If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, juicy beef with a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors, the Grilled Tenderloin With Herb Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe celebrates the tender, melt-in-your-mouth qualities of beef tenderloin elevated by a fragrant herb butter that seeps into every bite, making each mouthful nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to impress with its simplicity and incredible flavor harmony.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key to nailing the Grilled Tenderloin With Herb Butter Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the seasoning enhancing the meat’s natural flavors to the herb butter adding a creamy, herby finish that brightens the whole dish.
- Beef tenderloin steaks (6–8 oz each): The star of the dish, offering tender, flavorful meat that grills beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a perfect sear on the grill.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the beef’s natural juices and intensifies flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Imparts warmth and savory richness without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Brings a mellow sweetness that complements the garlic and herbs.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): A creamy base for the herb butter that melts luxuriously over the steak.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (chopped): Infuses the butter with piney, fragrant notes that lift the flavor profile.
- Garlic clove (minced): Adds a fresh punch to the butter, making it irresistibly aromatic.
- Optional lemon wedges: A bright, acidic finish that cuts through the richness if desired.
How to Make Grilled Tenderloin With Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steaks
First, start by preheating your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat around 450°F (230°C) which guarantees a perfect sear. Pat your tenderloin steaks dry with paper towels—this step ensures the seasoning sticks and the meat browns beautifully. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil for that essentials touch of fat and moisture. Then, in a small bowl, blend kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this fragrant seasoning evenly over each steak, making sure every surface gets coated with flavor-packed goodness.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Now the magic happens. Place your seasoned steaks right on the hot grill. For a juicy medium-rare, grill them about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully once. If you want to be precise, a meat thermometer is your best friend here: 130°F is ideal for medium-rare, while 140°F suits those who prefer medium doneness. This step can’t be rushed—pay close attention and resist flipping too often to get that perfect crust.
Step 3: Make the Herb Butter
While the steaks are grilling, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic and freshly chopped rosemary or thyme in a small bowl. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but still hold its shape to melt slowly on the hot steaks. This combination transforms simple butter into the heavenly herb butter topping that elevates the dish.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, transfer the steaks to a warm plate and top each one generously with your homemade herb butter. Let them rest for about 5 minutes—this resting step is crucial as it allows juices to redistribute, so each bite bursts with savory moisture. Serve with optional lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish if you like a bit of brightness with your richness.
How to Serve Grilled Tenderloin With Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant garnish, sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves like rosemary or thyme over the plated steaks. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper adds a rustic look and flavor punch. The optional lemon wedges not only add color but offer a squeeze of citrus that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides like grilled asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta complement the tenderloin’s texture and soak up the flavorful herb butter perfectly. You could also opt for grilled vegetables or charred corn to keep the smoky grilled theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the grilled tenderloin sliced into medallions, fanned out on a wooden board, topped with herb butter dollops. Layer the slices over a bed of wilted spinach or mushrooms to add layers of flavor and texture. Finishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavors even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the steak cool completely before sealing to maintain its juicy texture. Keep the herb butter separate if possible to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked grilled tenderloin wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it with the date. Freeze the herb butter separately in small portions so you can thaw only what you need for future meals.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak in a low oven at 250°F (120°C) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water or beef broth to create steam, reheating until warmed through. Add fresh herb butter right before serving to recapture that glorious richness.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe shines brightest with center-cut beef tenderloin steaks due to their tenderness and mild flavor, perfect for grilling and pairing with the herb butter.
Can I use frozen steaks for this recipe?
Fresh steaks are best, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and bring to room temperature before seasoning and grilling to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the steak is cooked just right?
A meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. Resting after grilling also helps finish the cooking evenly.
Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! Herb butter can be prepared days in advance. Simply store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge to let flavors meld beautifully.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can use a heavy-duty skillet or cast iron pan on the stove to sear the steaks, finishing them in the oven if needed. The herb butter finishing step remains the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Tenderloin With Herb Butter Recipe that makes those mealtime moments memorable. From the simplicity of the ingredients to the richness of the herb butter melting over each tender morsel, this dish invites you to enjoy the pleasure of great food made easy. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love every bite, and your friends and family will be asking for seconds before you know it!
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Grilled Tenderloin With Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Tenderloin with Butter and Seasoning is a simple yet elegant steak recipe that combines perfectly grilled beef tenderloin with a flavorful herb garlic butter. The tender, juicy steaks are seasoned with a blend of spices, grilled to your preferred doneness, and topped with a rich compound butter made from fresh rosemary or thyme, garlic, and unsalted butter. Ideal for a quick, impressive main course, this recipe is gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 beef tenderloin steaks (6–8 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Herb Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Steaks: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 450°F (230°C). Pat the tenderloin steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Season the Steaks: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning evenly onto both sides of each steak to infuse flavor.
- Grill the Steaks: Place the seasoned steaks on the hot grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the steaks grill, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary or thyme in a small bowl to create the compound butter.
- Rest and Serve: Once the steaks are cooked, transfer them to a plate and top each with a spoonful of the herb butter. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve with optional lemon wedges.
Notes
- Bring steaks to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- You can substitute the homemade compound butter with store-bought garlic butter for convenience.
- Letting the meat rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and tender.
