25 Grilled Beef Tenderloin Recipes for the Perfect BBQ
Grilling beef tenderloin is like a special art. It’s very tender and tastes amazing. It makes any BBQ better.
We have 25 tasty grilling recipes and BBQ tenderloin tips. They help you make perfect grilled beef at home. You can try new flavors and classic dishes.
Key Takeaways
- Discover 25 unique grilling recipes for beef tenderloin.
- Learn techniques for achieving perfect grilled beef every time.
- Explore international flavors and classic preparations for BBQ tenderloin.
- Improve your grilling skills with expert tips and tricks.
- Create memorable meals for any occasion with our beef tenderloin recipes.
The Art of Grilling Beef Tenderloin
Grilling beef tenderloin is an art. It needs precision, patience, and the right techniques. This cut of beef is tender and lean, perfect for grilling.
Why Beef Tenderloin is Perfect for Grilling
Beef tenderloin is great for grilling. Its shape cooks evenly and looks good on the plate. Its mild taste lets you try many flavors.
The tenderloin is very tender when grilled right. This tenderness, with the right seasonings, makes BBQ special.
Essential Equipment for Grilling Tenderloin
To grill tenderloin well, you need the right tools. You’ll need an instant-read thermometer, long-handled tongs, and a grill brush.
Must-Have Grilling Tools
Good grilling tools are key. You’ll need:
- Instant-read thermometer
- Long-handled tongs
- Grill brush
Optional Equipment for Enhanced Results
For better grilling, think about extra tools. Grill baskets, rotisserie attachments, and cast iron grill plates can help.
| Equipment | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Instant-read thermometer | Precise temperature control |
| Grill basket | Prevents tenderloin from falling apart |
| Cast iron grill plates | Enhances sear and flavor |
Preparing Your Beef Tenderloin for the Grill
Getting your beef tenderloin ready for grilling is very important. Before you start, you need to do a few things. This includes picking the right cut and controlling the temperature.
Selecting the Perfect Cut
First, choose the right beef tenderloin. Look for one that’s well-trimmed and has a good amount of marbling. Marbling makes the meat tender and tasty. It should be a deep red color, showing it’s fresh and good quality.
Decide if you want a center-cut or whole tenderloin. This depends on how many people you’re serving.
Trimming and Tying Techniques
After picking your tenderloin, get it ready for grilling. Start by cutting off any extra fat or silver skin. Use a sharp knife to do this, as it makes the meat better.
Then, tying the tenderloin with twine helps it cook evenly. This method, called trussing, is key for a well-cooked tenderloin.
- Trim excess fat for better flavor and texture.
- Remove silver skin to prevent toughness.
- Tie the tenderloin with kitchen twine for even cooking.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
When grilling, it’s important to watch the temperature and timing. Use a meat thermometer to check the meat’s internal temperature. Look at the doneness chart below for the right temperatures.
Doneness Chart
| Doneness Level | Internal Temperature (°F) | Internal Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 130-135 | 54-57 |
| Medium Rare | 135-140 | 57-60 |
| Medium | 140-145 | 60-63 |
Resting Period Importance
After grilling, let your beef tenderloin rest before slicing. This resting period makes the meat juicy and tender. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes, depending on its size.
“Letting the meat rest is crucial. It’s like letting a good wine breathe; it enhances the overall experience.” – Renowned Chef
Classic Grilled Beef Tenderloin Recipes
Make your grilling better with these classic beef tenderloin recipes. They impress everyone. Whether you’re experienced or new, these recipes help you cook a perfect tenderloin every time.
Herb-Crusted Whole Beef Tenderloin
A herb-crusted whole beef tenderloin is a great BBQ showpiece. You need fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Mix them with garlic and olive oil for the best flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole beef tenderloin
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat grill to medium-high heat. |
| 2 | Mix herbs, garlic, and olive oil. |
| 3 | Rub the mixture onto the tenderloin. |
| 4 | Grill for 20-25 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness. |
Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Steaks
For a special treat, try garlic butter beef tenderloin steaks. The butter is made with roasted garlic, herbs, and lemon zest. It melts over the steaks beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef tenderloin steaks
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cloves roasted garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chopped fresh herbs
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
A peppercorn crust makes the beef tenderloin special. Use different peppercorns for more flavor. Make sure the peppercorns stick to the meat while grilling.
Ingredients:
- 1 beef tenderloin
- 2 tbsp mixed peppercorns
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp salt
Rosemary and Sea Salt Tenderloin
Keep it simple with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt. They make the tenderloin taste amazing without much effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 beef tenderloin
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
Red Wine Marinated Beef Tenderloin
A red wine marinade adds deep flavors. Use dry red wine, vegetables, and herbs. Marinate for the right time to get the best flavor without toughening the meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 beef tenderloin
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
International Flavors for Grilled Tenderloin
From Asia to Europe, international flavors add unique twists to grilled tenderloin. This journey shows how cultures enhance beef tenderloin with their special ingredients and ways.
Asian-Inspired Soy-Ginger Tenderloin
The Asian-Inspired Soy-Ginger Tenderloin balances flavors well. A marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and brown sugar gives it a rich taste. It’s important to marinate for 2 to 4 hours to soak up flavors without being too salty.
Top it with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for extra texture and freshness.
Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Tenderloin
Mediterranean cuisine offers bright, refreshing flavors, like in the Mediterranean Herb and Lemon Tenderloin. A mix of oregano, thyme, lemon zest, and olive oil makes a light, flavorful crust. Use fresh, high-quality herbs for the best taste.
The result is a dish full of aroma and flavor, great for summer.
Mexican Chili-Lime Beef Tenderloin
The Mexican Chili-Lime Beef Tenderloin adds a spicy kick. It has a rub with ancho and chipotle chilies, lime zest, cumin, and cilantro. Start with a bit of chipotle for smoky heat, then adjust to taste.
Serve with fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Italian Balsamic Glazed Tenderloin
The Italian Balsamic Glazed Tenderloin highlights the tangy taste of aged balsamic vinegar. A sauce of balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and garlic is brushed on during grilling. Apply the glaze in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
This makes a tenderloin with a deep, complex flavor.
French Dijon and Herb Tenderloin
The French Dijon and Herb Tenderloin is elegant. It uses tarragon, chervil, and Dijon mustard for a sophisticated taste. The mustard adds tanginess and tenderizes the meat.
This dish is perfect for special occasions, served with garlic mashed potatoes or a green salad.
Special Occasion Tenderloin Recipes
Make your special events unforgettable with these fancy tenderloin recipes. They’re great for holiday dinners, anniversaries, or just a fancy meal. These dishes will make your event stand out.
Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin
The Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin is a great choice for any big event. Start with thick, smoked bacon. Wrap it around the tenderloin and tie it with twine. It’s important to cook it right, so both the bacon and tenderloin are perfect.
Tips for Wrapping: Use 3-4 slices of bacon per tenderloin, depending on size. Secure with twine at 1-inch intervals.
Blue Cheese Crusted Tenderloin
Try the Blue Cheese Crusted Tenderloin for a bold taste. It has a topping of blue cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. Make sure to cook it on a moderate heat to keep the crust on.
Blue Cheese Options: Roquefort or Stilton are good choices. They give a strong, tangy flavor.
| Crust Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cheese | 1/2 cup crumbled | Provides bold flavor |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/4 cup | Adds texture |
| Fresh Herbs | 2 tbsp chopped | Enhances flavor and aroma |
Cognac and Peppercorn Sauce Tenderloin
This dish is perfect for special times. The Cognac and Peppercorn Sauce makes it fancy. The cognac adds sweetness, and the peppercorns add spice.
Flambéing Technique: Light the cognac to boost flavor, then simmer to thicken the sauce.
Truffle Butter Beef Tenderloin
The Truffle Butter Beef Tenderloin is very indulgent. It’s made with truffle butter on the tenderloin. It’s elegant and full of flavor.
Truffle Options: You can use fresh or preserved truffles, whichever you like.
Port Wine Reduction Tenderloin
The Port Wine Reduction Tenderloin has a fancy sauce. It’s made by reducing port wine, shallots, and beef stock. This sauce gives the tenderloin a fruity flavor, perfect for special events.
Reduction Technique: Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to get the right consistency.
Quick and Easy Tenderloin Recipes
With the right techniques, tenderloin can be cooked fast. Quick and easy recipes are great for busy days. They make a tasty meal without stress.
15-Minute Tenderloin Medallions
Tenderloin medallions cook fast. Cut the tenderloin into even pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then grill for 3-4 minutes each side.
Let the meat warm up before grilling. This helps it cook evenly. Serve with quick sides like veggies or a salad.
Tip:Use a thermometer to ensure the medallions reach the desired internal temperature.
Simple Salt and Pepper Tenderloin
Keep it simple with salt and pepper. Coat the tenderloin with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. This lets the meat’s flavor shine.
Use top-quality ingredients and time it right. Season the tenderloin 30 minutes before grilling. This lets the flavors soak in.
“The simplicity of salt and pepper highlights the tenderloin’s natural flavors.”
Lemon-Herb Marinated Tenderloin Tips
Make the tenderloin smaller for faster cooking. A lemon-herb marinade can make it tasty in 30 minutes. Use lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Make sure the tenderloin is well-coated with the marinade. Grill over medium-high heat until done. Turn often to avoid burning.
- Use a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil for the marinade.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through.
Honey-Garlic Glazed Tenderloin
A honey-garlic glaze adds sweetness and flavor. Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce for the glaze. Brush it on the tenderloin during the last few minutes of grilling.
Apply the glaze when the tenderloin is almost done. This lets it caramelize nicely.
Tip:Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent it from burning.
Bourbon BBQ Tenderloin
Bourbon BBQ sauce makes the tenderloin special. Mix bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, and spices for the sauce. Brush it on the tenderloin in the last few minutes of grilling.
The bourbon adds a rich flavor. Apply the BBQ sauce when the tenderloin is almost done. This creates a nice crust.
| Recipe | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15-Minute Tenderloin Medallions | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Simple Salt and Pepper Tenderloin | 5 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Lemon-Herb Marinated Tenderloin | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Honey-Garlic Glazed Tenderloin | 5 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Bourbon BBQ Tenderloin | 5 minutes | 15 minutes |
25 Grilled Beef Tenderloin Recipes for the Perfect BBQ
Get ready to impress with these five amazing beef tenderloin recipes. They will make your BBQ unforgettable. From coffee-rubbed to smoky paprika and garlic, these recipes will elevate your grilling.
Coffee-Rubbed Tenderloin
The coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin is a game-changer. Coffee’s bitterness pairs well with beef’s richness, making a perfect flavor.
Selecting the Right Coffee Blend
Choose the right coffee for your rub. Ethiopian beans are fruity, while Colombian beans are chocolatey. Pick a medium to dark roast for a strong flavor.
Application Techniques
Grind the coffee to a medium consistency. Mix it with brown sugar and chili powder. Pat the rub onto the meat gently to stick well.
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Tenderloin
The Maple-Bourbon Glazed Tenderloin is sweet and savory. Reduce maple syrup and bourbon on low heat until thick.
Chimichurri Tenderloin
Chimichurri beef tenderloin is a fresh Argentinean dish. Mix parsley, oregano, garlic, and vinegar for the sauce. Use it to marinate and serve.
Blackened Cajun Tenderloin
The Blackened Cajun Tenderloin is spicy and flavorful. Use a Cajun spice blend for a crusty exterior. Sear the meat at high heat for a flavorful crust.
Smoky Paprika and Garlic Tenderloin
The Smoky Paprika and Garlic Tenderloin is a Spanish delight. Use sweet and smoked paprika for depth. Add garlic paste for a smoky and aromatic flavor.
These recipes add a twist to traditional grilled beef tenderloin. They make your BBQ special. Try these flavors and techniques to find your new favorite dish.
Perfect Side Dishes for Grilled Tenderloin
Choosing the right side dishes for grilled tenderloin is key. The right sides can make the meal better. They add flavor and texture to the tenderloin.
Vegetable Pairings
Vegetables are a great contrast to the tenderloin. They can be cooked in many ways to go well with the beef.
Grilled Vegetable Options
Grilling asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini with the tenderloin is a good idea. Marinating these vegetables in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling makes them taste better.
- Asparagus with lemon butter
- Bell peppers with a hint of smoky paprika
- Zucchini with fresh basil and parmesan
Fresh Salad Accompaniments
Salads are light and refreshing with grilled tenderloin. Try arugula with parmesan, tomato and burrata, or fennel-citrus for a balanced meal.
“A simple salad can be just as impressive as the main course when made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.”
Starch Accompaniments
Starches like potatoes, risotto, and grains are comforting with grilled tenderloin. You can have classic twice-baked potatoes or try sweet potato gratin or ancient grain pilaf.
| Starch | Description |
|---|---|
| Twice-Baked Potatoes | Classic comfort food with a creamy interior |
| Sweet Potato Gratin | A sweet and savory dish with a caramelized top |
| Ancient Grain Pilaf | Nutritious and flavorful, with a mix of grains and herbs |
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Grilled beef tenderloin needs a special drink to match its taste. The right drink can make the meal better, adding to the tenderloin’s deep flavors.
Red Wine Selections
Red wine lovers will like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah with grilled tenderloin. These wines match the beef’s rich taste. For example, a strong Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with a peppercorn-crusted tenderloin. A smooth Malbec is good with a tenderloin that has a sweet glaze.
| Wine | Tenderloin Preparation |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Peppercorn-crusted |
| Malbec | Fruity glaze |
| Syrah/Shiraz | Smoky BBQ |
Alternative Beverage Options
There are drinks other than red wine that go well with grilled tenderloin. Craft beers like Belgian dubbels and American porters are good. For drinks without alcohol, try fancy sodas or sparkling waters with botanical infusions. Bourbon and whiskey fans can enjoy certain American or Scottish types that match the smoky taste from grilling.
Conclusion
Grilling beef tenderloin is like a special art. It needs careful steps and a bit of patience. By following the tips in this article, you’ll get better at grilling.
There are 25 tasty beef tenderloin recipes to try. They are great for anyone who loves to cook. Start with easy recipes and then try harder ones as you get better.
Some problems like uneven cooking can be fixed. Just know how to control the heat and adjust your grilling. Paying close attention and being flexible is key.
Grilled beef tenderloin is perfect for any big event. It’s great for BBQs or small dinner parties. So, get ready to impress everyone with your grilling skills.
