Although this cut is lean, it’s renowned for its fork-tender melt-in-your-mouth qualities. The question is, can a grilled beef tenderloin take the heat of the grill while still being the centerpiece of the table, or will it dry it out?
Grilled beef tenderloin is a mouthwatering delicacy that boasts both tenderness and rich flavors. As one of the most prized cuts of meat, this luxurious beef recipe is often reserved for special occasions or fine dining experiences.
But we’re here to question why. We find that rolling this tender cut of beef over the flames of the grill is a great way to allow the natural flavors to shine while adding that smoky char everyone loves. And it’s so easy that it could easily become a regular main course for Sunday supper. Not just a feast reserved for special occasions.
🥩 The Cut: What is beef Tenderloin
The tenderloin is indeed the most tender cut of beef. It’s renowned for its texture and buttery flavor. But this cut, from just beneath the spine, is also incredibly lean and needs to be cooked with care. Because the muscle doesn’t bear much weight or receive significant exercise, it remains incredibly tender and lean compared to other cuts of beef.
To make sure to lock in the best flavor and retain that signature exceptional tenderness, it’s important to treat this cut with a delicate hand and not take it past medium-rare while cooking to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Always use a digital meat thermometer; it’s the easiest way to get the most accurate results and guaranteed perfect temperature.
You can easily find this expensive cut of meat at your local grocery store around the winter holidays. We buy it then and break down the whole tenderloin for a freezer filled with filet mignon steaks or a perfectly trimmed chateaubriand. We find that this saves us tons of money. Alternatively, if you aren’t seeing beef tenderloin in your market or are looking in the off-season, we recommend ordering from one of our favorite places to buy meat online.
Ingredients
- Whole beef tenderloin
- Kosher Salt
- Oil – olive oil, avocado, or canola oil all work
- Fresh Garlic cloves
- Fresh Rosemary
- Fresh Thyme
- Freshly ground black pepper
How to grill a whole tenderloin
We use the reverse sear method to slowly bring this tenderloin roast to temp before finishing it with a hot sear for a great crust and juicy medium-rare center. This method uses both direct and indirect heat for amazing results every time.
- Start by removing the full beef tenderloin from the package and patting it dry with paper towels. If it came pre-tied for you from the butcher, make sure to dry it under the tails that has been folded over and secured. If the tenderloin did not come tied, secure it with butcher’s twine every 2 inches or so, and simply fold the thinner tail back and secure it to make a roast that has an even thickness. Then liberally season the whole roast with salt. Place it on a wire rack nestled over a baking sheet and let it air dry in the fridge for at least 8 hours and up to 24.
- Then, make a paste for the tenderloin roast by adding the oil, minced garlic, minced rosemary, and thyme to a small bowl. Rub it all over the beef, making sure to get in between the seams. Let the roast sit at room temperature for 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your grill and clean and oil the grill grates. Preheat the grill by turning all the burners on and letting the grill heat with the lid closed. Then set up a two-zone fire for indirect grilling by turning off two of the four burners or two of the three burners. This creates a hot side and a cooler side. If using a smoker box to smoke on a gas grill, add it to the grill grates over the hot side of the grill now to allow the smoke to form. Let the grill preheat to an even 300-325 degrees F.
- When the grill is ready, place the beef tenderloin roast on the grill grates on the cooler side of the grill. Close the lid and allow the beef to cook for about 30 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 105 degrees F with an instant-read thermometer.
- Next, using long grilling tongs, transfer it to the hot side of the grill, directly on the grill grates over high heat to sear and form a crust on the outside of the tenderloin. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, rotating as needed to sear all sides. The final internal temp should be around 120 to 125 degrees F.
- Immediately transfer the grilled beef tenderloin to a clean baking sheet or cutting board, top with a few slices of homemade compound butter (we love our garlic compound butter for this), and tent with foil. Allow the beef roast to rest for 10 minutes. As the tenderloin rests, it will continue to cook, with the internal temperature increasing another 5 to 10 degrees. Beef tenderloin is best served medium-rare, for the ideal steak doneness where you get a rosy pink center, signature fork-tender bites, and the best flavor.
- Finally, remove the butchers twice and slice the grilled tenderloin into 1″ thick portions. Sprinkle with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper, and garnish with minced parsley for a pop of color.
