# You Deserve a Treat: The Elegant Beef Tenderloin
This year has been challenging, and you owe it to yourself to indulge. Why not relish a beautifully pink, fork-tender, succulent beef tenderloin? Though it’s common to think of beef tenderloins as large cuts designed to serve 8-10, you’ll also find center cut tenderloins that are smaller and ideal for 4. This way, you can enjoy a lavish dinner with your loved one and still have some for the next day.
## What is Beef Tenderloin?
Beef tenderloin, commonly referred to as eye fillet or filet, is sourced from the cow’s loin, found beneath the ribs near the spine. This region experiences minimal movement, making it the most tender section of beef. When cooked correctly, it offers a buttery texture that melts in your mouth and is incredibly juicy. Its natural cylindrical shape allows for easy carving into medallions for serving.
## Is Beef Tenderloin the Same as Filet Mignon?
While both tenderloin and filet mignon originate from the same area of the beef and have a similar shape and size, they are not precisely the same cut. Filet mignon is a specific part of the beef tenderloin. When purchasing a full tenderloin, some sections are filet mignon, while others are simply tenderloin. Nonetheless, you can confidently refer to your servings as filet mignon steaks for your guests.
## Where to Purchase Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is among the pricier cuts of meat. For the best deals, try shopping at Costco, where you’ll find larger tenderloins at a more affordable price compared to specialty markets like Whole Foods. If you prefer a smaller center cut tenderloin, your local butcher can provide cuts weighing around 3.5-4 pounds, as opposed to the larger 6-10 pound options available at Costco.
## Trimmed vs. Untrimmed Beef Tenderloin
When seeking beef tenderloin, you’ll find both trimmed and untrimmed selections. If you possess strong knife skills, you might save money by opting for an untrimmed tenderloin. However, many people favor trimmed cuts for their consistent shape and the skill that butchers contribute to the trimming process.
## How Much Beef Tenderloin Should You Purchase?
A useful guideline is to plan for approximately 3/4 pound of tenderloin per person. If you’re serving a large variety of sides, 1/2 pound per person should be ample.
## The Best Method for Cooking Beef Tenderloin
To create the perfect beef tenderloin, begin by searing it in a high-temperature oven to brown the exterior, then lower the heat to cook the interior slowly. This technique guarantees a beautifully seared crust and a tender, pink center.
### Cooking Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven**: Set your oven to 475°F.
2. **Prepare Tenderloin**: Dry off the tenderloin and season it generously with salt while the oven heats.
3. **Tie the Tenderloin**: Employ butcher’s twine to tie the tenderloin in 1-inch intervals for even cooking.
4. **Season**: Rub the tenderloin with oil and cover it with crushed peppercorns. Insert an oven probe into the thickest section.
5. **Roast**: Roast at 475°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200°F and continue roasting until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
6. **Rest and Slice**: Take it out of the oven, allow it to rest, slice, and savor!
## Expert Tips for Cooking Beef Tenderloin
– **Dry the Surface**: Patting the tenderloin dry contributes to achieving a superior sear.
– **Generous Salting**: Salt draws moisture out, enhancing browning.
– **Use a Meat Probe**: This ensures an accurate internal temperature.
– **Allow it to Rest**: Resting facilitates juice redistribution, improving flavor and tenderness.
## Sauce Suggestions for Beef Tenderloin
While simple seasoning with salt and pepper is sophisticated, you can enhance your dish with a variety of sauces:
1. **Classic Creamy Peppercorn**: Blend brandy, beef broth, cream, and crushed peppercorns.
2. **Mustard Cream Sauce**: Combine white wine, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream.
3. **Garlic Soy Chimichurri**: Mix sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and cilantro.
4. **Garlic Herb Butter**: Melt butter with garlic and fresh herbs.
5. **Sichuan Peppercorn Sauce**: Combine chili oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
6. **Wasabi Cream Sauce**: Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and wasabi.
7. **Red Wine Shallot Sauce**: Sauté shallots, add flour, stock, and red wine.
## Storing and Reheating Left