A Special Dinner with Beef Tenderloin and Garlic Butter: A Perfect Medium Rare Delight
- briancsetaro
- Oct 8, 2024
- 3 min read
When my parents came over for dinner recently, I wanted to make something a little more special than my usual fare. I decided on a classic and elegant dish: Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter, accompanied by a side of French green beans. This dish is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to show appreciation and care through cooking.
The tenderloin, cooked to a perfect medium rare, was a hit with everyone, and the garlic butter added a rich and flavorful finish.
Here's how to recreate this delightful meal at home.
Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
2-3 lbs beef tenderloin, trimmed
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil for searing
Kitchen twine (optional, for tying the tenderloin)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tenderloin: If the tenderloin isn't already trimmed, remove any silver skin and excess fat. If desired, tie the tenderloin with kitchen twine at 2-inch intervals to help it cook evenly and hold its shape.
2. Season the Meat: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously season the tenderloin with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This helps to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
3. Sear the Tenderloin: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tenderloin and sear on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step helps to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.
4. Roast in the Oven: Transfer the skillet with the seared tenderloin to the preheated oven. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium rare, about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
5. Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the tenderloin is roasting, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Rest and Butter: Once the tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result. While resting, generously spread the garlic butter over the top of the tenderloin, allowing it to melt and infuse the meat with rich flavors.
7. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the tenderloin into thick medallions and serve hot, topped with any remaining garlic butter from the skillet.
French Green Beans: A Simple and Elegant Side
To complement the rich flavors of the beef tenderloin, I served French green beans as a side dish. These slender and tender beans are easy to prepare and offer a light, crisp contrast to the richness of the meat.
Ingredients:
1 lb French green beans (haricots verts), trimmed
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
2. Sauté the Green Beans: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the blanched green beans and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
3. Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and serve alongside the sliced beef tenderloin.
This dinner of Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter and French green beans was a perfect way to create a memorable and special meal for my parents. The tenderloin, cooked to a perfect medium rare, was juicy and flavorful, while the garlic butter added a deliciously rich finish.
The green beans provided a fresh and light contrast, making the meal feel balanced and elegant. It's a simple yet impressive dish that can elevate any occasion, and I hope it inspires you to create something special in your kitchen. Enjoy!