How To Sous Vide A Beef Tenderloin

Mastering the Art of Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin

There’s nothing quite like the melt-in-your-mouth perfection of a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. And when it comes to achieving that level of perfection, sous vide cooking is the way to go. Sous vide, which translates to “under vacuum” in French, is a cooking technique that involves sealing food in a plastic bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precisely controlled temperature. This method ensures that the beef tenderloin is cooked to the exact doneness you desire, from edge to edge, without any risk of overcooking.

Choosing the Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Before you start cooking, it’s important to select the right cut of beef tenderloin. Look for a well-marbled, center-cut piece that is uniform in thickness. The quality of the beef will greatly affect the final result, so it’s worth seeking out the best cut you can find.

Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

Once you have your beef tenderloin, it’s time to prepare it for sous vide cooking. Start by trimming any excess fat and silver skin from the meat. Then, season the tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking, such as garlic, thyme, or rosemary, to enhance the flavor of the beef.

Sous Vide Cooking Process

Now, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these steps to sous vide your beef tenderloin to perfection:

1. Preheat your sous vide water bath to the desired final doneness temperature. For a medium-rare beef tenderloin, set the temperature to 130°F (54°C).
2. Place the seasoned beef tenderloin in a vacuum-sealed bag, or use the water displacement method to remove the air and seal the bag.
3. Submerge the sealed bag in the preheated water bath and cook for 2-4 hours. The longer cooking time will result in a more tender and juicy beef tenderloin.
4. Once the cooking time is up, remove the beef tenderloin from the water bath and the bag. Pat it dry with paper towels.
5. For a beautiful sear, heat a skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides for a minute or two until a golden crust forms.
6. Let the beef tenderloin rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Benefits of Sous Vide Cooking

Sous vide cooking offers several advantages when it comes to preparing beef tenderloin:

• Precision: Sous vide ensures that the beef tenderloin is cooked to the exact doneness you desire, without any risk of overcooking.
• Tenderness: The low and slow cooking process results in a tender and succulent beef tenderloin that is evenly cooked from edge to edge.
• Flavor retention: By cooking the beef tenderloin in a sealed bag, the flavors and juices are retained, resulting in a more flavorful end product.

Conclusion

Sous vide cooking is a foolproof way to achieve a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin every time. By following the steps outlined above, you can impress your guests with a tender, juicy, and flavorful beef tenderloin that will have them coming back for more. So, fire up your sous vide machine and get ready to elevate your beef tenderloin game to a whole new level!