How many calories in almond coconut milk
September 20, 2024
Grilling beef tenderloin is a delicious and popular way to enjoy this tender cut of meat. However, it’s important to know the proper cooking time to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Whether you prefer your tenderloin rare, medium-rare, or well-done, understanding how long to cook it on the grill is essential for a mouthwatering meal.
The cooking time for beef tenderloin on the grill depends on various factors, such as the thickness of the meat, the temperature of the grill, and the desired level of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook the tenderloin for 15-20 minutes per pound. However, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired internal temperature.
Rare: If you prefer your beef tenderloin rare, cook it on the grill for about 15 minutes per pound. The internal temperature should reach around 125°F (52°C) for a juicy and tender result.
Medium-Rare: For a medium-rare tenderloin, cook it for about 20 minutes per pound on the grill. The internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C) for a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
Well-Done: If you like your beef tenderloin well-done, increase the cooking time to about 25 minutes per pound on the grill. The internal temperature should reach around 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Remember to let the grilled beef tenderloin rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish. With these cooking times and tips, you can confidently grill beef tenderloin to perfection for a delightful dining experience.
Grilling the Perfect Beef Tenderloin
Grilling beef tenderloin on the grill can be a delicious and flavorful way to cook this cut of meat. By properly seasoning and preparing the tenderloin, as well as using the right grilling technique, you can achieve a perfectly grilled beef tenderloin every time.
Seasoning the Beef Tenderloin
Before grilling the beef tenderloin, it’s important to season the meat to enhance its flavor. Start by patting the tenderloin dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, generously season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or seasonings. Be sure to coat all sides of the tenderloin evenly.
Amazon.com
Preparing the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn until they are covered in white ash before placing the tenderloin on the grill.
Grilling the Beef Tenderloin
Place the seasoned beef tenderloin directly on the grill grates, positioning it diagonally to create those classic grill marks. Close the grill lid and let the tenderloin cook for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F (medium-rare), 145°F (medium), or 160°F (well-done).
Remember to only flip the tenderloin once during cooking to minimize moisture loss. To achieve a delicious crust, resist the temptation to constantly turn or poke the meat. Instead, let it grill undisturbed and develop a beautiful char on the outside.
Once the beef tenderloin reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
When serving, slice the beef tenderloin against the grain to maximize tenderness. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with your favorite sauces or sides for a complete meal.
Grilling the perfect beef tenderloin requires attention to detail and a little patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. Follow these steps and tips, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a deliciously grilled beef tenderloin every time!
Preparing & Cleaning the Beef Tenderloin
Before grilling, it’s important to properly prepare and clean the beef tenderloin. This will help enhance the taste and ensure a delicious end result.
1. Trim the Fat
Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef tenderloin. Use a sharp knife to remove the fat, taking care not to remove too much of the meat along with it.
2. Remove the Silverskin
The silverskin is a tough connective tissue that runs along the top of the beef tenderloin. It is important to remove this before grilling to prevent it from becoming tough and chewy. To remove the silverskin, carefully slide the blade of a knife under it and gently pull it away from the meat.
3. Season the Beef Tenderloin
Before grilling, season the beef tenderloin with your preferred spices and herbs. This can be as simple as salt and pepper, or you can get creative with a flavorful rub or marinade.
4. Let it Rest
After seasoning, let the beef tenderloin rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking on the grill.
5. Clean the Grill
While the beef tenderloin is resting, take the time to clean the grill. Remove any debris or leftover food from previous grilling sessions. Preheat the grill to high heat and scrub the grates with a grill brush to ensure a clean cooking surface.
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly prepared and cleaned beef tenderloin ready for grilling on the barbecue.
Seasoning the Beef Tenderloin
Before grilling the beef tenderloin, it is essential to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some simple steps to follow:
Gather the Ingredients
First, gather the necessary ingredients for seasoning the beef tenderloin. You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
Apply the Seasoning
Next, prepare the beef tenderloin for seasoning. Make sure it is at room temperature before proceeding. This will allow the seasoning to evenly penetrate the meat.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.
Drizzle the olive oil over the entire surface of the beef tenderloin. Use your hands to rub it into the meat, ensuring all sides are coated.
Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the beef tenderloin. Again, use your hands to gently rub it in, ensuring complete coverage.
Once the beef tenderloin is seasoned, it is ready to be grilled to perfection.
Preheating the Grill
Before you start grilling the beef tenderloin, it is essential to preheat the grill properly. Preheating the grill will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and develops a delicious crust.
Start by turning on the grill and adjusting the burners to medium-high heat. Close the lid and allow the grill to heat up for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will ensure that the grates get hot enough to sear the meat properly.
Cleaning the Grill
While the grill is preheating, take the time to clean the grates. Use a grill brush to remove any remaining residue from previous cooking sessions. This will prevent any unwanted flavor transfer.
Oil the Grates
After cleaning, oil the grates to prevent the beef tenderloin from sticking. Simply dip a folded paper towel into a high-heat cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and use tongs to rub it onto the grates.
Grilling the Beef Tenderloin
Grilling beef tenderloin is a great way to bring out the natural flavors of the meat while achieving a delicious charred exterior. Follow these steps to grill the perfect beef tenderloin:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. |
| 2 | Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. |
| 3 | Place the beef tenderloin directly on the grill. Cook it uncovered for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until you achieve a nice sear. This will help to lock in the juices. |
| 4 | Once the beef tenderloin is seared on all sides, move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking with the grill lid closed for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness: |
| – Rare: 125°F (52°C) | |
| – Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C) | |
| – Medium: 145°F (63°C) | |
| – Medium Well: 155°F (68°C) | |
| – Well Done: 160°F (71°C) or higher | |
| 5 | Once the beef tenderloin reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will result in a more tender and juicy final product. |
| 6 | Slice the beef tenderloin against the grain into thick slices and serve immediately. Enjoy! |
Checking the Internal Temperature
It is essential to monitor the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin while grilling to ensure it is cooked to perfection. This will help you achieve the desired level of doneness, whether it’s rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.
Using a Meat Thermometer
The most accurate way to check the internal temperature is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, avoiding any bones or fat. Make sure the thermometer does not touch the grill or the pan.
Here are the internal temperature ranges to aim for:
- Rare: 120°F – 125°F (48°C – 52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130°F – 135°F (54°C – 57°C)
- Medium: 140°F – 145°F (60°C – 63°C)
- Well-Done: 150°F – 155°F (66°C – 68°C)
Checking for Doneness
Once the beef tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
You can also visually check the doneness of the beef tenderloin by cutting into the thickest part of the meat. Rare beef will have a bright red center, while medium-rare will have a warm pink center. Medium beef will have a pink center with some pink juices, while well-done beef will have little to no pink and clear juices.
Remember that the cooking times are estimated, and the exact cooking time will depend on various factors such as the size and thickness of the beef tenderloin, the type of grill used, and the cooking temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to rely on the internal temperature rather than the cooking time to ensure your beef tenderloin is cooked to perfection.
Q&A
What is the best temperature for grilling beef tenderloin?
The best temperature for grilling beef tenderloin is around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This high heat will help to sear the outside of the tenderloin and lock in its juices, while still allowing the inside to cook to your desired level of doneness.
How long should I grill a beef tenderloin for medium-rare?
To grill a beef tenderloin to medium-rare, you should cook it for about 20-25 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C) when it’s done. Remember to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I use a gas grill to cook beef tenderloin?
Yes, you can definitely use a gas grill to cook beef tenderloin. Just preheat the grill to high heat and follow the grilling instructions accordingly. The key is to sear the tenderloin quickly on all sides and then reduce the heat to medium to cook it through to your desired level of doneness.
How long should I grill a beef tenderloin for medium-well?
To grill a beef tenderloin to medium-well, you should cook it for about 25-30 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C) when it’s done. Keep in mind that overcooking may result in a slightly drier texture, so be careful not to overcook it.
Is it necessary to marinate beef tenderloin before grilling?
No, it is not necessary to marinate beef tenderloin before grilling. Tenderloin is a tender and flavorful cut of meat, so just a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and any other desired spices should be enough to enhance its natural taste. However, if you prefer a marinated flavor, you can marinate the tenderloin for a few hours before grilling.
What is the recommended cooking time for beef tenderloin on the grill?
The recommended cooking time for beef tenderloin on the grill is approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
How do I know when the beef tenderloin is cooked to perfection on the grill?
You can check the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), for medium, it should be around 145°F (63°C). Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the beef tenderloin from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.