Beef tenderloin, a culinary masterpiece renowned for its exquisite tenderness and flavor, holds a special place on the holiday dinner table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand feast, determining the appropriate amount of beef tenderloin per person is crucial to ensure a satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Calculating the Ideal Quantity
To calculate the ideal quantity of beef tenderloin per person, the general rule of thumb is to allocate 8 ounces (1/2 pound) of meat per individual. This measurement accounts for the slight shrinkage that occurs during cooking, ensuring that each guest receives an ample portion.
Adjustments for Different Scenarios
While the 8-ounce guideline is a good starting point, you may need to adjust the quantity based on specific factors:
- Appetizers and Side Dishes: If you plan to serve a substantial spread of appetizers and side dishes, you can slightly reduce the amount of beef tenderloin per person to avoid overwhelming your guests.
- Guest Preferences: Consider the appetites and preferences of your guests. If you anticipate hearty eaters or individuals with a particular fondness for beef, you may want to increase the quantity to 10 ounces per person.
- Cooking Method: Different cooking methods can affect the yield of the beef tenderloin. If you plan to roast the tenderloin whole, you may need to purchase slightly more to account for any trimming or carving losses.
Purchasing Considerations
When purchasing beef tenderloin, you’ll typically encounter two options: trimmed and untrimmed.
- Trimmed Beef Tenderloin: This option has been expertly trimmed by the butcher to remove excess fat and silverskin, making it ready for immediate cooking.
- Untrimmed Beef Tenderloin: This option requires you to trim the fat and silverskin yourself, which can be a time-consuming process but may save you a few dollars.
Additional Tips
- Plan Ahead: Order your beef tenderloin in advance, especially during the holiday season, to avoid any last-minute shortages.
- Store Properly: Keep the beef tenderloin refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, allow the beef tenderloin to come to room temperature for about an hour. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin and cook it to your desired doneness.
What Is Beef Tenderloin?
If you’ve never tried biting into beef tenderloin, you should do so right away. The first bite of this soft, tender piece of beef will change your life forever. The most tender beef cut, tenderloin practically melts in your mouth. It can be quite expensive because it is the most expensive meat because it is the most tender. That is why we call it the “special occasion” meat.
The tenderloin is a long, thin muscle that runs along the backside and deep inside the body. It’s located right under the spine. Due to the fact that this muscle is not weight-bearing, is rarely exercised, and lacks a lot of connective tissue, it is extremely tender. The highly coveted steak cuts Filet Mignon, Tenderloin Steak, Chateaubriand, and tournedos are made from beef tenderloin.
There are several options available for cooking the entire beef tenderloin. You have two options for cooking the tenderloin: either cook the entire piece from top to bottom, or cook the Chateaubriand portion in the middle. Depending on how it is sliced and what sides are served with it, a whole tenderloin that weighs between 5 and 8 pounds can feed six and twelve people.
I typically prepare the center cut of a beef tenderloin for a small gathering of 2 to 6 people. For a larger dinner that serves more than six people, a whole tenderloin is preferable. Even so, reheating beef tenderloin won’t affect its tenderness or the temperature at which it was cooked. (Lower in this article, I reveal my reheating trick.) ).
What to do with a Whole Costco Beef Tenderloin
FAQ
How many does a 5 pound beef tenderloin serve?
If you cut a 5-pound beef tenderloin into 1-inch slices, you’ll have about 14-16 slices; multiply that by 2 slices per person, and you’ll get a serving size of about 8 people. How long does it take to cook a beef tenderloin in the oven?
How many people will a 10 lb tenderloin feed?
Depending on how it is sliced and what sides are served with it, a whole tenderloin that weighs between 5 and 8 pounds can feed six and twelve people.
How much beef tenderloin do you need for 20 people?
Since there are roughly four servings per pound of beef tenderloin, 20 people can be fed with 5 pounds. For large groups, it is best to roast it whole.
How many pounds is a Costco beef tenderloin?
8 lb average weight USDA Choice Beef Psmo Tenderloin from Costco