Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Bliss

Beef tenderloin is a luxurious and tender cut of meat that’s perfect for a special occasion or a memorable dinner. When paired with a rich, buttery Béarnaise sauce, it transforms into a true indulgence. This recipe for Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Bliss combines the flavors of perfectly roasted beef with the herbaceous, velvety sauce that enhances the dish’s richness. The technique of searing the beef before roasting ensures a crispy crust, locking in the juices and keeping the inside wonderfully tender. As the beef roasts, you prepare the classic Béarnaise sauce, which features egg yolks, butter, and a touch of tarragon, creating a creamy and aromatic topping for the steak. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe will not disappoint. The luxurious combination of beef and Béarnaise is sure to impress any guest or satisfy your culinary cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Elegant and Flavorful

The combination of perfectly cooked beef tenderloin and a rich, herb-infused Béarnaise sauce offers an elegant dish that’s bursting with flavors.

2. Impressive Presentation

This dish not only tastes divine, but it also looks stunning when plated, making it a perfect choice for dinner parties or celebrations.

3. Simple Preparation

Despite its gourmet nature, this recipe is relatively simple to execute. With just a few steps, you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home.

4. Rich and Buttery Sauce

The Béarnaise sauce adds an indulgent, buttery richness that complements the beef beautifully, elevating the overall dining experience.

5. Customizable Doneness

You can cook the beef tenderloin to your desired level of doneness, ensuring each bite is tender and perfectly cooked to your preference.

Ingredients

• Beef tenderloin
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the Béarnaise sauce:

• Egg yolks
• White wine vinegar
• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh tarragon, chopped

Variations

• Add Garlic: For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic to the searing oil to infuse the beef with an aromatic essence.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have tarragon, you can experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbaceous note in the Béarnaise sauce.
• Try a Different Sauce: If Béarnaise isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with a classic hollandaise sauce for a similar rich, creamy topping.
• Grilled Tenderloin: For a smokier flavor, grill the beef tenderloin instead of roasting it in the oven.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the beef perfectly.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Season the beef tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavor of the beef as it roasts.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Roast the Beef

Transfer the seared beef tenderloin to a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).

Step 5: Make the Béarnaise Sauce

While the beef is roasting, prepare the Béarnaise sauce:

• In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and water.
• Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking constantly to emulsify the sauce.
• Season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped tarragon.

Step 6: Rest the Beef and Serve

Once the beef is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced beef tenderloin with a generous drizzle of the Béarnaise sauce on top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Resting the Beef: Allow the beef to rest for about 5-10 minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Check Doneness with a Thermometer: For precise results, use a meat thermometer to check the beef’s internal temperature. 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.
• Use Clarified Butter for the Sauce: If you prefer a smoother Béarnaise sauce, use clarified butter to prevent separation during the emulsification process.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: When making Béarnaise, whisk continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling and ensure the sauce remains smooth and creamy.

How to Serve

Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Bliss is a stunning main course that pairs beautifully with:

• Sides: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
• Wine: A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot complements the richness of the beef and the Béarnaise sauce.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a crispy baguette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Beef Tenderloin: Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid overcooking.
• Béarnaise Sauce: Béarnaise sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little warm water if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezing

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the Béarnaise sauce may separate upon thawing. However, the beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat the beef in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until warmed through, and gently reheat the Béarnaise sauce over low heat.

FAQs

1. How can I make the Béarnaise sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a little more melted butter to help thicken it.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

3. What should I serve with beef tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

4. How can I check if the beef is cooked to my liking?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium.

5. Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

You can substitute beef tenderloin with filet mignon or ribeye steak, but cooking times will vary.

6. Can I prepare the beef without searing it first?

While searing helps lock in flavor and juices, you can roast the beef without searing if you’re short on time, though the crust may be less crispy.

7. Can I use dry tarragon instead of fresh?

Fresh tarragon is preferred for the best flavor, but you can substitute dried tarragon if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that the vinegar and any other condiments are gluten-free.

9. How do I prevent the Béarnaise sauce from curdling?

Whisk continuously while adding the butter, and don’t allow the heat to get too high to prevent curdling.

10. Can I make the Béarnaise sauce without eggs?

For an egg-free alternative, you can make a hollandaise sauce using cream and butter instead of egg yolks.

Conclusion

Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Bliss is a classic dish that will make any meal feel like a special occasion. With tender, flavorful beef paired with a rich, herb-infused sauce, this dish offers a luxurious dining experience that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether it’s for a date night, a holiday meal, or an impressive dinner party, this recipe will surely wow your guests.

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