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Cold Beef Tenderloin with Tomatoes and Cucumbers

3.4

(4)

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Photo by Michael Graydon & Nikole Herriott, Prop Styling by Amy Wilson, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich

Beef tenderloin is precious enough to baby on a two-zone grill: Sear it over high heat, then transfer it to the cooler side and turn it often to hit a perfect medium-rare.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8–10 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more
1 (3 1/2–4-lb.) beef tenderloin
3 Tbsp. whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
2 Tbsp. kosher salt
3 lb. heirloom tomatoes (6–8), sliced into 1/4"-thick rounds
6 mini seedless or Persian cucumbers, sliced into 1/4"-thick rounds
1 cup basil leaves
Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar (for serving)
Flaky sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare a grill for 2-zone heat (for a charcoal grill, bank two-thirds of coals over one side of grill and scatter remaining coals over the other side; for a gas grill, set one burner to high heat and the remaining burners to medium-low heat). Clean and lightly oil grate. Rub tenderloin with 1/4 cup oil and sprinkle with peppercorns and kosher salt. Grill over hottest part of grill, turning often, until lightly charred on all sides, about 5 minutes. Move to cooler part and continue to grill, turning often, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 120°F for medium-rare, 25–30 minutes longer. Transfer to a platter and let cool.

    Step 2

    Just before serving, thinly slice tenderloin on a large cutting board you can also serve from (or transfer back to platter). Arrange tomato slices, cucumber slices, and basil alongside. Drizzle tomatoes and cucumbers very lightly with vinegar. Drizzle oil over everything and season liberally with sea salt and ground pepper. Serve with Lemony Yogurt Sauce and/or Grilled Serrano Salsa Verde alongside.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 3

    Beef tenderloin can be grilled 1 day ahead. As soon as it is cool, wrap tightly in plastic (do not slice) and chill until ready to serve.

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