If you are planning to cook a tenderloin roast, one of the most important factors to consider is the cooking time. The cooking time for a tenderloin roast per pound can vary depending on a few factors, such as the desired doneness and the cooking method you choose. It is essential to cook the tenderloin roast to the correct internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. However, you also want to make sure you don’t overcook it and end up with a dry and tough roast.
The general rule of thumb for cooking a tenderloin roast is to cook it for about 20 minutes per pound in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for medium-rare doneness. However, this cooking time can vary depending on the size of the roast and your preferred level of doneness. For example, if you like your roast more on the medium side, you might want to cook it for a few minutes longer per pound. Conversely, if you prefer your roast to be closer to rare, you may want to decrease the cooking time slightly.
It is also essential to consider the resting time for the tenderloin roast after it is cooked. After removing the roast from the oven, it is crucial to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the roast, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. During the resting time, the internal temperature of the roast will also continue to rise, so keep this in mind when determining the desired doneness.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the perfect cooking time for your tenderloin roast is to use a meat thermometer. This tool will provide you with an accurate reading of the internal temperature, allowing you to cook the roast to your preferred level of doneness. Remember to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding any bone or fat. Once the roast reaches the desired temperature, you can confidently remove it from the oven and let it rest before carving and serving.
How Long to Cook Tenderloin Roast per Pound
When cooking a tenderloin roast, it’s important to know the cooking time per pound to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection. The cooking time can vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the cooking method you choose.
Oven Roasting
Medium-rare: For a medium-rare tenderloin roast, cook it for approximately 20 minutes per pound in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). This will result in a pink center with a nicely seared exterior.
Medium: For a medium doneness, cook the tenderloin roast for about 25 minutes per pound in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). This will give you a slightly pink center with a more well-done exterior.
Well-done: If you prefer your tenderloin roast well-done, cook it for about 30 minutes per pound at 375°F (190°C). This will result in a fully cooked, browned exterior with no pinkness in the center.
Grilling
If you choose to grill your tenderloin roast, the cooking time per pound will be slightly different due to the higher heat from the grill.
Medium-rare: Grill the tenderloin roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound over medium-high heat. This will give you a medium-rare center with a charred exterior.
Medium: For a medium doneness, grill the tenderloin roast for about 20 minutes per pound over medium-high heat. This will result in a pink center with a more well-done exterior.
Well-done: To cook the tenderloin roast well-done on the grill, cook it for about 25 minutes per pound over medium-high heat. This will give you a fully cooked, charred exterior with no pinkness in the center.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), for medium it should be around 145°F (63°C), and for well-done it should be around 160°F (71°C).
Once the roast reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful roast.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
When it comes to cooking a tenderloin roast, several factors can affect the cooking time. It is important to consider these factors to ensure that the roast is cooked to perfection.
- Size of the roast: The size of the tenderloin roast plays a significant role in determining the cooking time. As a general rule, larger roasts will take longer to cook compared to smaller ones. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensure that the roast is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
- Initial temperature: The initial temperature of the tenderloin roast before cooking can also affect the cooking time. For example, if the roast is taken straight out of the refrigerator, it will take longer to cook compared to a roast that has been left at room temperature for some time.
- Oven temperature: The temperature of the oven can greatly impact the cooking time. It is important to preheat the oven to the recommended temperature before placing the roast in it. Cooking at a higher temperature will result in a shorter cooking time, while cooking at a lower temperature will require more time.
- Desired level of doneness: The desired level of doneness for the tenderloin roast will also affect the cooking time. Whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, the internal temperature of the roast will vary, and therefore, the cooking time will differ.
- Resting time: After the tenderloin roast has been cooked, it is important to allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a more flavorful and tender roast. However, the resting time does not affect the cooking time itself.
By considering these factors, you can determine the optimal cooking time for your tenderloin roast and achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked meal.
Recommended Cooking Times
When cooking a tenderloin roast, it is important to determine the appropriate cooking time based on the weight of the roast. This will ensure that the meat is cooked to perfection and is tender and juicy.
Here are the recommended cooking times for a tenderloin roast:
- If the roast weighs 1 pound: cook for 14-17 minutes for rare, 17-19 minutes for medium rare, or 19-22 minutes for medium.
- If the roast weighs 2 pounds: cook for 22-25 minutes for rare, 25-28 minutes for medium rare, or 28-32 minutes for medium.
- If the roast weighs 3 pounds: cook for 32-35 minutes for rare, 35-38 minutes for medium rare, or 38-43 minutes for medium.
- If the roast weighs 4 pounds: cook for 42-47 minutes for rare, 47-52 minutes for medium rare, or 52-58 minutes for medium.
- If the roast weighs 5 pounds: cook for 52-57 minutes for rare, 57-63 minutes for medium rare, or 63-70 minutes for medium.
These cooking times are based on an oven set to 425°F (220°C). It is also important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the roast reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
Remember, these are just recommended cooking times and every oven is different. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast is cooked to your desired doneness.
Temperature and Doneness Guide
Cooking a tenderloin roast to the proper temperature and doneness is essential for a delicious and safe meal. Here is a guide to help you achieve the perfect result:
Internal Temperatures
It is important to cook the tenderloin roast to the proper internal temperature to ensure that it is cooked through and safe to eat. Here are the recommended internal temperatures for each level of doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C) – The meat will be red and cool in the center.
- Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C) – The meat will be pink and warm in the center.
- Medium: 145°F (63°C) – The meat will be pink and slightly hot in the center.
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C) – The meat will be slightly pink and hot in the center.
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) – The meat will be grayish-brown and hot in the center.
Cooking Times
The cooking time for a tenderloin roast depends on its weight. Here is a general guideline for cooking times:
- Rare: 20 minutes per pound (45 minutes per kilogram).
- Medium Rare: 22 minutes per pound (50 minutes per kilogram).
- Medium: 25 minutes per pound (55 minutes per kilogram).
- Medium Well: 27 minutes per pound (60 minutes per kilogram).
- Well Done: 30 minutes per pound (65 minutes per kilogram).
Remember that these are just guidelines, and the cooking time may vary depending on your specific oven and the thickness of the roast. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked tenderloin roast!
Resting and Carving Tips
Resting the tenderloin roast is an essential step to ensure that the juices redistribute evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. After cooking, remove the roast from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Cover the roast loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
During this resting time, the internal temperature of the tenderloin roast will continue to rise a few degrees, and the juices will be locked into the meat, making it juicier when served. Be sure to not skip this step, as cutting into the roast too soon will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier and less tender meat.
When carving the tenderloin roast, use a sharp knife to slice it against the grain. This will help to break down the meat’s fibers and make it more tender. Cutting against the grain ensures that each slice of meat is tender and easy to chew. For an even more tender result, slice the meat thinly.
After carving, serve the tenderloin roast immediately while it is still warm. The slices can be arranged on a platter or individual plates, and served with your choice of garnishes or sauces. Enjoy!
Q&A
What is a tenderloin roast?
Tenderloin roast is a cut of meat taken from the beef tenderloin, which is located in the loin area of the animal. It is one of the most tender cuts and is known for its lean and juicy texture.
How long should I cook a tenderloin roast per pound?
The general rule of thumb is to cook a tenderloin roast for about 20 minutes per pound in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). However, it is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
What is the recommended internal temperature for a tenderloin roast?
The recommended internal temperature for a tenderloin roast is 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well done. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking the roast.
Can I cook a tenderloin roast on a grill?
Yes, you can cook a tenderloin roast on a grill. It is recommended to sear the roast on high heat for about 2 minutes per side, then reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the desired internal temperature is reached.
Are there any other cooking methods for a tenderloin roast?
Yes, there are other cooking methods for a tenderloin roast. It can be roasted in a slow cooker or cooked sous vide for a longer period of time to achieve a tender and juicy texture. The cooking time will vary depending on the chosen method.
How long do I cook a tenderloin roast per pound?
The general rule is to cook a tenderloin roast for about 20-25 minutes per pound at a temperature of 425°F (220°C).