Succulent Beef Tenderloin with Silky Bearnaise Sauce

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large frying pan
  • Oven-safe roasting pan
  • Kitchen twine
  • Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
  • Blender
  • Saucepan

Tips and Shortcuts

  • Room Temperature Beef: Bringing the beef to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking and a tender result.
  • Clarifying Butter: Clarifying butter might seem tedious, but it’s essential for achieving a smooth and rich béarnaise sauce. Don’t skip this step!
  • Sauce Consistency: If your béarnaise sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little warm water or additional vinegar, depending on your taste preference.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

  • Herb Variations: If tarragon isn’t your favorite, you can experiment with other herbs like chervil or dill for a different flavor profile in the sauce.
  • Alternate Cuts: While beef tenderloin is the star of this dish, you can also use a ribeye or sirloin roast if you prefer a different cut of meat.
  • Sauce Pairings: For a twist, try serving the beef with a red wine reduction or a mushroom sauce instead of béarnaise.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The béarnaise sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently over a double boiler to avoid curdling.

Food and Drink Pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich Bordeaux. For sides, consider serving with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the beef and sauce.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large frying pan
  • Oven-safe roasting pan
  • Kitchen twine
  • Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
  • Blender
  • Saucepan

Tips and Shortcuts

  • Room Temperature Beef: Bringing the beef to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking and a tender result.
  • Clarifying Butter: Clarifying butter might seem tedious, but it’s essential for achieving a smooth and rich béarnaise sauce. Don’t skip this step!
  • Sauce Consistency: If your béarnaise sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little warm water or additional vinegar, depending on your taste preference.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

  • Herb Variations: If tarragon isn’t your favorite, you can experiment with other herbs like chervil or dill for a different flavor profile in the sauce.
  • Alternate Cuts: While beef tenderloin is the star of this dish, you can also use a ribeye or sirloin roast if you prefer a different cut of meat.
  • Sauce Pairings: For a twist, try serving the beef with a red wine reduction or a mushroom sauce instead of béarnaise.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The béarnaise sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently over a double boiler to avoid curdling.

Food and Drink Pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a rich Bordeaux. For sides, consider serving with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the beef and sauce.

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