If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and bursting with flavor, this Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Imagine a tender, juicy cut of beef infused with an aromatic blend of fresh herbs and rich, creamy butter that melts into every bite. This recipe is the perfect companion for special family dinners or impressing guests without any complicated techniques. It’s comfort food elevated, and I can’t wait to walk you through making it your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich butter to the fresh herbs, you’ll see how simple components come together beautifully.
- Beef tenderloin: The star of the dish, tender and lean, perfect for roasting evenly.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Acts as a flavorful carrier for the herbs and gives a luscious crust.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a mild pungency and depth to the herb butter.
- Fresh herbs (2 tablespoons, chopped – rosemary, thyme, parsley): Brings vibrant, aromatic notes that brighten the beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F to get it hot and ready. This temperature is perfect for roasting the beef tenderloin, allowing the outside to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Sprinkle in salt and pepper according to your taste. Mixing the butter this way lets the herbs and garlic infuse beautifully, creating a fragrant paste ready to coat your beef.
Step 3: Coat the Beef Tenderloin
Take your beef tenderloin and generously rub the herb butter all over it. Make sure every surface is covered — this step is where the magic begins. The butter not only seasons the meat but also helps it brown nicely during roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Beef Tenderloin
Place the butter-coated beef on a roasting pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Keep in mind that the beef will continue cooking slightly after removing it from the oven, so a meat thermometer can help you get perfect results.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
After roasting, take the beef tenderloin out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist, tender, and flavorful.
How to Serve Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few whole herb sprigs laid next to the sliced tenderloin adds a fresh green pop that complements the herb butter’s richness beautifully. A light drizzle of pan juices over the meat also amps up the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic side dishes like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans with almonds, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. These sides bring balance by adding textures and bright flavors to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the tenderloin on a wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted vegetables arranged in colorful clusters. You can also slice the beef thinly and create elegant steaks topped with a small dollop of additional herb butter right before serving to heighten the aromatic experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any leftover herb butter beef tenderloin as fresh as possible, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps the beef retain moisture and prevents flavor loss.
Freezing
If you want to save the tenderloin for longer, consider slicing it before freezing. Pack the slices tightly in freezer bags with minimal air. The beef can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this delicious recipe anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out the tender beef. Adding a little butter or a splash of broth while warming keeps the meat tender and flavorful, just as delightful as when freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe?
While fresh herbs provide the brightest aroma and flavor, dried herbs can be used if necessary. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs and mix them well into the butter so their flavors have time to develop during roasting.
What is the best degree of doneness for beef tenderloin?
Beef tenderloin is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium for maximum tenderness and juiciness, which is about 130-140°F internal temperature. However, you can adjust according to your preferences, keeping in mind the meat will rest and cook slightly after removal from the oven.
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the herb butter in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before rubbing onto the beef for ease of spreading.
Is it necessary to let the beef rest after roasting?
Yes, resting is crucial as it lets the juices settle back into the meat. Skipping this step often results in dry slices. Ten minutes is usually sufficient for this cut, ensuring a juicy and tender bite every time.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger roasting pan and monitor the cooking time closely, as a bigger tenderloin or multiple pieces might require a bit more time to roast evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with gourmet flair. Its tender texture and rich herb butter flavor will have everyone asking for seconds, and you’ll love how effortless it is to prepare. Give it a try—you might just discover your go-to special occasion dish!
Print
Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
A succulent Herb Butter Beef Tenderloin recipe featuring tender beef enhanced with a flavorful garlic and fresh herb butter, roasted to perfection in the oven for a delicious, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Beef Tenderloin
- 1 beef tenderloin (about 2 to 3 lbs)
Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the beef tenderloin.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Coat Beef Tenderloin: Rub the prepared herb butter evenly all over the surface of the beef tenderloin, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Roast Beef: Place the butter-coated beef tenderloin onto a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare recommended for tenderness).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender slice. Then slice and serve.
Notes
- For even cooking, consider tying the tenderloin with kitchen twine before applying the herb butter.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Letting the beef rest after roasting is crucial for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Feel free to adjust herb types based on your preference; sage or oregano can also be excellent choices.
- If you want a crustier exterior, sear the beef tenderloin in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before roasting.
