Spicy Southwestern Beef Tenderloin with Zesty Maple Mustard Sauce
Indulge in a culinary adventure with this Spicy Southwestern Beef Tenderloin, perfectly complemented by a zesty Maple Mustard Sauce. The combination of tender, juicy medallions seasoned to perfection and a vibrant sauce featuring black peppercorns, Creole mustard, and earthy notes of cilantro creates a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy family meal, this beef tenderloin pairs wonderfully with Tarragon Green Beans and Jalapeno Jack Polenta for a complete Southwestern-inspired feast that tantalizes the taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef tenderloin
3 lbs (Trimmed and cut into eight ½-inch thick medallions)
fresh ground pepper
½ teaspoon (To season)
salt
½ teaspoon (To season)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (For brushing and sautéing)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
shallots
3 tablespoons (Minced)
tomato paste
1 ½ tablespoons (For flavoring the sauce)
creole mustard
3 tablespoons (For the sauce)
black peppercorns
½ teaspoon (Crushed)
chicken broth
2 cups (For the sauce)
real maple syrup
3 tablespoons (For sweetness in the sauce)
cider vinegar
¼ cup (For acidity in the sauce)
salt
1 teaspoon (For the sauce)
fresh ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon (For seasoning the sauce)
dried cilantro
2 ¾ teaspoons (Or use 2 ½ teaspoons of fresh cilantro, chopped)
jalapenos
1 ½ tablespoons (Finely diced, for finishing the sauce)
Instructions
1
Start by trimming the beef tenderloin and cutting it into eight ½-inch thick medallions, approximately 6 ounces each.
2
Season each medallion generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush with olive oil and cover, allowing them to marinate in the refrigerator until needed, preferably for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
3
In a sauté pan, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and translucent.
4
Incorporate the tomato paste to the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until it starts to brown slightly, deepening the flavor.
5
Stir in the Creole mustard, crushed black peppercorns, chicken broth, maple syrup, cider vinegar, and a teaspoon of salt. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to a sauce-like consistency, roughly 10 minutes.
6
Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef medallions for about 1 ½ minutes on the first side to achieve a beautiful brown crust. Flip and cook for about 1 minute on the other side for medium doneness, adjusting time based on your preferred level of doneness.
7
Once the sauce has thickened, finish it by stirring in the chopped cilantro and diced jalapenos. Mix well and remove from heat.
8
Serve the tenderloin medallions hot, drizzled with the spicy maple mustard sauce, and garnish with additional chopped jalapenos for a delightful kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Southwestern Beef Tenderloin?
It is a savory dish featuring beef tenderloin medallions seasoned and seared, then served with a zesty sauce made from maple syrup, Creole mustard, and Southwestern spices.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 pounds of beef tenderloin, which should be trimmed and cut into medallions.
How many medallions should the beef be cut into?
The recipe yields eight 1/2-inch thick medallions.
What is the approximate weight of each beef medallion?
Each medallion should weigh approximately 6 ounces.
How should the beef medallions be seasoned initially?
Season each medallion generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then brush them with olive oil.
How long should the beef marinate?
Allow the seasoned medallions to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavor.
What aromatics are used for the zesty maple mustard sauce?
The sauce uses 2 minced garlic cloves and 3 tablespoons of minced shallots.
How long should I sauté the garlic and shallots?
Sauté them in olive oil over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until they become aromatic and translucent.
Why is tomato paste included in the sauce?
Tomato paste is added and cooked for 2 minutes to brown slightly, which deepens the overall flavor of the sauce.
What kind of mustard gives the sauce its zesty flavor?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of Creole mustard.
How are the black peppercorns prepared for the sauce?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of black peppercorns that have been crushed.
What is the liquid base for the sauce?
The base consists of 2 cups of chicken broth.
What provides the sweetness in the sauce?
The sweetness comes from 3 tablespoons of real maple syrup.
What type of vinegar is used for acidity?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of cider vinegar.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 10 minutes until it reduces to a thick, sauce-like consistency.
How do I sear the beef tenderloin medallions?
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the medallions to achieve a brown crust.
How long should the first side of the beef cook?
Sear the first side for about 1 1/2 minutes.
How long should the second side of the beef cook?
Cook the second side for about 1 minute for medium doneness.
Can I adjust the cooking time for the beef?
Yes, the cooking time can be adjusted based on your preferred level of doneness.
When should the cilantro and jalapenos be added?
Stir them into the sauce once it has thickened, just before removing it from the heat.
Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried?
Yes, you can use 2 1/2 teaspoons of chopped fresh cilantro instead of 2 3/4 teaspoons of dried cilantro.
How much jalapeno is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 tablespoons of finely diced jalapenos.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the medallions hot, drizzled with the sauce, and garnished with additional chopped jalapenos.
What side dishes are recommended with this recipe?
It pairs excellently with Tarragon Green Beans and Jalapeno Jack Polenta.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is ideal for special occasions, holidays, or entertaining guests.
How much total olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses a total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil for brushing and sautéing.
How much salt is added specifically to the sauce?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the sauce mixture during simmering.
How much black pepper is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper for the sauce.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a zesty kick due to the Creole mustard, crushed peppercorns, and fresh jalapenos.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The sauce should be reduced until it reaches a thickened, pourable consistency.