Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is often regarded as one of the finest cuts of meat, prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. When combined with a flavorful herb butter, it becomes a dish that is not only delicious but also elegant enough for any special occasion. This herb butter beef tenderloin recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for holidays, family gatherings, or a romantic dinner for two. The butter, garlic, and fresh herbs create a savory crust on the tenderloin, infusing the meat with aromatic flavors while ensuring it stays juicy and tender inside. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can easily prepare this mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests or elevate a weeknight meal. Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, this beef tenderloin will undoubtedly be the star of the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Tender Meat

Beef tenderloin is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it an excellent choice for a luxurious yet easy-to-make meal.

2. Aromatic Herb Butter

The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter creates a rich and fragrant coating, enhancing the beef’s natural flavors.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal option for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.

4. Customizable Flavors

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a touch of mustard or horseradish for added flavor.

5. Impressive Yet Simple

While this dish looks and tastes gourmet, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, allowing you to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

• Beef tenderloin
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper

Variations

1. Add Mustard
   For a tangy twist, mix Dijon mustard into the herb butter. This adds a layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef.
2. Spicy Herb Butter
   Incorporate some red pepper flakes or chili powder into the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Garlic and Herb Crust
   For a more textured crust, add breadcrumbs to the herb butter mixture before applying it to the beef.
4. Oven-Free Version
   For an alternative cooking method, grill the beef tenderloin instead of roasting it, brushing the herb butter on throughout the cooking process.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Prepare Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley), and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Beef Tenderloin

Rub the herb butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the beef tenderloin. Make sure to coat it generously for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Roast the Beef

Place the seasoned beef tenderloin on a roasting pan and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare to medium).

Step 5: Rest the Meat

Once roasted, remove the beef tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the beef tenderloin into medallions and serve with your choice of side dishes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Meat
  After roasting, it’s essential to let the beef rest for at least 10 minutes. This ensures the meat stays juicy and tender, preventing the juices from spilling out when sliced.
• Use Fresh Herbs
  Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley give the best flavor, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Just use about one-third of the amount when using dried herbs.
• Check Internal Temperature
  To ensure your beef reaches the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be about 135°F, and for medium, 145°F.
• Don’t Overcook
  Beef tenderloin is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooking can result in dry, tough meat.

How to Serve

Herb butter beef tenderloin pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a more luxurious touch, serve it with a red wine reduction sauce or creamy horseradish sauce. A side of buttery garlic bread would complement the meal perfectly, making it a complete and indulgent dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent it from drying out, cover the beef with foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing

Beef tenderloin can be frozen, though it may lose some of its tenderness. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the beef in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over low heat, adding a little butter to retain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, while beef tenderloin is ideal, you can also use sirloin or ribeye, though they may not be as tender.

2. What herbs work best for this recipe?

Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are traditional, but you can also experiment with herbs like oregano, sage, or basil.

3. How do I know when the beef is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should be 135°F, and for medium, 145°F.

4. Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the herb butter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before using.

5. Should I marinate the beef before roasting?

No marination is necessary. The herb butter is enough to impart flavor during the roasting process.

6. What side dishes go well with herb butter beef tenderloin?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are excellent choices to accompany this dish.

7. Can I grill the beef tenderloin instead of roasting?

Yes, grilling works well too. Simply brush the herb butter on the meat while grilling for a delicious flavor.

8. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

9. Can I use salted butter for the herb butter mixture?

Yes, but be cautious when adding extra salt to the mixture since salted butter can make it too salty.

10. Can I serve this dish with a sauce?

Absolutely! A simple red wine reduction or creamy horseradish sauce would complement the beef perfectly.

Conclusion

Herb butter beef tenderloin is an easy yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. The rich flavor of the beef combined with the aromatic herb butter creates a meal that’s both luxurious and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to a gourmet dinner at home, this recipe will surely impress. With a few simple steps and tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, tender beef tenderloin every time.

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