature of the meat will continue to rise during this time, so be sure to remove them from the oven a few degrees before your desired level of doneness.
Serving And Enjoying Your Beef Tenderloin Tails
Now that your beef tenderloin tails are perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are some tips on how to do so:
1. Slice the Meat: Cut the beef tenderloin tails into thin slices across the grain. This will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew.
2. Plate the Meat: Arrange the sliced beef tenderloin tails on a plate and drizzle them with any leftover juices from the pan. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
3. Pair with Sides: Beef tenderloin tails are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
4. Enjoy: Take a bite and savor the tender and juicy flavor of the beef tenderloin tails. Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience.
5. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the meat in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through.