Beef tenderloin is a popular and delicious cut of beef that is known for its tender texture and rich flavor. When cooking beef tenderloin, it is important to achieve the perfect level of doneness. For many meat lovers, medium rare is the ideal temperature to cook beef tenderloin.

Medium rare is a level of doneness that results in a juicy and flavorful piece of meat with a warm pink center. To achieve this level of doneness, the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin should reach around 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C).

It is important to note that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the beef tenderloin and the heat of your cooking method. To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin as it cooks.

When cooking beef tenderloin to medium rare, it is important to follow a few key steps. First, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). This will help sear the beef tenderloin and lock in the juices. Next, season your beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Place the tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan and insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, being careful to avoid touching bone or fat.

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Roast the beef tenderloin in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium rare, this will typically take about 20-25 minutes per pound (450 grams) of beef tenderloin. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so it is important to rely on the internal temperature rather than the time.

Once the beef tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender final product.

What Temperature to Cook Beef Tenderloin Medium Rare

Cooking beef tenderloin to medium rare can be a delicate process, as you want to achieve the perfect balance between a tender, juicy interior and a flavorful, slightly seared exterior. To achieve this, it is essential to cook the beef tenderloin at the right temperature.

Recommended Temperature

The recommended temperature to cook beef tenderloin to medium rare is 135°F (57°C). At this temperature, the meat will be pink and juicy in the center, with a slightly seared crust on the outside. Cooking the beef tenderloin to this temperature allows the natural flavors and tenderness of the meat to shine through.

Cooking Methods

There are several cooking methods you can use to achieve a medium rare beef tenderloin:

  • Oven Roasting: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the beef tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for about 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
  • Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the beef tenderloin directly on the grill grates and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the desired internal temperature is reached.
  • Sous Vide: Preheat the water bath to 135°F (57°C). Season the beef tenderloin and seal it in a vacuum-sealed bag. Cook the tenderloin in the water bath for about 2-3 hours, or until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
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Resting and Serving

Once the beef tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature, it is important to let it rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Let the beef tenderloin rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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When serving medium rare beef tenderloin, it pairs well with a variety of accompaniments such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy your perfectly cooked beef tenderloin!

Ideal Internal Temperature

When cooking beef tenderloin to medium rare, it is important to monitor the internal temperature to ensure the perfect cooking result. The ideal internal temperature for a medium rare beef tenderloin is around 135°F (57°C). This temperature will give you a steak that is pink in the center and juicy, with a slightly firmer exterior.

To achieve this temperature, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the beef tenderloin, making sure it doesn’t touch any bones or the pan. Once the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C), it is time to remove the beef tenderloin from the heat source.

Keep in mind that the internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the beef tenderloin rests, so it is essential to take it off the heat source slightly before it reaches the ideal temperature. Let the beef tenderloin rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and flavorful result.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the beef tenderloin and the heat source you are using. It is always best to rely on the internal temperature rather than a specific cooking time to achieve the desired level of doneness.

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Choosing the Right Cut

When cooking beef tenderloin to medium rare, it’s important to start with the right cut of meat. The tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef, located in the loin area of the animal. It is often considered the most luxurious and expensive cut due to its tenderness and mild flavor.

What is Beef Tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin is a long, cylinder-shaped muscle that comes from the short loin of the cow. It is incredibly tender because it is a muscle that does very little work and is not weight-bearing. The lack of connective tissue makes it ideal for roasting and achieving a perfect medium rare result.

Other Cuts to Consider

While beef tenderloin is a popular choice for a special occasion, there are other cuts of beef that can also be cooked to medium rare for a delicious meal. Some other options include ribeye, strip steak, and T-bone steak. These cuts are known for their marbling, which adds flavor and juiciness to the meat.

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When choosing a cut, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and the cooking method you plan to use. Beef tenderloin is best suited for roasting, while ribeye and strip steak can also be grilled or pan-seared to achieve a medium rare temperature.

Ultimately, the choice of cut depends on your taste preferences, budget, and the occasion. Whether you choose beef tenderloin or a different cut, cooking it to medium rare will result in a juicy and flavorful piece of meat that is sure to impress.

Preparing the Beef

Before cooking beef tenderloin, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure the best results. Here are the steps to follow when preparing beef tenderloin:

1. Trim the fat: Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef tenderloin. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove any visible fat, as too much fat can make the meat greasy and less flavorful.

2. Seasoning: Season the beef tenderloin with your desired spices and seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well to enhance the natural flavors of the meat, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices to add more depth of flavor.

3. Resting: After seasoning, allow the beef tenderloin to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat to cook more evenly and allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat.

4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for cooking beef tenderloin. For medium rare, a temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C) is recommended. This will result in a juicy and pink center.

5. Searing: Heat a large skillet or pan over high heat and add some oil. Once hot, sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until browned. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds extra flavor to the meat.

6. Roasting: Transfer the seared beef tenderloin to a baking dish or roasting pan. Place it in the preheated oven and cook until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. Remember, for medium rare beef tenderloin, aim for a temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C).

7. Resting: Once cooked, remove the beef tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

8. Slicing: Finally, slice the beef tenderloin into thick, even slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Seasoning the Meat

Before cooking beef tenderloin, it is important to season the meat to enhance its flavor. There are various seasoning options that you can use to add a delicious taste to your dish.

Salt and Pepper

The simplest and most classic way to season beef tenderloin is with salt and pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the meat. The salt will help to enhance the natural flavors of the beef, while the pepper adds a hint of spiciness.

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Herb Rub

If you want to add more depth of flavor to your beef tenderloin, you can create a herb rub. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Rub the mixture all over the surface of the beef, ensuring it coats evenly. The herbs will infuse the meat with their aroma, giving it a fragrant and savory taste.

  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped fresh rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Parsley

Marinade

Another option to season beef tenderloin is to marinate it overnight. You can use a combination of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade. Place the beef in a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over it, seal the bag, and refrigerate overnight. The marinade will not only season the meat, but it will also help to tenderize it, resulting in a juicy and tender beef tenderloin.

  • Olive oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Minced garlic

Whichever seasoning method you choose, make sure to let the beef tenderloin sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat before cooking.

Q&A

What temperature should I cook beef tenderloin to achieve a medium rare doneness?

To cook beef tenderloin to medium rare doneness, you should aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C). This will result in a juicy and tender steak with a warm, pink center.

How long should I cook beef tenderloin to achieve a medium rare doneness?

The cooking time for beef tenderloin depends on its size and the cooking method used. As a general guideline, you can cook a beef tenderloin at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes per pound. However, it is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches around 135°F (57°C) for medium rare.

Can I cook beef tenderloin to medium rare at a higher temperature?

While it is possible to cook beef tenderloin to medium rare at a higher temperature, it is not recommended. Higher temperatures can result in overcooking and drying out the meat. It is best to cook beef tenderloin at a lower temperature for a longer period of time to achieve a juicy and tender medium rare doneness.

What are the signs to know when beef tenderloin is cooked to medium rare?

There are a few signs to look for when determining if beef tenderloin is cooked to medium rare. First, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should read around 135°F (57°C) for medium rare. Additionally, the meat should feel slightly firm to the touch, but still have some give. The center of the meat should be warm and pink, indicating a medium rare doneness.