Beef tenderloin filet is a delicious and tender cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection in the oven. This popular dish is often served at special occasions and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will help you achieve a juicy and flavorful beef tenderloin filet that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Before cooking, it’s important to choose a high-quality piece of beef tenderloin filet. Look for one that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help keep the meat tender and juicy during the cooking process. Allow the meat to come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help it cook evenly and retain its moisture.
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, such as 450°F (230°C). While the oven is heating, season the beef tenderloin filet with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also rub it with olive oil to help enhance the flavors and prevent the meat from sticking to the pan.
Place the seasoned beef tenderloin filet on a roasting rack or directly on a baking sheet, and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. This will help you accurately monitor the internal temperature of the filet as it cooks. Cook the beef tenderloin filet in the preheated oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare filet, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Remember to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a more tender and flavorful filet. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Pro tip: For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a butter and herb crust to the beef tenderloin filet during the last few minutes of cooking. Simply mix together softened butter, minced herbs like rosemary and thyme, and breadcrumbs. Spread the mixture evenly on top of the filet and return it to the oven until the crust is golden brown.
Now that you know the steps to cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven, you can confidently recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin filet is sure to impress. So preheat that oven, season that meat, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering and tender beef tenderloin filet!
Preparing the beef tenderloin filet
Before cooking the beef tenderloin filet in the oven, it is important to properly prepare it for maximum flavor and tenderness.
1. Trim the fat:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the tenderloin filet. Leaving a thin layer of fat can enhance the flavor, but too much fat can result in a greasy texture.
2. Season the meat:
Season the beef tenderloin filet generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or marinades of your choice to enhance the flavor. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
3. Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to a high temperature, such as 450°F (230°C), to sear the outside of the beef tenderloin filet and lock in the juices.
4. Sear the filet:
Heat a large skillet or pan over high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef tenderloin filet in the skillet and sear it on all sides until it is browned. This should only take a few minutes.
5. Transfer to a baking dish:
Once the filet is seared and browned, transfer it to a baking dish or roasting pan. You can place it directly on the pan or use a wire rack to elevate it slightly.
6. Optional: Add aromatics or vegetables:
For added flavor, you can place some aromatics or vegetables around the beef tenderloin filet in the baking dish. This could include garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, or sliced onions.
7. Cook in the oven:
Place the baking dish with the beef tenderloin filet in the preheated oven. Cook the filet for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the filet.
8. Rest the meat:
Once the beef tenderloin filet is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the meat to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender filet.
Following these steps will ensure that your beef tenderloin filet is perfectly prepared and ready to be enjoyed.
Seasoning the beef tenderloin filet
Before cooking the beef tenderloin filet, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some steps to season the beef tenderloin filet:
- Start by patting the beef tenderloin filet dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Next, season the beef tenderloin filet generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
- You can also add additional seasonings to the beef tenderloin filet, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasonings into the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.
- If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef tenderloin filet.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef tenderloin filet in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour before cooking.
By properly seasoning the beef tenderloin filet, you’ll ensure a delicious and flavorful result when cooking it in the oven.
Preheating the Oven
Before you begin cooking your beef tenderloin filet, it’s important to preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature. Preheating the oven ensures that your meat will cook evenly and thoroughly. Here’s how you can preheat your oven:
- Start by checking the recipe or cooking instructions for the recommended oven temperature. Most recipes will call for a preheated oven temperature of around 425°F (220°C).
- Turn on your oven and set it to the desired temperature. Depending on your oven model, you may need to press a “preheat” button or manually adjust the temperature using the control panel.
- Give your oven enough time to preheat. It typically takes around 10-15 minutes for the oven to reach the desired temperature, but this can vary depending on your oven’s efficiency.
- While the oven is preheating, take this opportunity to prepare your beef tenderloin filet. Season it with your desired seasonings or marinade, and let it come to room temperature.
- Once the oven has reached the correct temperature, you can place your prepared beef tenderloin filet onto a baking sheet or into a preheated skillet or roasting pan.
By preheating your oven properly, you’ll ensure that your beef tenderloin filet cooks to perfection, with a juicy and tender inside and a flavorful seared crust on the outside.
Roasting the beef tenderloin filet
Once the beef tenderloin filet has marinated, it’s time to roast it in the oven. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect and tender roast:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the marinated beef tenderloin filet from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Place the beef tenderloin filet on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. This will allow the hot air to circulate around the meat, ensuring even cooking.
- Season the beef tenderloin filet generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the filet, making sure it does not touch the bone or the pan.
- Roast the beef tenderloin filet in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C).
- Remove the beef tenderloin filet from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This will allow the meat to rest and the juices to redistribute.
- Let the beef tenderloin filet rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your beef tenderloin filet and your desired level of doneness. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to your liking. Enjoy your perfectly roasted beef tenderloin filet!
Checking the doneness of the beef tenderloin filet
Checking the doneness of your beef tenderloin filet is crucial to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods you can use:
1. Using a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, avoiding any bones. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 125°F (50°C), for medium rare, it should be around 135°F (57°C), and for medium, it should be around 145°F (63°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly once removed from the oven.
2. Touch test: Many experienced cooks can judge the doneness of a beef tenderloin filet by touch. Using the back of your tongs or a fork, press lightly on the surface of the filet. For rare meat, it should feel soft and squishy. For medium rare, it should feel slightly firmer but still have some give, and for medium, it should feel firm but still slightly springy.
3. Visual cues: The appearance of the beef tenderloin filet can also give you an indication of its doneness. For rare, the center of the meat will appear bright red, for medium rare, it will be pink, and for medium, it will be light pink. However, this method is less reliable than using a meat thermometer or touch test.
4. Resting time: After removing the beef tenderloin filet from the oven, allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise slightly, resulting in a more evenly cooked and flavorful piece of meat.
Remember that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your oven and the size of your beef tenderloin filet, so it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Q&A
What is the best way to cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven?
The best way to cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven is to preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and then sear the filets in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. After searing, transfer the filets to a baking dish and roast them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of doneness.
How long should I cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven for medium-rare?
To cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven for medium-rare, you should roast it for about 15-18 minutes at 425°F (220°C). However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the filets reach an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C).
Can I marinate beef tenderloin filet before cooking it in the oven?
Yes, you can marinate beef tenderloin filet before cooking it in the oven. Marinating can add extra flavor and help tenderize the meat. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Marinate the filets in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
What spices go well with beef tenderloin filet?
There are many spices and herbs that go well with beef tenderloin filet. Some popular choices include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. You can also experiment with different spice blends or rubs to suit your taste.
Do I need to rest beef tenderloin filet after cooking it in the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to let beef tenderloin filet rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking it in the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish. Tent the filets loosely with foil during the resting period to keep them warm.
What is the best way to cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven?
The best way to cook beef tenderloin filet in the oven is to preheat the oven to a high temperature, sear the filet on all sides in a hot skillet, and then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking. This method ensures a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.