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Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Red Wine Reduction

CUT FROM THE SHORT LOIN SECTION, beef tenderloin is a succulent cut of meat. Grilling adds flavor, and with a sprinkling of dried herbs and an intense red wine sauce, the beef is even more flavorful.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

2 pounds beef tenderloin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon House Herbs (page 233) or other Italian herb blend
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Red Wine Reduction (recipe follows)

Red Wine Reduction

4 cups Chicken Stock (page 230) or store-bought low-sodium chicken broth
1 bottle (750 ml) red wine
1 bottle (750 ml) ruby port
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1/2 large yellow onion, quartered
1 carrot, roughly chopped
1 sweet apple, such as Fuji, cored and quartered
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar as needed
(makes about 1/2 cup)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rub each side of the tenderloin with the garlic powder, kosher salt, pepper, and herbs. Set aside for 30 minutes. Just prior to grilling, drizzle the tenderloin all over with the olive oil, evenly coating it.

    Step 2

    Preheat the oven to 400°F.

    Step 3

    Prepare your grill by scraping it, oiling it, and heating it to high.

    Step 4

    When the grill is as hot as possible, place the tenderloin in the center. If you are using a charcoal grill, place the tenderloin on the grill directly over the hot coals. Sear each side for 1 minute, moving the meat to a new spot on the grill each time you turn it. Cook each side of the tenderloin just long enough to sear it, not cook it through.

    Step 5

    Remove the tenderloin from the grill and place it on a baking sheet. Roast it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes for medium-rare. A meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat should read 115˚F. Remove the meat from the oven, transfer it to a cutting board, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

    Step 6

    To serve, slice the tenderloin into 1/2- to 1-inch medallions. Divide the medallions among 4 plates and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Drizzle the red wine reduction on top.

  2. Red Wine Reduction

    Step 7

    In a large saucepan, combine the chicken stock, wine, port, thyme, rosemary, onion, carrot, and apple. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.

    Step 8

    Strain the mixture, discarding the solids. Return the liquid to the pan, increase the heat to high, and boil for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid reduces to 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Watch the sauce carefully; it can burn if it is reduced too much.

    Step 9

    Remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and whisk until it is melted, about 1 minute. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce tastes sharp, add a pinch of sugar.

  3. Make Ahead

    Step 10

    The tenderloin can be seared on the grill several hours before cooking it. For dinner parties, sear the tenderloin before the party and then finish it in the oven.

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