If you’re looking for a delicious cut of beef for the holidays, beef tenderloin is a great choice. It’s rich, delicious and tender, although not as flavorful as some other cuts of beef. With help from your local grocery store—especially one that offers meat bundles in Alexandria, IN, like Horner’s Midtown Market—you can cook a delicious holiday meal. Here’s what you need to know about beef tenderloin and the best ways to cook it.

What is beef tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin comes from the short loin of the cow. This part of the cow isn’t weight-bearing, so it doesn’t have as much connective tissue as other parts of the cow might. You might have had steaks from this cut, including chateaubriand and filet mignon.

There are three main cuts from the tenderloin: butt, center-cut and tail. You can buy the whole tenderloin or get steaks cut from within. These cuts are usually used for steak tartare and carpaccio, among other delicate dishes.

How to cook beef tenderloin

The rule of cooking beef tenderloin is “hot and fast.” The best way to cook it is to make sure it’s charred on the surface, while still keeping it medium rare or rare in the center. Here are a few of the best tips to keep it juicy and bring out the most flavor possible:

• Herb rub: Rubbing your beef tenderloin with a garlic and herb rub is a classic way to imbue it with flavor and keep it juicy during cooking. Rub the beef with your herb rub for a few hours—up to a day or two—to increase the flavor.
• Marinating: You can also marinate your tenderloin, for hours or days. Red wine makes a delicious marinade and pan sauce.
• Grilling: Grilling is a great way to bring out the best in your beef tenderloin, since it needs a healthy char while keeping the meat pink in the middle. If you can pull out the grill in the middle of winter, go for it. Make sure the heat is very hot—and why not add some herb rub or marinade to ensure even more flavor?
• Reverse sear: If you want to stay indoors, so much the better. Try reverse searing your beef tenderloin for delicious results. This involves cooking the meat in the oven to get it to almost the right level of doneness, then searing on a cast iron pan or a grill to create a delicious Maillard reaction.
• Steak butter and steak sauce: Finally, consider making a steak butter or steak sauce to create more flavor at the end. Adding a sauce with extra fat and seasonings will make your rich, delicious beef tenderloin even tastier—and more impressive—when you serve it up for a holiday meal.

Are you looking for the best meat that money can buy? If so, try the meat bundles from your local Alexandria, IN grocery store. Horner’s Midtown Market specializes in high-quality meats at affordable prices. Call or stop by today to learn more.