Perfect Beef Tenderloin
Inspired by The Food Lab author and Serious Eats managing culinary director J. Kenji López-Alt, we take a 3-step, 5-ingredient approach to the best holiday roast: First, salt the beef and let it air dry in the fridge overnight to help create a flavorful crust; second, slow roast in a low oven to keep the beef extra juicy from the center to the edge; and third, brush with butter and broil the tenderloin for a few minutes to brown it. Serve the tenderloin with the board dressing or horseradish sauce, or both. (Cook’s note: If you don’t have a top broiler in your oven, heat a grill to high and finish browning the tenderloin for a few minutes on each side on the grill.)
Author: Cookinglight/Photo credit to cookinglight.com
Ingredients
- 1 (4-lb.) trimmed beef tenderloin, tied with kitchen twine 4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place beef on a rack set in an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper, pressing gently to adhere. Refrigerate, uncovered, 8 to 48 hours.
- Step 2
- Remove beef from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
- Step 3
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Roast beef (keep on rack in pan) on center rack until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 125°F (for rare), 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, turning once.
- Step 4
- Remove beef from oven. Adjust oven temperature to broil. Combine butter and oil in a small saucepan, and heat over medium until butter melts.
- Step 5
- Brush beef with butter mixture. Broil until browned, turning once, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a carving board spread with Board Dressing, if desired, and let stand 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with Classic Horseradish Cream Sauce, if desired.
