How to Sous Vide a Beef Tenderloin
The first meat I ever cooked sous vide was steak, and it was incredible – juicy, tender and so full of flavor. I did not think that there was another cut of meat that could top a sous vide strip loin steak. Well, beef tenderloin has now become my favorite meat to prepare in the sous vide. This should not be a surprise because the beef tenderloin is already extremely tender from being a muscle that is not worked very hard. Preparing the tenderloin in the sous vide is very easy and the results are insanely good. On top of that, sous vide cooking is as close to ‘fool proof’ as you can get, which is important when cooking expensive cuts of meat like the beef tenderloin – you do not want to mess it up. So, using the sous vide is a great choice to ensure that the beef tenderloin is cooked to perfection.
For even more detailed information about this simple process for cooking beef in the Sous Vide Supreme, check out this link here : How to Cook Sous Vide Meat in 6 Easy Steps.
Here are reviews of some of the various sous vide machines on the market:
PolyScience Sous Vide Creative Series Immersion Circulator
Anova Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
Normally, meat is not seared before it is placed in the sous vide water bath. But, with beef tenderloin, searing it briefly before it is cooked in the sous vide and then again quickly after, creates a delicious browned outer portion on the meat. Heat a skillet on high heat, with a couple tablespoons of oil. Brown each side of the tenderloin for a minute or two and turn.
Before the tenderloin is sealed in the bag, it needs to be chilled. Place the beef in the bag and put it in a canister with water and plenty of ice cubes. Chill the roast for about 15 minutes or until the meat is fully chilled.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the bag with the tenderloin. Vacuum seal the meat in the bag.
Fill up the water bath and heat the water to the temperature for your desired doneness of beef. I cooked it at 137F.
Rare – 130F
Medium rare – 137F
Medium – 140F
Well – 147F
When you hear it beep, you know that it has reached the set temperature and is ready for the meat to be submerged.
Place the tenderloin in the water bath and cook for 2 hours.
Remove the bag from the water bath and cut it open. Use tongs to gently lift the meat out of the bag and lay it on a plate or cutting board. The beef tenderloin needs to be seared quickly again, but first pat dry both sides of the meat with a paper towel. This allows the beef to get a far better sear when the meat hits the hot skillet.
Heat the skillet on high and sear with 1 couple tablespoons of butter.
Spoon the tenderloin with the melted butter, while you are searing the meat. Sear for only a minute or so per side.
Season the meat with salt and pepper. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
