Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
This super-simple recipe covers beef tenderloin in a blend of cracked black, white and green peppercorns. Though it takes moments to prepare, since it's beef tenderloin it's perfect for a special occasion. Look for peppercorns in the bulk spice section so you can buy just what you need. The recipe will also work with black ones only.
From EatingWell: May/June 2009
Yield: 12 servings
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 1/4 hours
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons whole green peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 3 pounds trimmed beef tenderloin, preferably center-cut (see Note)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Preparation
- Preheat a gas grill (with all burners lit) to 400°F or build a fire in a charcoal grill and let it burn down to medium heat (about 400°F).
- Coarsely crack peppercorns with a small heavy skillet (or saucepan), in a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder.
- Tie kitchen string around tenderloin in several places so the meat will hold its shape as it cooks. Rub with oil, sprinkle with salt and coat with the cracked peppercorns.
- If using a gas grill, turn off one burner (leaving 1 to 2 burners lit, depending on your grill). If using a charcoal grill, move the coals to one side. Place the tenderloin on the unheated side of the grill rack. Close the lid and roast undisturbed for 20 minutes.
- Rotate the tenderloin 180 degrees, cover and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 140°F (for medium-rare), 15 to 35 minutes more. Transfer to a clean cutting board and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Make Ahead Tip: Equipment: Kitchen string
- Note: You'll need 3 pounds of trimmed tenderloin for the beef tenderloin recipe. Ask your butcher to remove the extra fat, silver skin and the chain (a lumpy, fat-covered piece of meat that runs along the tenderloin). If you buy untrimmed tenderloin, start with about 3 1/2 pounds, then use a sharp knife to trim the silver skin, fat and chain.
Nutrition Per serving:
179 calories; 8 g fat (3 g sat, 4 g mono); 67 mg cholesterol; 1 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 24 g protein; 0 g fiber; 222 mg sodium; 314 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Zinc (28% daily value).
Exchanges: 3 lean meat