Beef tenderloin is celebrated for its incredible tenderness and rich, yet mild, beefy flavor. It is a prized cut often reserved for special occasions, from holiday feasts to elegant dinner parties. Preparing it at home, however, can feel like a high-stakes task.
This guide removes the guesswork. We will walk you through everything, from selecting the right piece of meat at the butcher shop to carving the perfectly cooked roast. You will learn the fundamentals that ensure a tender, juicy result every single time you cook it.
What is Beef Tenderloin?
To cook beef tenderloin well, it helps to first understand what it is. This long, narrow muscle, called the psoas major, is located high inside the beef loin. It rests beneath the ribs, next to the backbone, and sits opposite the sirloin.
This muscle does very little work, which is why it’s the most tender cut of beef. It is the source of the highly-prized filet mignon, but the two terms aren’t exactly interchangeable. Understanding the difference between beef tenderloin and filet mignon is key for any home cook. To truly appreciate its qualities, it helps to see exactly what cut beef tenderloin is and where it’s located on the animal.
How to Buy the Best Beef Tenderloin
The quality of your final dish begins at the counter. When you are choosing a tenderloin, you are making an investment in a great meal, so a little knowledge goes a long way. Look for a roast that has a bright, cherry-red color with a fine, consistent texture.
You can find tenderloin at most supermarkets, but for the best quality, a local butcher is often your best bet. Our guide to buying beef tenderloin walks you through what to look for and the right questions to ask, no matter where you shop. A good butcher can help you select a piece with the right amount of marbling and even trim it for you.
Preparing a Beef Tenderloin for Cooking
Proper preparation is the most critical step for an evenly cooked, beautiful roast. If you buy a whole, untrimmed tenderloin (often called a PSMO, or “peeled, side muscle on”), you will need to prepare it. This involves removing the “silverskin,” a tough membrane, and any excess fat. While it might seem complex, our step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to trim and tie a beef tenderloin like a butcher. This process, known as trussing, ensures the roast maintains a uniform shape for even cooking.
Alternatively, after trimming, you can portion the meat yourself. Learning how to cut a whole tenderloin into filet mignon steaks is a great way to save money and get custom-sized portions for grilling or pan-searing.
Finally, a great cut deserves great seasoning. You can achieve fantastic results with just coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. For those looking for more complex flavors, our beginner’s guide to seasoning beef tenderloin explores rubs, herbs, and marinades that elevate the flavor without overpowering the delicate meat.
Cooking Methods for Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is versatile and shines when cooked with several different methods. The best technique often depends on whether you are cooking the whole roast or individual steaks. Below is an overview of the most popular techniques.
Roasting
Roasting in the oven is the classic method for a whole tenderloin, perfect for a special occasion. It allows you to develop a deep brown crust while keeping the inside tender and pink. Learn the ideal temperatures and times in our complete guide on how to cook a perfect whole beef tenderloin in the oven.
Grilling
Grilling gives the tenderloin a beautiful smoky char and is an excellent choice for warm weather. You can grill the roast whole over indirect heat or cook individual steaks quickly over high heat. Master the technique with our ultimate guide to grilling beef tenderloin.
Smoking
For an unbelievably rich and savory flavor, smoking is an excellent low-and-slow method. This technique gently cooks the tenderloin, infusing it with wood smoke while rendering it incredibly moist. We’ll show you how to smoke a beef tenderloin for tender, juicy results.
Pan-Searing
This technique is best for individual steaks like filet mignon. Searing in a hot cast iron skillet creates a fantastic crust, a hallmark of a restaurant-quality steak. Getting that perfect result is easy when you know how to cook tenderloin steaks in a pan.
Essential Doneness Guide
The single most important tool for cooking tenderloin is a reliable digital meat thermometer. Because of its lean nature, overcooking it is a common mistake. Judging doneness by time alone is unreliable, as the roast’s starting temperature and your oven’s actual temperature can vary.
Always cook to your desired internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast for an accurate reading. For a more detailed breakdown, you can review our complete meat doneness guide with visual and temperature cues.
Beef Tenderloin Temperature Chart:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well-Done: 160°F (71°C)
Remember to pull the tenderloin from the heat source about 5-10 degrees below your target temperature. The roast’s internal temperature will continue to rise as it rests. To help plan your cooking time, we’ve created a detailed chart that explains exactly how long to cook beef tenderloin per pound at various oven settings.
Serving and Slicing Beef Tenderloin
Once cooked, resting the tenderloin is just as important as the cooking itself. Let it rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil, for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist.
Planning for a crowd? One of the most common questions is how much to buy. Our handy guide will help you figure out exactly how much beef tenderloin you need per person so that everyone gets a satisfying portion.
When it is time to serve, knowing how to slice beef the right way makes a huge difference. Use a long, sharp carving knife and slice the roast against the grain into ½ to 1-inch thick medallions. A spectacular main course deserves equally delicious sides. If you’re looking for inspiration, browse our curated list of what to serve with beef tenderloin.
Storing and Using Leftovers
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of your tenderloin, whether it is raw or cooked. If you are not cooking it right away, our guide on how to freeze and thaw beef tenderloin safely covers the best methods to preserve its texture and flavor.
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, you will want to preserve their delicate texture. It’s essential to learn how to reheat beef tenderloin gently to avoid drying it out. Instead of making a simple sandwich, we have several creative and delicious ideas for what to do with leftover beef tenderloin that will make your second meal just as special as the first.