How To Grill-Roast A Whole Beef Tenderloin

How to Grill-Roast a Whole Beef Tenderloin

Grilling a whole beef tenderloin is a culinary adventure that can elevate any backyard barbecue or special occasion. With its tender texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this cut of meat is a crowd favorite. In this guide, we will show you how to master the art of grill-roasting a whole beef tenderloin, ensuring a perfectly juicy and flavorful result every time.

1. Selecting the Perfect Beef Tenderloin

To start, it is essential to choose a high-quality beef tenderloin. Look for a whole cut that is well-marbled and has a bright red color. This will ensure optimal tenderness and flavor.

2. Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

Before grilling, it’s necessary to properly prepare the beef tenderloin:

1. Trim the excess fat and silver skin from the meat using a sharp knife. This will enhance the tenderness and prevent any unpleasant chewy bits.
2. Tie the tenderloin with butcher’s twine at regular intervals. This will promote even cooking and help the meat retain its shape.
3. Season generously with a mixture of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Let the tenderloin sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Setting up the Grill for Indirect Heat

The key to achieving a perfectly grilled-roasted beef tenderloin is to create a two-zone fire on your grill:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat on one side and leave the other side unlit. This will give you a hot sear zone and a cooler, indirect heat zone.
2. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the lit charcoal on one half of the grill and leave the other half empty. For a gas grill, simply turn on one side and leave the other side off.

4. Grilling-Roasting the Beef Tenderloin

Now it’s time to grill-roast the beef tenderloin to perfection:

1. Place the seasoned and prepared tenderloin directly over the hot sear zone of the grill. Sear on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side to develop a delicious crust.
2. Once seared, move the tenderloin to the cooler, indirect heat zone of the grill. Close the lid and allow it to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness: 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well.
3. For added flavor, you can add a handful of wood chips soaked in water directly to the coals or to a smoker box if using a gas grill. This will infuse the meat with a tantalizing smoky aroma.

5. Resting and Slicing

Once the beef tenderloin reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and succulent result.

After the resting period, untie the butcher’s twine and carefully carve the beef tenderloin into thick, juicy slices. Serve immediately and impress your guests with this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Grill-roasting a whole beef tenderloin is a truly rewarding culinary experience. With a little technique and know-how, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion. So fire up the grill, follow these steps, and let the irresistible aroma of perfectly grilled-roasted beef tenderloin waft through the air. Your taste buds will thank you!