Herb-Crusted Roast Beef Tenderloin with Caesar Accents
Indulge in a rich and flavorful dining experience with our Herb-Crusted Roast Beef Tenderloin with Caesar Accents. Adapted from a Bon Appétit classic, this dish showcases a beautifully seasoned beef tenderloin enveloped in a savory crust that combines the umami character of anchovies and the bright notes of lemon. The overnight salting process elevates the meat’s juiciness, while the crust, featuring freshly grated Parmesan and herbs, adds an inviting crunch to every slice. Perfect for special occasions or holiday feasts, this tenderloin promises to impress your guests and leave them asking for more. Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef tenderloin (center-cut)
4 (pounds, fat and silverskin trimmed)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
4 (teaspoons, plus more for seasoning)
fine fresh breadcrumbs
2/3 (cup, made from day-old white bread (about 1 slice))
Parmesan cheese
2/3 (cup, finely grated)
mayonnaise
2/3 (cup)
anchovies packed in oil
4 (drained and finely chopped)
Dijon mustard
4 (teaspoons)
lemon zest
4 (teaspoons, finely grated)
Worcestershire sauce
2 (teaspoons)
garlic cloves
2 (fine chopped)
Instructions
1
The night before cooking, season the beef tenderloin generously with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
2
Remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours prior to cooking, allowing it to lose its chill.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet to catch drippings and ensure even cooking.
4
Using a small food processor, combine 4 teaspoons of black pepper, fine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, chopped anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped garlic. Pulse until the mixture is well blended and forms a thick paste.
5
Transfer the tenderloin to the prepared rack and generously coat it with the Parmesan mixture, pressing it onto the meat to form a crust.
6
Roast the tenderloin in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 110°F-115°F for rare or 120°F-125°F for medium-rare, approximately 30-40 minutes.
7
Once roasted to your desired doneness, transfer the tenderloin to a carving board and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This resting period enables the juices to redistribute.
8
Using a sharp knife, slice the tenderloin into ½-inch thick pieces, taking care to maintain as much of the delicate crust as possible. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is a four-pound center-cut beef tenderloin.
How should the beef tenderloin be prepared before cooking?
The fat and silverskin should be trimmed from the beef tenderloin.
When should I season the beef with salt and pepper?
You should season the meat generously the night before cooking.
Why do I need to wrap the beef in plastic wrap overnight?
Wrapping it and refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
How long should the meat sit at room temperature before roasting?
It should sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours to lose its chill.
What is the required oven temperature for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What type of pan is best for roasting the beef?
A wire rack placed inside a rimmed baking sheet is recommended to ensure even cooking.
How do I make the Caesar-inspired crust?
Combine black pepper, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mayonnaise, anchovies, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic in a food processor and pulse into a thick paste.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Use fine fresh breadcrumbs made from about one slice of day-old white bread.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the crust?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Is mayonnaise used in this recipe?
Yes, 2/3 cup of mayonnaise is used as a base for the crust mixture.
How many anchovies are required for the Caesar accent?
You will need 4 anchovies packed in oil, drained and finely chopped.
What type of mustard is used in the crust?
The recipe specifies using 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How much lemon zest should I add?
Add 4 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest for bright notes.
How many garlic cloves are in the crust?
The recipe uses 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
How do I apply the crust to the meat?
Transfer the tenderloin to the roasting rack and generously coat it with the mixture, pressing it onto the meat to form a crust.
What temperature should the meat reach for a rare finish?
An instant-read thermometer should read 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit for rare.
What is the target internal temperature for medium-rare?
The target temperature for medium-rare is 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the beef typically take to roast?
Roasting usually takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
How long should the beef rest after coming out of the oven?
The tenderloin should rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Why is the resting period important?
The resting period enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
How thick should I slice the roast beef?
Slice the tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
What equipment do I need to make the crust paste?
A small food processor is used to blend the crust ingredients.
Does this recipe include Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, it uses 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning the meat.
What can I serve with this Herb-Crusted Roast Beef?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is designed for special occasions, holiday feasts, or impressive dinner parties.
Can I use regular black pepper?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor.
What does the Caesar accent refer to?
It refers to the use of classic Caesar salad ingredients like anchovies, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan in the herb crust.
How do I ensure the crust stays on while slicing?
Use a very sharp knife and take care while slicing to maintain the delicate crust.