How Long to Cook Beef Tenderloin Per Pound: A Detailed Guide

Beef tenderloin is considered one of the most tender and delicious cuts of beef. It comes from the loin primal cut near the cow’s backbone, which doesn’t get much exercise, so the meat is very tender While this cut is prized for its tenderness, it does need to be cooked properly to avoid drying out When cooking beef tenderloin, the most important factor is knowing how long to cook it per pound to achieve your desired level of doneness.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about determining the right cook time for beef tenderloin based on its weight and your preferred doneness. We’ll also provide tips to ensure you end up with a beautifully cooked tenderloin roast with a flavorful crust and a tender, juicy interior every time

How Cooking Time Per Pound Impacts Doneness

Cooking time per pound is the best way to determine when your beef tenderloin roast is done A 2 pound roast will obviously cook much faster than a 5 pound one Calculating the minutes per pound you need based on the size of your tenderloin ensures you cook it perfectly without over or undercooking.

Larger roasts run the risk of overcooking on the outside before the inside is done. Smaller ones can cook unevenly. So dialing in the right time per pound for your exact roast size is crucial. Follow our guide below for foolproof results.

Oven Roasting Times Per Pound

Roasting is a popular cooking method that uses dry heat to produce a flavorful, browned exterior on your tenderloin roast. Use these time ranges when oven roasting at 425°F:

• 2 to 3 pounds

  • Rare: 15-18 minutes per pound
  • Medium-Rare: 18-21 minutes per pound
  • Medium: 21-24 minutes per pound

• 4 to 5 pounds

  • Rare: 18-20 minutes per pound
  • Medium-Rare: 21-23 minutes per pound
  • Medium: 24-26 minutes per pound

For example, a 3 pound roast should roast for 54-63 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy, as oven temperatures can vary.

Grilling Times Per Pound

Grilling imparts a delicious smoky, charred flavor. Use these grill times for medium-rare doneness:

• 2 to 3 pounds: Cook for 14-16 minutes per pound
• 4 to 5 pounds: Cook for 16-18 minutes per pound

So a 4 pound tenderloin should grill for about 64-72 minutes, flipping occasionally. Again, check temperature to ensure accuracy.

Key Tips for Cooking Beef Tenderloin Per Pound

Follow these vital tips for perfectly cooked roasts:

• Bring meat to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; don’t rely solely on cook times.
• Allow the roasted tenderloin to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
• Choose a heavy roasting pan that promotes browning and cooks evenly.
• Baste occasionally with pan juices or butter to prevent drying out.

Ideal Internal Temperatures for Doneness

Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness. Target these internal temp ranges:

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 140-145°F
• Medium-well: 150-155°F
• Well-done: 160°F and above

The temperature will continue rising about 5°F after removing from heat.

Cooking Times for Different Sized Tenderloin Roasts

To summarize, here are the approximate minutes per pound you need for different roast sizes and levels of doneness:

2-3 pound roast

• Rare: 15-18 minutes per pound
• Medium-rare: 18-21 minutes per pound
• Medium: 21-24 minutes per pound

A 2 pound roast should take 30-36 minutes for medium-rare.

4-5 pound roast

• Rare: 18-20 minutes per pound
• Medium-rare: 21-23 minutes per pound
• Medium: 24-26 minutes per pound

A 4 pound roast will need about 84-92 minutes for medium doneness.

Extra Tips for Flavorful, Juicy Results

Follow these additional tips for the best results when cooking tenderloin:

• Tie the roast at 1-2 inch intervals to maintain shape and evenly cook.
• Generously season with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices for enhanced flavor.
• Sear all sides in a hot pan before roasting or grilling to seal in juices.
• Roast lean tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan so air circulates around it.
• Baste with butter, olive oil, or pan juices every 10-15 minutes while cooking.
• Loosely tent with foil if browning too fast to prevent overcooking.
• Let roast rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Serving Your Perfectly Cooked Beef Tenderloin

Once you’ve mastered cooking beef tenderloin per pound, you’ll have tender, juicy results every time. Here are some final serving tips:

• Carve into 1/2 inch thick slices across the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Fan out slices slightly overlapping on a serving platter.
• Accompany with sauces like béarnaise, chimichurri, peppercorn, or red wine reductions.
• Pair with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or creamy risotto for delicious complements.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Understanding the right cook times per pound, using a meat thermometer, and following these simple tips will ensure your beef tenderloin turns out perfectly cooked from edge to edge every time. Enjoy this luxurious cut to its full potential.