Are you looking for a delicious and impressive meal to serve at your next dinner party? Look no further than beef tournedos!
These tender and flavorful cuts of beef are perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to cook in the oven.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a mouth-watering dish that will have your guests begging for seconds. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Beef Tournedos In Oven?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Season your beef tournedos with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Step 4: Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add your beef tournedos to the skillet. Sear each side for about 1 minute until they have a nice brown crust.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the beef tournedos to a plate. Cover with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
What Are Beef Tournedos?
Beef tournedos are a type of steak that is cut from the tenderloin, which is one of the most tender and prized cuts of beef. Tournedos are typically smaller in size, often weighing between 2 to 4 ounces each, and are usually wrapped with bacon or other types of cured meat. This wrapping not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the steak moist during cooking. The term “tournedos” comes from the French word “tourner,” which means “to turn.” This refers to the technique of turning the steak over and over during cooking to ensure that it is evenly cooked on all sides. Beef tournedos are often served with a rich sauce, such as a red wine reduction or a creamy béarnaise sauce, and are a popular choice for special occasions or fine dining experiences. With their tender texture and delicious flavor, beef tournedos are sure to impress any meat lover.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef
When it comes to cooking beef tournedos in the oven, choosing the right cut of beef is essential. While tournedos can be made from any part of the beef tenderloin, it is important to select a cut that is both tender and flavorful. Here are some of the best cuts of beef to use for tournedos:
1. Filet Mignon: This is the most popular cut for tournedos, and for good reason. Filet mignon is incredibly tender, with a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and sauces.
2. Chateaubriand: This cut is taken from the center of the beef tenderloin and is larger than a typical filet mignon. It has a slightly firmer texture than filet mignon, but is still very tender. Chateaubriand has a rich, beefy flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings and sauces.
3. Tenderloin Roast: This cut is perfect for feeding a crowd, as it can be sliced into multiple tournedos. It has a tender texture and a mild flavor that makes it versatile for seasoning and sauces.
4. Ribeye: While not typically used for tournedos, ribeye can make a delicious alternative. It has a rich, beefy flavor and a marbled texture that makes it juicy and flavorful. When using ribeye for tournedos, it is important to trim off any excess fat to ensure even cooking.
5. Sirloin: Another less traditional option, sirloin can make a tasty and budget-friendly choice for tournedos. It has a firmer texture than filet mignon or chateaubriand, but still remains tender when cooked correctly. Sirloin has a beefy flavor that pairs well with simple seasonings and sauces.
No matter which cut of beef you choose for your tournedos, be sure to select one that is fresh and of high quality. This will ensure that your dish turns out delicious and memorable every time.
Preparing The Beef Tournedos
Preparing beef tournedos can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. First, you’ll want to pat the tournedos dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Then, season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add your beef tournedos to the skillet. Sear each side for about 1 minute until they have a nice brown crust.
After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
Once the beef tournedos are done cooking, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Cover with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make for a more tender and flavorful dish.
Seasoning And Flavoring Options
There are a variety of seasoning and flavoring options that can be used to enhance the taste of beef tournedos. Here are a few ideas:
1. Mustard and Pepper: Brushing the tournedos with mustard and coating them in freshly cracked black pepper before cooking can add a flavorful kick to the dish.
2. Herb Rub: A mixture of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley can be rubbed onto the tournedos before cooking to infuse them with a fragrant herbaceousness.
3. Brandy Flambe: As mentioned in the scraped text above, brandy can be added to the pan during cooking for a flambe effect that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
4. Marmalade Glaze: For a sweet and tangy twist, a glaze made from orange marmalade can be brushed onto the tournedos during cooking.
5. Wine Reduction Sauce: A rich and flavorful sauce can be made by reducing red wine with shallots, garlic, and beef broth. This can be drizzled over the tournedos before serving for an added layer of complexity.
Experimenting with different seasoning and flavoring options can help you find your favorite way to cook beef tournedos in oven.
Cooking Beef Tournedos In The Oven
If you prefer to cook your beef tournedos in the oven, there are a few additional steps you can take to ensure they turn out perfectly. Here’s how:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 55°C (130°F).
Step 2: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Step 3: Season your beef tournedos with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 4: Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add your beef tournedos to the skillet. Sear each side for about 30 seconds until they have a nice brown crust.
Step 5: Add herbs de Provence to the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes for medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the beef tournedos to a plate. Cover with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful beef tournedos in the oven. Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your desired level of doneness, and always let your meat rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Checking For Doneness
To ensure that your beef tournedos are cooked to perfection, it is important to check for their doneness using a reliable food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, away from the bone and fat. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read 145°F, while medium should be at 160°F.
It is important to note that the temperature of the steak will continue to rise by about 5°F as it rests, so it is best to remove the steak from the oven a few degrees below your desired level of doneness. Cover the steak with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
Remember that every cut of meat has a recommended safe minimum internal temperature according to the USDA. For beef, veal, lamb, and pork steaks and roasts, it is 145°F. Ground meat should reach 160°F, while poultry should be cooked to 165°F. Use a properly calibrated meat thermometer to ensure both food safety and quality.