Beef tenderloin is considered by many to be the most tender and delicious cut of beef you can get. It’s very lean and tender with a mild, subtle flavor that makes it perfect for grilling. But grilling tenderloin can seem intimidating for home cooks. How long should you grill it for? And what’s the best way to ensure it turns out juicy and flavorful? Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about how long to grill a beef tenderloin.
How Thick Should the Tenderloin Be?
When selecting a tenderloin to grill, opt for a thickness of at least 1 to 2 inches. This ensures the interior of the meat will stay nice and pink while the exterior gets nicely charred. If the tenderloin is less than an inch thick, it can overcook very quickly on the grill.
Bring Meat to Room Temperature
It’s important to take the tenderloin out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before grilling Cold beef placed directly on a hot grill will tense up and end up overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. Let it sit out for 30 minutes to 1 hour until it loses its chill.
Trim and Tie the Tenderloin
Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat and silver skin from the tenderloin. The silver skin is the thin, silvery membrane covering one side of the meat. Leaving it on can cause that section to contract and curl up while grilling. Then tie the roast at 1 to 2 inch intervals with butcher’s twine. This helps maintain its shape during cooking.
Apply a Dry Rub
For maximum flavor, coat the beef all over with a dry rub. A simple blend of minced garlic, fresh rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper is perfect. Let the meat marinate in the fridge for 2-12 hours before grilling. The longer it sits, the bolder the flavor
Preheat the Grill Properly
You want the grill piping hot before placing the tenderloin on. For a gas grill, heat to medium-high, around 450°F. For charcoal, wait until the coals are white-hot. Place the meat over direct high heat to get a good sear.
Sear Both Sides
Searing develops a delicious brown crust on the exterior. Place the tenderloin on the grill and cook approximately 5 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip the meat halfway through. Don’t move it too much or you won’t get a proper sear.
Finish Over Indirect Heat
After searing both sides, move the tenderloin to indirect heat. For gas, turn off the burner directly underneath. For charcoal, push the coals to one side. Close the lid and finish cooking over medium indirect heat until done.
Grill Approximately 10 Minutes Per Pound
The general rule of thumb for grilling tenderloin is to allow around 10 minutes per pound. So a 3 pound roast will take roughly 30 minutes. The timing can vary a bit depending on thickness. Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness.
Check the Internal Temperature
The best way to ensure the beef is cooked properly is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, away from any bones or fat. The ideal finishing temperatures are:
- Rare: 125°F – 130°F
- Medium Rare: 130°F – 135°F
- Medium: 135°F – 145°F
- Medium Well: 145°F – 155°F
- Well Done: 155°F and beyond
Let It Rest Before Slicing
Never slice into the tenderloin straight off the grill! Letting it rest is crucial. The meat needs time for the juices to redistribute evenly throughout. Rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Slice Against the Grain
To ensure the most tender bite, always slice the grilled tenderloin against the grain. Cut across the muscle fibers into thin slices. This goes against the long direction of the meat fibers so they are shortened, making for easier chewing.
Serve with Sides and Sauce
Grilled tenderloin pairs well with all sorts of sides like roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or fresh greens. Serve with a sauce like chimichurri, béarnaise, or au jus for even more moisture and flavor.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Tenderloin
Follow these tips for getting the best results when grilling tenderloin:
- Pat the meat dry before applying a rub or oil to help it sear properly.
- Use tongs rather than a fork for turning to avoid puncturing the meat.
- Add hardwood chips to the coals for extra smoky flavor.
- Choose a thick, evenly-shaped roast so it cooks evenly.
- Make sure the grill is very hot before placing the meat on.
- Rotate the roast every few minutes to prevent hot spots.
- Always let rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Resist the urge to cut into it prematurely!
Grilling beef tenderloin requires a little effort but yields incredible results. With the right preparation, cooking method, and resting time, you can achieve the perfect medium-rare tenderloin with a nice char on the outside and a tender, juicy interior. Use an instant-read thermometer and master the ideal grilling times for foolproof results.
Prepping the Tenderloin
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Although any tenderloin is going to be relatively expensive, you can save a few bucks by buying a PSMO tenderloin. Thats short for Peeled, Silver Skin, and Side Muscle Left On. Thisll save you a few bucks along with providing you with a few extra scraps for other cooking projects. Your butcher will most likely have these in vacuum packs.
Once you have the PSMO tenderloin in hand, its time to start breaking it down. Start by cutting loose the side muscle that runs almost the length of the entire cut. From there you can start cutting away the remaining fat and trimming off the silver skin by gently gliding your knife right underneath it, trying keep as much meat in place as possible.
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Now you have a completely trimmed tenderloin, but youll notice that one end is thicker than the other. For even cooking, we want an even thickness. To create this, take the smaller end of the tenderloin and fold it under by about 2 inches. Tie this in place with a couple pieces of butcher twine, along with any other loose meat created by trimming the fat, and youre done.
How to Select the Best Beef Tenderloin
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In prepping to grill one myself, I first talked to the Sultan of Steak himself, Mark Pastore, President of Pat LaFrieda Meat. His number one piece of advice: Dont skimp on quality—this isnt the place to go cheap.
As muscles work, they produce myoglobin and fat, where most of the flavor we associate with beef comes from. The tenderloin is a relatively unused muscle that is cut from the loin section of the cow, just inside the rib cage along the spinal column, and since it doesnt see much action, it contains less myoglobin and fat than other cuts. This makes for incredibly tender meat, but without that big, beefy flavor. So while any tenderloin will be tender, Choice or Prime grade roasts from an Angus or heritage breed steer will have comparatively more marbled fat, and thus, more flavor to speak of. Ask your butcher for the best theyve got.
Mark graciously provided me with a 6 and 1/3-pound Choice Premium Black Angus whole beef tenderloin from Creekstone Farms to demonstrate grill-roasting. It was a perfect example of what a great tenderloin should be.
Fool Proof Beef Tenderloin
FAQ
How long does a beef tenderloin take to grill?
Grill the meat until it’s rosy pink and a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest section registers 130 degrees F (54 degrees C), which should take about 45 to 60 minutes. Of course, the exact cook time will depend on the tenderloin size and the grill.May 9, 2024
How to grill beef tenderloin steak on a gas grill?
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1. Prepare the Grill:Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-500°F).
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Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.comEasy Barbeque Beef Tenderloin Steak Recipe – Allrecipes* Rub meat with olive oil and crushed garlic. Sprinkle with tenderizer. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. * Preheat grill for medium high heat. * Brush gr…
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Lake Geneva Country Meatshttps://lakegenevacountrymeats.comGrilled Beef Tenderloin Filet Recipe – Lake Geneva Country MeatsDirections. Season the filets on all sides with the LGCM Ultimate Steak & Roast Rub, or your favorite steak seasoning. Let sit at room temperature while you hea…
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The Kitchnhttps://www.thekitchn.comGrilled Beef Tenderloin Recipe (4 Ingredients, Tender & Juicy)Why Beef Tenderloin Is Great for the Grill. Tenderloin is a boneless cut of beef that cooks up juicy and tender. It’s great to make on the grill because you can…
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2. Prepare the Tenderloin:
- Bring the steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling.
- Season the steaks liberally with salt and pepper.
- Bring the steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling.
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3. Grill the Tenderloin:
- Add the steaks to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.
- For medium-rare (135°F), grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
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Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.comEasy Barbeque Beef Tenderloin Steak Recipe – Allrecipes* Rub meat with olive oil and crushed garlic. Sprinkle with tenderizer. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. * Preheat grill for medium high heat. * Brush gr…
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- For medium (140-145°F), grill for 5-7 minutes per side.
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Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.comEasy Barbeque Beef Tenderloin Steak Recipe – Allrecipes* Rub meat with olive oil and crushed garlic. Sprinkle with tenderizer. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. * Preheat grill for medium high heat. * Brush gr…
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- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks reach your desired temperature.
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Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.comEasy Barbeque Beef Tenderloin Steak Recipe – Allrecipes* Rub meat with olive oil and crushed garlic. Sprinkle with tenderizer. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. * Preheat grill for medium high heat. * Brush gr…
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Allrecipeshttps://www.allrecipes.comGrilled Beef Tenderloin with Herb-Garlic-Pepper Coating – AllrecipesMay 9, 2024 — Grill the meat until it’s rosy pink and a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest section registers 130 degrees F (54 degrees C), which should take…
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- Add the steaks to the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness.
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4. Rest and Serve:Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Wegmanshttps://www.wegmans.comGrilled Beef Tenderloin Steaks | WegmansStep 1. Preheat grill on HIGH 10 min. Season beef with salt and pepper; drizzle both sides lightly with oil. Step 2. Add beef to grill; close lid. Reduce heat t…
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Culinary Hillhttps://www.culinaryhill.comNew York Strip Steak Recipe (Grilled or Stovetop) – Culinary HillDec 9, 2022 — Add steaks to grill and cook until golden browned and charred on one side, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip steaks and continue to grill 3 to 5 minutes for…
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5. Optional: Butter Finish:Some people like to add a pat of butter to the steaks during the last minute of grilling for extra flavor.
How long to grill a 1.5 inch tenderloin?
To achieve that “perfect” doneness, cook your 1.5 to 2-inch filet for approximately 3.5 to 4.5 minutes per side.
How to cook a beef tenderloin on a Weber gas grill?
Allow the tenderloin to stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before grilling. Grill over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature reaches 125° to 130°F for medium rare, 30 to 40 minutes.
How do you cook a beef tenderloin on a grill?
Start with direct heat to sear the beef tenderloin, locking in juices and enhancing flavor. Place the steaks over high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. After searing, shift the steaks to the cooler side of the grill for indirect cooking, cooking until they reach your desired internal temperature—usually 130°F for medium-rare.
How long do you cook beef tenderloin steak on a gas grill?
Here’s a breakdown of timing for different levels of doneness. Use the following times as a guideline for grilling beef tenderloin steaks on a gas grill: Sear each side for 4-5 minutes over direct heat before using indirect heat to finish cooking. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How long should a beef tenderloin be grilled?
Grill for 30 minutes with the lid closed. Check often with a meat thermometer. Grill beef tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Let the beef rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve, and enjoy!. Never grill beef until it has reached room temperature.
How long does it take to cook a beef tenderloin?
In total it takes about an hour on average which includes searing and cooking the beef tenderloin on the grill. Getting a good sear will seal in those wonderful juices and prevent the tenderloin from becoming dry. Resist the urge to flip the tenderloin roast often and don’t raise and lower the grill lid unless necessary.
Can You Grill a tenderloin steak on a stovetop?
Yes, you can grill a tenderloin steak on a stovetop using a grill pan. Heat the grill pan over high heat, sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, then reduce heat to medium and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
How long does it take to grill a steak?
Grilling times vary by doneness: about 8-10 minutes for rare, 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, and up to 16-20 minutes for well-done. Factors like steak thickness, grill temperature, and outdoor conditions may affect cooking times, so adjust as needed. Why is resting important after grilling the steak?