Grilling a beef tenderloin is one of the most delicious ways to enjoy a special dinner. But knowing how long to grill your tenderloin, so it’s cooked perfectly can be tricky. In this blog post, we’ll help you learn how to master cooking this juicy cut of steak with perfect results each time!
Table of Contents
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
When it comes to grilling beef tenderloin, the quality of the cut of meat is essential. It is best to opt for a USDA Prime or Choice grade of beef tenderloin, as these are higher quality cuts of beef. USDA Prime is the highest grade of beef, while USDA Choice is the second highest.
The higher quality meat will produce a juicier, more flavorful grilled beef tenderloin. Before purchasing, it’s important to check the fat marbling of the tenderloin, as this will also affect the final flavor of the meat. Additionally, it’s best to opt for a tenderloin between two and five pounds, as this is the ideal size for grilling.
Prepare the Beef Tenderloin
Before you can begin grilling, you need to prepare your beef tenderloin. Start by patting it dry with a paper towel. If you’re using a marinade, pour it over the meat, making sure it’s well-covered.
You can cover the meat with a layer of herbs and spices for a more intense flavor. Let the marinade sit for at least an hour before grilling or overnight for a more intense flavor. Once your beef tenderloin is prepped, it’s time to heat the grill and start cooking.
Heat the Grill
It’s time to get the heat going! To get the perfect sear on your beef tenderloin, it’s important to heat the grill to the right temperature. For medium-hot grills, preheat to about 400°F, and for hot grills, preheat to about 500°F. Be sure to use a thermometer to check that the temperature is accurate. Once your grill is hot and ready to go, it’s time to start grilling!
Place the Beef on the Grill
Once the grill is heated to the proper temperature, it’s time to place the beef tenderloin on the grill. For medium-rare beef, place the tenderloin fat side on the preheated grill and sear for about 20 minutes per pound of meat, turning the tenderloin about ¼ every 5 minutes. This will ensure a nice crust on the outside of the tenderloin.
Once the searing process is complete, move the tenderloin to a cooler area of the grill and continue to cook, covered, until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will take 15-25 minutes, with one turn of the meat during that time to maintain the evenness we’re working towards. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure the beef tenderloin reaches the desired doneness.
Monitor the Internal Temperature of the Meat
Once you have placed the beef tenderloin on the grill, it is important to keep a close eye on the internal temperature of the meat. The key to a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin is to monitor the temperature regularly and remove it from the grill as soon as it reaches the desired doneness.
The best way to measure the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin is to use a digital meat thermometer.
For medium-rare beef tenderloin, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F. Make sure to check the temperature at least every 10 minutes. If the internal temperature rises too quickly, move the beef tenderloin to a cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.
Cook the Beef Tenderloin to Desired Doneness
When it comes to cooking beef tenderloin, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your cut, the desired doneness, and the heat of your grill.
Generally, if you are cooking on a medium-hot grill, you can expect to cook the tenderloin for about 10 minutes over high heat to develop a browned crust. Then you can move it to a cooler side of the grill and continue to cook, covered until the meat registers between 125 to 135°F for medium-rare.
This will take 15-25 minutes, with one turn of the meat during that time to maintain the evenness we’re working towards. Once the desired temperature is reached, the beef should be removed from the grill and rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Rest the Meat Before Serving
After you’ve cooked the beef tenderloin to the desired doneness, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender, juicy steak.
Allow the steak to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. You can cover it with foil to keep it warm if you like. This will also help keep the juices inside the steak.
Slice and Serve the Beef Tenderloin
Once the beef tenderloin is cooked to the desired doneness, it’s time to slice and serve! Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to allow the juices to be reabsorbed. Then, with a sharp knife, slice the tenderloin into thick slices and serve immediately. Enjoy your succulent, juicy, and delicious beef tenderloin!
Store Leftover Beef Tenderloin
If you have any leftover beef tenderloin, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the beef on a baking sheet.
Cover with aluminum foil and warm for about 10 minutes. If you’re microwaving, cover the beef with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. To serve, slice the beef and serve as desired.
Tips for Making Grilled Beef Tenderloin
Making grilled beef tenderloin can be a challenge. You want to ensure that it’s cooked to the desired doneness and that it’s juicy and flavorful. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect grilled beef tenderloin every time.
- First, the cut of beef is key when grilling a tenderloin. Choose a well-marbled cut with fat, as this will help keep the meat moist during the grilling process.
- Second, prepare the tenderloin by seasoning it with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Third, ensure your grill is preheated before placing the beef on it. This will help to achieve even cooking and a crisp, brown crust.
- Fourth, monitor the internal temperature of the meat while grilling. This will help you determine when the meat is cooked to the desired doneness.
- Fifth, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help to ensure that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your grilled beef tenderloin is cooked to perfection and is juicy and flavorful.
