Roasted Herbed Beef Tenderloin

Name: Roasted Herbed Beef Tenderloin
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 (3-1/2- to 4-pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin and fat; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature; 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves; Butcher's twine, as needed

Roasting Beef Main Dish Easy Christmas Dinner Party Vegetable Oil Thyme Garlic Holidays

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6 to 8 servings Easy

Total: 1 hr 40 mins Active: 40 mins

16 Ratings

Ingredients (9)

1 (3-1/2- to 4-pound) center-cut beef tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin and fat
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
Butcher’s twine, as needed

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Nutritional Information

Calories255
Fat25.3g
Saturated fat12.14g
Trans fat0.65g
Carbs1.44g
Fiber0.53g
Sugar0.03g
Protein6.27g
Cholesterol65.57mg
Sodium131.82mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (6 servings) Powered by

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Beef tenderloin is a special (and expensive) meal to serve, so you want to be sure to cook it just right. This recipe is a foolproof way to add flavor without having to rely on any complicated techniques. First sear the beef in a frying pan to get a flavorful crust, then rub on a simple compound butter made with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Roast the tenderloin for about 30 minutes, let it rest, then slice and serve with our Hasselback Potatoes and Creamy Mushroom Gravy for a memorable Christmas dinner. For a healthy side, pair with spaghetti squash and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Special equipment: You’ll need an instant-read thermometer for this recipe.

Game plan: Depending on how the beef tenderloin is butchered, you may end up with a thicker or thinner portion. This recipe works with both cuts, but timing is crucial to achieve perfect rare to medium-rare beef. Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the temperature of the beef as it cooks. For a thinner piece of meat, check the temperature after 18 to 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.

by Amy Wisniewski

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Tips for Beef and Christmas

Tip

How to Thaw Beef

As with most meat, the safest way to thaw beef is in the refrigerator. Small cuts of beef can take up to 24 hours, while larger slabs can take a few days. If you’re in a pinch, frozen beef can be thawed in a bowl or container of lukewarm water. Place the bowl or container in the sink and leave under a running faucet. Never allow raw beef to thaw or sit on a counter or cutting board. Since it takes longer to thaw than most meats, it is more susceptible to bacteria growth.

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Next: How to Freeze Beef

Tip

How to Freeze Beef

In order to effectively freeze beef, you’ll want to limit its exposure to air. This not only prevents the production of freezer burn, but also extends its shelf life to three months or longer. The best way to package beef is to wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap. You should then wrap the meat in a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a plastic bag.

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Next: How to Store Beef

Tip

How to Store Beef

For ground beef, keep refrigerated and use within one to two days. It can stay in its original container if the packaging hasn’t been opened. Steaks follow the same protocol, but can last a bit longer at three to five days. It’s actually best to allow a little airflow with stored meat, as tightly-adhered plastic like Saran wrap can make meat sweat and, as a result, less tender. Meat can be transferred to plastic containers, but should be covered loosely.

Never refrigerate raw meat if it’s been sitting out beyond two hours.

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Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Tip

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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Next: What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Tip

What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

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Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Tip

How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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Next: How to Thaw Beef

Instructions

1Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Meanwhile, pat the beef dry with paper towels. (If one end of the beef is noticeably thinner than the other, tuck the thinner end underneath and tie where you tucked with butcher’s twine. This will help it cook more evenly.) Using your hands, rub the tenderloin all over with the oil, sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and rub until evenly coated; set aside.
2Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat until just starting to smoke. Place the beef in the pan and sear, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and set aside until the surface of the beef is no longer hot, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make the butter mixture.
3Place the butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a medium bowl and smash with the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula until evenly combined. When the beef is ready, evenly rub the butter mixture on the top and sides of the tenderloin.
4Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the beef registers 120°F to 125°F for rare or 125°F to 135°F for medium rare, about 25 to 35 minutes.
5Transfer the beef to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest at least 20 minutes before slicing.

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