When I made this garlic and herb beef tenderloin recipe, it instantly became a favorite at my dinner table. The tender, juicy center paired with the aromatic crust of garlic and herbs feels like a restaurant-quality dish, yet it’s so easy to prepare at home.
I love how the perfectly seared edges create a delightful crunch, complementing the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the roast. This recipe is both a crowd-pleaser and a personal indulgence. Trust me, you’ll want to make this for any special occasion or just a fancy weekend treat!
Credit: thedefineddish
Ingredients
To make this beef tenderloin dish as flavorful and tender as possible, everything from fresh herbs to softened butter plays a key role. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef tenderloin (about 3 pounds): This cut is prized for its tenderness and mild flavor. Ask your butcher to trim it for best results.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses bold and savory flavors. Avoid jarred garlic for optimal taste.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Softened butter helps the herb mixture stick to the beef, creating a beautiful crust.
- Parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, grassy note to the herb mix.
- Oregano (1 ½ teaspoons): This aromatic herb adds a slightly citrusy and earthy flavor.
- Rosemary (2 teaspoons): Rosemary brings out the natural richness of the beef.
- Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Use kosher or sea salt for better seasoning distribution.
- Black pepper (2 teaspoons, coarsely ground): Freshly ground pepper adds a touch of heat and depth.
Note: This recipe serves about 6–8 people.
Variations
You can easily customize this beef tenderloin recipe to suit your dietary preferences or add unique flavors:
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute or olive oil.
- Herb Options: Experiment with thyme, sage, or even tarragon for a twist on the classic herb blend.
- Spiced Crust: Add a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne, or ground mustard to the rub for an extra kick.
- Sauce Swap: Substitute Worcestershire sauce in the butter sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos for an allergy-friendly alternative.
You can also enjoy similar recipes like Beef Drunken Noodles for a flavorful twist.
Cooking Time
Planning your cooking schedule is key to nailing this recipe perfectly. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Equipment You Need
Prepare the following tools to make the process seamless:
- Roasting pan with a wire rack: Ensures even heat circulation for a perfectly cooked tenderloin.
- Kitchen twine: Keeps the beef evenly shaped and helps it cook uniformly.
- Thermometer (instant-read or oven-proof): Essential for checking the doneness.
- Small mixing bowl: For combining butter and herbs.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing the beef beautifully.
How to Make Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Garlic and Herbs?
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Beef
Set your oven to 475°F and prepare your roasting setup. Tie up the beef tenderloin with kitchen twine to even out its shape, ensuring consistent cooking. This simple step makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Spread this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the beef tenderloin. It’ll not only season the meat but also create the crisp, golden crust during cooking.
Step 3: Roast at High Heat
Place the tenderloin on a wire rack set over a foil-lined roasting pan. Roast for 10 minutes at 475°F to form a crust. This step gives the beef its signature texture.
Step 4: Finish Roasting to Desired Doneness
Lower the oven temperature to 450°F and continue roasting. Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Cooking times vary, but 25–35 minutes typically gets the job done.
Step 5: Rest and Make the Butter Sauce
Rest the tenderloin on the counter for 15 minutes. While it rests, melt a pat of butter in a skillet, stir in garlic, herbs, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. This drizzle-worthy sauce takes the beef over the top.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the beef right before serving to maintain its warmth and juiciness. Plate it with your favorite sides and drizzle it with the butter sauce.
Credit: therecipecritic
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
This recipe is already fantastic, but here are a few personal tricks I’ve learned:
- Resting is key! Don’t skip the 15-minute rest period after roasting; it lets the juices redistribute for optimal texture.
- Preheat the butter-herb mixture slightly for easier spreading on the beef.
- Be generous with herbs; adding fresh ones like thyme or sage can elevate the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Guessing can lead to disappointing results!
- If you’re worried about smoking butter, partially substitute with olive oil to raise its smoke point.
For more inspiration, check out this Beef Bourguignon recipe, which is another classic way to enjoy beef.
How to Serve Beef Tenderloin Recipe with Garlic and Herbs?
To serve this dish like a pro, consider the presentation. Arrange the sliced tenderloin on a wooden cutting board or a serving platter. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added color. Pair it with indulgent sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. And don’t hesitate to pour some of that garlic butter sauce over the slices for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown (per serving):
- Calories: 559
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 47g
Make Ahead and Storage
Cooking ahead or dealing with leftovers? Here’s how you can master storage:
- Restoring: Store cooked beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the beef tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It keeps well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it might dry it out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe has so much going for it! Here’s why it’s a guaranteed hit:
- Simple process ensures it’s approachable even for beginner cooks.
- Customizable flavors mean you can tweak herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Special-occasion worthy yet affordable, making it a go-to for celebrating without splurging.
- Restaurant-quality results give you impressive flavor and presentation at home.
- Diet-friendly options make it adaptable for dairy- or gluten-free diets.
This is truly a recipe that invites compliments every time! Enjoy mastering this flavorful classic. If you’re a fan of experimenting with beef dishes, you might enjoy exploring this Beef Recipe Collection for more ideas.