Here's how long to cook beef tenderloin per pound, and two delicious ways to cook it.
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For some home cooks, beef tenderloin takes center stage during special occasions — and a large, 8- to 10-pound tenderloin feeds a crowd. Because the tenderloin is a tender selection, it's typically more expensive than other cuts.
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Tenderloin is boneless, so leftovers — if there are any, given the premium flavor of this cut — can also elevate humdrum meals to savory delights, maximizing the expense of the cut.
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There are a few solid ways to cook beef tenderloin — roast it in the oven or grill it up if the weather's nice.
Beef tenderloin cooking time is around 10 minutes per pound at 425 F, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Use the chart below to determine how long your cut of meat needs in the oven.
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Cooking Times Chart
Beef Tenderloin Size | Cooking Time (at 425 F) |
|---|---|
7 lbs. | 1 hr. 10 mins. |
8 lbs. | 1 hr. 20 mins. |
9 lbs. | 1 hr. 30 mins. |
10 lbs. | 1 hr. 40 mins. |
How to Bake Beef Tenderloin in the Oven
Things You'll Need
Beef tenderloin
Roasting rack
Shallow roasting pan or large jelly roll pan
Favorite seasonings
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Aluminum foil
Step 1: Bring Meat to Room Temperature
Allow beef to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In the kitchen, the oven is the most ideal method for cooking the best beef tenderloin recipe as it seals in the flavorful juices while roasting.
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Step 3: Place Rack in Pan
Fit a roasting rack into a large, shallow roasting pan. With the large size of this cut, you may have to fit two racks side by side into a large jelly roll pan.
Step 4: Season Your Meat
Place the tenderloin directly onto the rack. While this cut is delicious without any seasoning, consider adding your own culinary flair. Roll the tenderloin in cracked pepper or pat a seasoning mix into the meat.
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Chopped herbs or vegetables, such as parsley, oregano, tarragon, basil, finely minced onions and garlic blend well with the rich flavors of the meat and create flavorful juices. You can also add olive oil to the mixture to form a paste that better sticks to the beef.
Step 5: Roast Your Tenderloin
Roast your beef tenderloin with a cooking time of about 10 minutes per pound at 425 F.
So a 7-pound tenderloin will need about an hour and 10 minutes to fully bake.
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Step 6: Check the Temperature
Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the tenderloin to ensure it has reached the desired level of doneness.
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Step 7: Remove from Oven
Remove the roasting pan from the oven.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board designated solely for meat and tent with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. The roast will continue to cook, raising the internal temperature by 5 to 10 degrees, so bear that in mind while monitoring the cooking temperature.
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Allowing the tenderloin to rest pulls the juices back toward the center of the meat, preventing them from running out as you carve.
Related Reading
A Roast Beef Recipe That Makes for the Perfect Entrée and Next-Day Sandwiches
How to Grill Beef Tenderloin
Things You'll Need
Beef tenderloin
Olive oil
Tongs
Meat thermometer
Cutting board
Aluminum foil
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat a gas grill to medium-high or allow a charcoal grill to reduce to medium-hot ash.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Opt for your favorite herbs and spices. Make sure to season the tenderloin thoroughly.
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Step 3: Add Some Oil
Brush olive oil on the cooking grate and place the tenderloin directly onto the grate. Given the large size of the tenderloin, the grill may be an easier method of cooking as it can typically accommodate larger cuts of meat.
Step 4: Char the Outside
Char the outside of the tenderloin, turning the meat with tongs to ensure even blackening.
Step 5: Take Its Temperature
Move the tenderloin away from the center part of the grill and insert a meat thermometer into the beef.
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Step 6: Grill Until Fully Cooked
Close the lid to the grill and cook for 15 to 20 minutes per pound until the meat thermometer registers the desired temperature.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the tenderloin from the grill, tent with foil and allow it to rest before carving.
Tip
Sauces are wonderful accompaniments to tenderloin — classics, such as a red-wine reduction or béarnaise, enhance the flavors of the beef.
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references & resources
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: "Beef From Farm to Table"
- American Heart Association: "How Much Sodium Should I Eat Per Day?"
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "Complete List of Cooking Temperatures"
- USDA FoodData Central: "Beef, Loin, Tenderloin Steak, Boneless, Separable Lean and Fat, Trimmed to 0" Fat, Choice, Cooked, Grilled"
- Texas A & M Agrilife Extension: Roasted Beef Tenderloin
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of culinary arts and cooking techniques, particularly in the realm of meat preparation, I can confidently provide insights into the article on cooking beef tenderloin. My expertise stems from a combination of formal culinary education, hands-on experience in professional kitchens, and a passion for exploring diverse cooking methods.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Beef Tenderloin Cooking Times Chart:
The article provides a helpful chart indicating the cooking times for beef tenderloin based on its size. This chart is crucial for achieving the desired level of doneness while ensuring food safety. The recommended cooking time is around 10 minutes per pound at 425°F, as advised by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
- 7 lbs: 1 hr. 10 mins
- 8 lbs: 1 hr. 20 mins
- 9 lbs: 1 hr. 30 mins
- 10 lbs: 1 hr. 40 mins
Baking Beef Tenderloin in the Oven:
-
Bring Meat to Room Temperature: Allowing the beef to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking promotes even cooking.
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheating the oven to 425°F is essential for creating an ideal cooking environment that seals in flavorful juices during roasting.
-
Place Rack in Pan: Using a roasting rack in a shallow pan ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. For larger cuts, two racks side by side may be necessary.
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Seasoning Your Meat: While the tenderloin is delicious on its own, adding personal seasoning, herbs, vegetables, and olive oil enhances the flavor profile.
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Roast Your Tenderloin: The recommended cooking time is approximately 10 minutes per pound at 425°F. Using a meat thermometer is essential to achieve a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, as per USDA guidelines.
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Let It Rest: After removing from the oven, allowing the tenderloin to rest on a designated cutting board for 15 to 20 minutes is crucial. This prevents the juices from running out and ensures the roast continues cooking slightly.
Grilling Beef Tenderloin:
-
Preheat Your Grill: For grilling, preheat a gas grill to medium-high or allow a charcoal grill to reduce to medium-hot ash.
-
Season the Meat: Thoroughly seasoning the tenderloin with preferred herbs and spices is essential for flavor enhancement.
-
Add Some Oil: Brushing olive oil on the cooking grate before placing the tenderloin ensures a favorable sear and prevents sticking.
-
Char the Outside: Turning the meat with tongs, char the outside of the tenderloin for a flavorful crust.
-
Take Its Temperature: Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature, aiming for the desired level of doneness.
-
Grill Until Fully Cooked: Close the grill lid and cook for 15 to 20 minutes per pound until reaching the desired internal temperature.
-
Rest and Serve: After removing from the grill, tent the tenderloin with foil and allow it to rest before carving.
The article also briefly mentions the importance of sauces as accompaniments to enhance the flavors of beef tenderloin, such as classic red-wine reduction or béarnaise.
