Cooking a beef tenderloin seems intimidating but it’s actually quite simple. With the right technique, a properly cooked tenderloin is tender, juicy and full of flavor. A 4 pound tenderloin is a great size for feeding a crowd. Follow these tips for cooking a 4 pound beef tenderloin to perfection.
Choosing the Right Cut
Make sure you’re starting with a good quality tenderloin Look for a tenderloin that is evenly shaped and trimmed of excess fat and silver skin The tenderloin is the most tender cut from the cow because it doesn’t get much exercise, It’s sometimes called filet mignon when cut into individual steaks,
For a 4 pound tenderloin, expect it to feed about 12 people. Plan for around 4 ounces per person.
Proper Seasoning
Seasoning is an essential step to bring out the flavor of the beef. For a 4 pound tenderloin, use around 1 tablespoon each of kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over all sides of the meat. For extra flavor, you can also rub chopped garlic, fresh herbs or spice rubs onto the tenderloin.
Searing for Crust and Flavor
Searing the tenderloin before roasting is key for developing a flavorful brown crust, Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy skillet over high heat Carefully place the tenderloin in the hot skillet and let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side, Resist the urge to move it too soon or the meat will stick The high heat helps caramelize the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender,
Roasting to Proper Temperature
For a 4 pound tenderloin, roast at 400°F until it reaches your desired doneness, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Use an instant read meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
- For medium rare: 135°F
- For medium: 145°F
- For well done: 160°F
The tenderloin will continue cooking a bit after removing it from the oven so be sure to account for carryover cooking.
Resting for Juicy Meat
Let the roasted tenderloin rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. If you cut into it too soon, the juices will spill out onto the cutting board, resulting in drier meat.
Slicing Against the Grain
Always slice the tenderloin across the grain for tenderness. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers running through the meat and slice perpendicular to that. Cut into 1/2 inch slices for serving.
Make a Pan Sauce
Make a quick and delicious pan sauce while the meat rests. Pour off most of the fat from the roasting pan, leaving just a tablespoon or two. Place the pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 cups beef broth and scrub any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons butter at the end. Season with salt and pepper.
Complementary Side Dishes
A roasted 4 pound tenderloin deserves some stellar sides. Here are some options:
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or asparagus
- Creamy risotto or polenta
- A fresh salad with vinaigrette
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, arrange slices of tenderloin on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with herbs like parsley, thyme or rosemary. Serve with your favorite sauces like bearnaise, chimichurri or peppercorn sauce. Offer the pan sauce on the side for dipping.
With this foolproof technique, your 4 pound beef tenderloin will come out perfectly cooked from edge to edge – tender, juicy and full of flavor. Your guests will be amazed at your culinary skills. Just be sure to time it right so your tenderloin rests before slicing. Now go impress everyone with your perfect roasted beef tenderloin!
How long does it take to cook a beef tenderloin at 350?
FAQ
How many minutes per pound to cook beef tenderloin?
- Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Placement: Place the beef tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Initial Cooking:
- Rare to Medium-Rare: Roast for about 15-20 minutes per pound for a rare to medium-rare result (internal temp 120-135°F or 49-57°C).
- Medium: For a medium result (internal temp 135-145°F or 57-63°C), roast for about 20-25 minutes per pound.
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Chef Billy Parisihttps://www.billyparisi.comPerfect Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe – Chef Billy ParisiDec 8, 2021 — How Many Minutes Per Pound Do You Cook It? * Cook at 275° at 10-12 minutes per pound for rare to medium-rare (120°-125° internal temperature) * 275°…
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- Rare to Medium-Rare: Roast for about 15-20 minutes per pound for a rare to medium-rare result (internal temp 120-135°F or 49-57°C).
- Checking Doneness: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin.
- Resting: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
How long does 4lb of beef take to cook?
Regardless of the size of your roast, aim to cook at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes per pound.Jan 28, 2025
How many people will a 4 pound beef tenderloin feed?
It’s actually fairly easy to figure out how much beef tenderloin per person you need to buy: Simply purchase 8 ounces (1/2 pound) of meat for each guest. If you’re feeding six people, you’ll need 3 pounds of meat. For a larger crowd, say 12 people, you’ll need closer to 6 pounds of meat.
How long should you roast a four to six pound whole tenderloin in a 425 F oven if you want your meat medium rare?
Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches: 120 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium-rare Beef Tenderloin (Approximately 10 minutes per pound). Or 130 degrees Fahrenheit (about 12 minutes per pound), for a medium-Well Beef Tenderloin.