If you’re a meat lover, chances are you’ve heard of beef tenderloin. It’s a highly prized cut of beef that’s known for its tenderness and versatility.
But how much do you really know about it?
In this article, we’ll be exploring one of the most common questions people have about beef tenderloin: what is the average weight of a whole beef tenderloin?
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this information will come in handy the next time you’re planning a dinner party or looking to impress your guests with a delicious and succulent beef tenderloin roast.
So let’s dive in and learn more about this delectable cut of meat!
What Is The Average Weight Of A Whole Beef Tenderloin?
The average weight of a whole beef tenderloin can vary, but it typically falls between 4 to 5 pounds. This cut of meat is long and cylindrical, with a diameter of around 4 inches in the center and an average length of 2 1/2 feet.
When purchasing a whole beef tenderloin, it’s important to keep in mind that the size can affect how many people it can feed. On average, a whole beef tenderloin can feed anywhere from 12 to 16 people, depending on how it’s trimmed.
It’s also worth noting that when buying a whole beef tenderloin, you’ll likely lose around 40% of the starting weight once it’s trimmed. This means that if you’re planning to serve a certain number of people, you’ll need to factor in this loss when making your purchase.
Understanding Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is a highly prized cut of meat that comes from the middle of the steer’s back. It’s a long and tapered muscle that spans into two primal cuts, the short loin and sirloin. This cut of meat is known for its tenderness, as it does very little work and is non-weight bearing. This makes it an ideal choice for roasting or grilling.
When buying a whole beef tenderloin, it’s important to understand that this cut of meat can be quite expensive. However, purchasing a whole untrimmed tenderloin and trimming it yourself can save you money. On average, a fully trimmed and tied beef tenderloin will weigh between 4 to 6 pounds, and will yield around 8 to 12 filet mignon steaks that are approximately 1 1/2 inches thick.
If you’re planning to roast a whole beef tenderloin, it’s recommended to estimate around 1/2 lb (or 8 oz.) per person. However, due to the high cost of this cut of meat, it’s okay to estimate smaller portions, such as 4-6 oz of trimmed beef tenderloin per person.
When shopping for a whole beef tenderloin, look for modest marbling, well-trimmed cuts with a nice bright red color, and no silver skin on the steaks. It’s also important to ensure that all the steaks you’re buying are the same thickness to ensure even grilling time.
The Anatomy Of A Beef Tenderloin
The beef tenderloin is a long, thin muscle that runs deep inside the back of the cow, right under the spine. It spans two primal cuts: the short loin and the sirloin. The tenderloin sits beneath the ribs, next to the backbone, and has two ends: the butt and the “tail”. The smaller, pointed end—the “tail”—starts a little past the ribs, growing in thickness until it ends in the “sirloin” primal cut, which is closer to the butt of the cow.
As with all quadrupeds, the tenderloin refers to the psoas major muscle ventral to the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, near the kidneys. This muscle does very little work, so it is the tenderest part of the beef. The tenderloin is an oblong shape and is a component of T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks. It is also where we get filet mignon, which is made from the very tip of the pointy end of the tenderloin. Chateaubriand is made from the center cut of the tenderloin.
Because of its anatomical location, the tenderloin is the least exercised and most tender cut, thus earning it its name “Tender” Loin. This cut of beef is very lean and does not have much connective tissue, which is why it’s so incredibly tender. It’s important to note that this muscle does not get worked out much, so it’s best to cook it at high temperature. Dry-heat methods such as grilling and broiling are ideal for cooking beef tenderloin. Additionally, it’s best to cook it to medium-rare or medium to ensure that it remains juicy and flavorful. Remember to let steaks rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes before cutting and whole roasts for about 15 minutes before cutting. Loosely tenting meat with foil while resting will help retain its juiciness.
Factors Affecting The Weight Of A Whole Beef Tenderloin
Several factors can affect the weight of a whole beef tenderloin. One of the most significant factors is the age and size of the animal. Younger animals will typically have smaller tenderloins, while older animals will have larger ones. The breed of the animal can also play a role, as some breeds are known for producing larger or smaller tenderloins.
Another factor that can affect the weight of a whole beef tenderloin is the degree of muscling in the animal. Animals with more muscle mass will typically have larger tenderloins, while those with less muscle mass will have smaller ones.
The method of processing and trimming the beef tenderloin can also impact its weight. For example, if the tenderloin is trimmed to remove excess fat and connective tissue, it will weigh less than a tenderloin that has not been trimmed.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the weight of a whole beef tenderloin can vary depending on whether it is boneless or bone-in. Bone-in tenderloins will typically weigh more than boneless ones, as the bone adds weight to the cut. However, bone-in cuts can be more challenging to prepare and serve, so many people prefer boneless cuts.
Average Weight Of A Whole Beef Tenderloin
When it comes to the average weight of a whole beef tenderloin, it’s important to note that there can be some variation. However, most whole beef tenderloins typically weigh between 4 to 5 pounds. This cut of meat is long and cylindrical, with a diameter of around 4 inches in the center and an average length of 2 1/2 feet.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the size of a whole beef tenderloin can impact how many people it can feed. On average, a whole beef tenderloin can feed anywhere from 12 to 16 people, depending on how it’s trimmed.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a whole beef tenderloin is that it typically loses around 40% of its starting weight once it’s trimmed. This means that if you’re planning to serve a certain number of people, you’ll need to factor in this loss when making your purchase.
How To Choose The Right Size For Your Needs
Choosing the right size for your needs when it comes to a whole beef tenderloin can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Consider the number of people you will be serving: As mentioned above, a whole beef tenderloin can typically feed anywhere from 12 to 16 people. If you’re planning to serve a larger group, you may need to purchase more than one tenderloin.
2. Think about your cooking method: If you plan to roast the beef tenderloin, you’ll need to make sure it fits in your oven. Measure the length and diameter of your oven before purchasing the tenderloin.
3. Take into account any dietary restrictions: If some of your guests are vegetarians or have other dietary restrictions, you may not need as large of a tenderloin.
4. Consider your budget: The larger the beef tenderloin, the more expensive it will be. Make sure to choose a size that fits within your budget.
5. Don’t forget about leftovers: If you’re planning to have leftovers, you may want to purchase a slightly larger tenderloin than you think you’ll need.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose the right size whole beef tenderloin for your needs and ensure that everyone at your gathering is satisfied.
Preparing And Cooking A Beef Tenderloin
Preparing and cooking a beef tenderloin can seem daunting, but with the right techniques, it can be a delicious and impressive dish. Here are three different methods for preparing and cooking a beef tenderloin: