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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking to impress your guests with a show-stopping main dish, look no further than beef tenderloin. This lean and tender cut of meat is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. But how long should you cook beef tenderloin on your Traeger grill to achieve the perfect level of doneness? Let’s find out!
One of the best things about cooking beef tenderloin on a Traeger is the ability to infuse it with smoky, wood-fired flavor. To achieve this, preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F (107°C) and equip it with your favorite hardwood pellets, such as hickory or oak. Season the beef tenderloin with your preferred rub or simply salt and pepper.
As for the cooking time, it depends on the size and desired doneness of your beef tenderloin. As a general guideline, plan for about 20-25 minutes of cooking time per pound for medium-rare. For example, if you have a 4-pound beef tenderloin, it will take around 80-100 minutes to reach medium-rare. Remember, these are just estimates, and the best way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer.
For medium-rare, the internal temperature of your beef tenderloin should reach 135°F (57°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests, so it’s essential to pull it off the grill a few degrees before reaching the desired doneness. Once your tenderloin is cooked to perfection, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful piece of meat.
How long to cook beef tenderloin on Traeger
Cooking beef tenderloin on your Traeger is a delicious way to enjoy a tender and flavorful cut of meat. Here is a guide on how long to cook your beef tenderloin on your Traeger grill:
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 450°F (232°C).
- Season your beef tenderloin with your desired seasoning or marinade. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
- Place the seasoned beef tenderloin directly on the grill grates.
- Cook the beef tenderloin for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Once the beef tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the beef tenderloin into thick slices and serve.
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your beef tenderloin. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your beef tenderloin is cooked to your desired doneness.
Now you can enjoy a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin on your Traeger grill. Bon appétit!
Preparing the Beef Tenderloin
Before cooking the beef tenderloin on your Traeger, it is important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:
1. Selecting the Beef Tenderloin
When choosing a beef tenderloin, look for one that has a bright red color and minimal fat marbling. The meat should feel firm and be free of any unpleasant odors. It is recommended to buy a whole beef tenderloin rather than pre-cut steaks, as this allows for greater control over the cooking process.
2. Trimming the Beef Tenderloin
Start by removing any excess fat or sinew from the beef tenderloin. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim away any silver skin, which is a tough and chewy membrane that covers the meat. Removing the silver skin will help prevent the meat from shrinking while cooking and improve its tenderness.
3. Seasoning the Beef Tenderloin
Season the beef tenderloin generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add additional herbs and spices to enhance the flavor, such as garlic powder, dried thyme, or rosemary. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the entire surface of the meat, ensuring an even coating.
4. Tying the Beef Tenderloin
Using kitchen twine, tie the beef tenderloin at regular intervals to maintain its shape during cooking. Start by tying a loop around one end of the tenderloin, then make additional loops along the length of the meat, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Finish by tying a loop around the other end.
Note: Tying the beef tenderloin is optional but recommended to ensure even cooking and a uniform shape.
5. Resting the Beef Tenderloin
Allow the beef tenderloin to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the meat cook more evenly and prevent it from being too cold in the center.
Following these steps will help you to prepare the beef tenderloin for cooking on your Traeger grill. Now you’re ready to proceed with the cooking process!
Seasoning the beef tenderloin
Before cooking the beef tenderloin on your Traeger, it’s important to season the meat to enhance its flavor. Here are some steps to properly season your beef tenderloin:
1. Trim the excess fat:
Start by trimming any excess fat from the surface of the beef tenderloin. This will help prevent flare-ups and ensure even cooking.
2. Generously season with salt and pepper:
Season the entire surface of the beef tenderloin with a generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will help enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
3. Add additional herbs and spices (optional):
If desired, you can add additional herbs and spices to elevate the flavor of the beef tenderloin. Common choices include garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, or a steak seasoning blend.
Once you have seasoned the beef tenderloin, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Now that your beef tenderloin is properly seasoned, it’s ready to be cooked on your Traeger grill.
Preheating the Traeger
Before cooking beef tenderloin on a Traeger, it’s important to preheat the grill to ensure consistent and even cooking.
Start by turning on the Traeger and setting the temperature to 450°F (232°C). Allow the grill to preheat for about 15 minutes with the lid closed. Preheating helps to remove any residual particles or contaminants, and it also helps to ensure that the grill is at the desired cooking temperature.
During the preheating process, make sure the grill’s temperature gauge is accurate. You can do this by using an oven thermometer or a Traeger-specific temperature probe, if available.
While the Traeger is preheating, take this time to prepare the beef tenderloin by seasoning it to your preference. You can use a dry rub or marinate the tenderloin, depending on your desired flavor profile.
Once the Traeger has reached the desired temperature, it’s ready for cooking the beef tenderloin. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible during the cooking process to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent heat loss.
Note: It’s important to follow the Traeger manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for safe and proper use of the grill.
Cooking the beef tenderloin
Once the Traeger grill has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to start cooking the beef tenderloin. Make sure the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
Before putting the beef tenderloin on the grill, season it generously with salt and pepper or any other desired spices. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.
Carefully place the beef tenderloin directly on the grill grates. Close the lid of the Traeger and let it cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, open the lid and use tongs to flip the beef tenderloin over. This will ensure even cooking on both sides. Close the lid and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes.
Throughout the cooking process, it’s important to periodically check the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin using a meat thermometer. The desired temperature for a medium-rare tenderloin is around 135°F (57°C), while a medium doneness is around 145°F (63°C).
Once the beef tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
After the resting period, slice the beef tenderloin into desired thickness and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Resting and carving the beef tenderloin
Once the beef tenderloin reaches your desired doneness, it is crucial to allow it to rest before carving. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy result.
Place the cooked beef tenderloin on a cutting board and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period is essential for the best flavor and texture.
While the beef tenderloin is resting, prepare your carving utensils. Make sure you have a sharp carving knife and a meat fork or tongs to hold the meat securely. This will help you achieve clean and even slices.
Carving the beef tenderloin
When you are ready to carve the beef tenderloin, remove the foil and use the meat fork or tongs to hold the meat steady. Begin by cutting off the twine or butcher’s netting, if applicable, and discard it.
Start cutting the beef tenderloin into slices of your desired thickness. Many prefer thin slices for a more delicate serving, while others prefer thicker slices for a heartier portion. Angle the knife slightly and use a smooth, steady motion to create even slices.
Remember to carve against the grain of the meat for maximum tenderness. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers.
Once you have carved all the beef tenderloin, transfer the slices to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly cooked and carved beef tenderloin!
Q&A
How long should I cook a beef tenderloin on a Traeger grill?
A beef tenderloin should be cooked on a Traeger grill for about 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
What temperature should I set the Traeger grill to for cooking beef tenderloin?
You should set the Traeger grill to a temperature of 400°F for cooking beef tenderloin.
Can I cook a beef tenderloin on a Traeger grill without using a meat thermometer?
While it is possible to cook a beef tenderloin on a Traeger grill without a meat thermometer, using a thermometer is highly recommended to ensure that the meat is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
Should I sear the beef tenderloin before cooking it on a Traeger grill?
It is not necessary to sear the beef tenderloin before cooking it on a Traeger grill, as the grill will provide enough heat to achieve a nice sear on its own. However, if you prefer a more pronounced crust, you can sear the meat on a hot pan or grill grates before transferring it to the Traeger.
How can I tell if the beef tenderloin is done cooking on a Traeger grill?
You can tell if the beef tenderloin is done cooking on a Traeger grill by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135°F. For medium, it should be around 145°F. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.