Tender Golden Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Savory Roasted Beef Tenderloin Recipe for Dinner Magic

Succulent and tender, this roasted beef tenderloin recipe delivers mouthwatering flavor that melts in your mouth.

Perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices, the beef becomes a showstopping centerpiece for any special occasion.

Professional chefs have long prized this cut for its incredible softness and rich taste.

The secret lies in careful preparation and precise cooking techniques that seal in every ounce of juiciness.

Minimal ingredients combine to create an elegant dish that looks complex but comes together with surprising ease.

A classic technique ensures a beautifully caramelized exterior gives way to a rosy, perfectly cooked interior.

When you serve this impressive main course, expect delighted gasps and requests for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour for the beef to sit at room temperature)

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including resting time)

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Roasted Beef Tenderloin Ingredient List

For Meat Base:
  • Beef Tenderloin: Premium cut that delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture, best when selecting fresh, well-marbled meat with consistent color and minimal connective tissue.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil: Essential for creating golden-brown crust and helping spices adhere to meat's surface, choose cold-pressed or extra virgin varieties for richer flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that intensifies natural beef flavors, opt for coarse sea salt and freshly ground black peppercorns for maximum taste.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that infuse deep, earthy notes into the beef, select firm garlic cloves without sprouts and fresh rosemary with vibrant green color and strong herbal aroma.
  • Kitchen Twine: Crucial for maintaining tenderloin's shape during cooking, ensuring even roasting and elegant presentation.

Tools That Help with Roasting Beef Tenderloin

  • Cast iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for searing and roasting beef.
  • Meat thermometer: Essential for checking internal temperature accurately.
  • Kitchen twine: Used to tie and shape the tenderloin evenly.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing and resting meat.
  • Paper towels: Helps dry the beef before seasoning.
  • Small bowl: Mixing area for garlic and rosemary.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for slicing the roasted tenderloin.
  • Foil: Covers meat while resting to keep warm.

How to Cook Roasted Beef Tenderloin to Perfection

Beef Tenderloin Elegance

  • Room Temperature Preparation Allowing the meat to naturally warm helps ensure even cooking and tender results.
  • Seasoning Blend Gently massage olive oil across the surface, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper for deep flavor complexity.
  • Aromatic Infusion Create a rustic herb blend with fresh rosemary and crushed garlic, coating the tenderloin for rich undertones.
  • Kitchen Twine Technique Carefully wrap the meat with twine, creating a uniform shape that promotes consistent roasting.
  • Searing Magic Heat a heavy skillet until it's smoking hot, quickly browning each side of the tenderloin to lock in succulent juices.
  • Precise Roasting Transfer the skillet directly into a scorching oven, allowing the meat to reach perfect internal temperature with minimal intervention.
  • Resting Period Let the tenderloin relax under a foil tent, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness when sliced.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin Flavor and Doneness Tips

  • Choose a high-quality, center-cut beef tenderloin from a trusted butcher to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Adjust roasting time based on preferred meat temperature – 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme and sage, or add a spice rub with paprika, cumin, and cayenne for a bolder taste profile.
  • Complement the tenderloin with decadent accompaniments like creamy horseradish sauce, red wine reduction, roasted garlic butter, or classic béarnaise sauce to elevate the dining experience.
  • Transform remaining beef into gourmet sandwiches, salad toppings, or beef stroganoff by storing sliced meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Serve Roasted Beef Tenderloin for Dinner Parties

  • Holiday Centerpiece Elegance: Place the sliced beef tenderloin on a beautiful wooden serving platter surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs and roasted seasonal vegetables for a stunning dinner presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich beef with a full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon or a smooth pinot noir to enhance the meat's deep, robust flavors.
  • Sauce Companions: Drizzle the tenderloin with a classic béarnaise sauce or red wine reduction for an extra layer of gourmet taste that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining slices into delicious next-day sandwiches using crusty artisan bread, horseradish cream, and crisp arugula for a delightful lunch option.

Storage Instructions for Roasted Beef Tenderloin

  • Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep leftover beef tenderloin in an airtight container for maximum freshness, ensuring it stays delicious for 3-4 days. Wrap slices individually to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Carefully package remaining tenderloin in freezer-safe bags or vacuum-sealed containers. Frozen beef can maintain quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed, preventing freezer burn and preserving taste.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated slices in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F) to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and heat until internal temperature reaches 140°F for perfect, juicy results.
  • Meal Prep Genius: Slice cold tenderloin thinly for elegant salad toppers, sandwich fillings, or quick protein additions to lunch bowls. Cold beef works wonderfully in multiple quick meal transformations throughout the week.
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Tender Golden Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Tender Golden Beef Tenderloin Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including resting time)
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Classic roasted beef tenderloin showcases premium meat with elegant simplicity. Herb-infused and perfectly seared, this dish promises succulent flavor for sophisticated dinner guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs (1.8 kg) beef tenderloin, trimmed center-cut
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsp black pepper, fresh ground
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 tbsps rosemary leaves, fresh, chopped
  • 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • Kitchen twine

Instructions

  1. Tempering: Extract beef tenderloin from refrigerator, allowing it to equilibrate to room temperature for approximately one hour, guaranteeing uniform heat distribution.
  2. Oven Preparation: Configure oven to 450°F (230°C), creating ideal roasting environment for premium cut.
  3. Surface Preparation: Thoroughly eliminate surface moisture using paper towels, facilitating enhanced caramelization and crisp exterior.
  4. Seasoning Foundation: Massage meat with olive oil, creating protective flavor-enhancing barrier, then generously coat with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Aromatic Infusion: Combine finely minced garlic and rosemary, vigorously massaging herb blend into entire tenderloin surface to maximize flavor penetration.
  6. Structural Optimization: Secure meat with kitchen twine at one-inch intervals, maintaining compact shape and ensuring consistent cooking, or request professional trussing from butcher.
  7. Searing Technique: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high temperature, strategically searing each tenderloin side for 3-4 minutes to develop rich, golden-brown crust that seals internal moisture.
  8. Precision Roasting: Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes while meticulously monitoring internal temperature with meat thermometer.
  9. Resting Protocol: Upon reaching 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, remove from oven, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and allow 10-15 minutes resting time to redistribute internal juices.
  10. Presentation: Carve into elegant half-inch thick slices, revealing perfectly roasted, succulent beef tenderloin ready for sophisticated dining experience.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Let the beef rest at room temperature for an hour to guarantee uniform cooking and tender results.
  • Moisture Management: Pat the tenderloin completely dry with paper towels to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and maximize flavor development.
  • Flavor Infusion Technique: Massage olive oil and herb blend thoroughly into every surface of the meat, ensuring deep and even seasoning penetration.
  • Resting is Crucial: Allow the cooked tenderloin to rest under foil for 10-15 minutes, which redistributes internal juices and prevents dry, tough meat slices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour for the beef to sit at room temperature)
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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