Tenderloin tips are a delicious, tender cut of beef that cooks quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, knowing how to cook tenderloin tips properly ensures juicy, flavorful results every time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the best methods to cook tenderloin tips, seasoning tips, and how to serve them for maximum enjoyment.
What Are Tenderloin Tips?
Tenderloin tips come from the beef tenderloin, one of the most tender parts of the cow. These small pieces are perfect for quick cooking methods like searing or sautéing. Because they are lean and tender, they cook fast and benefit from careful seasoning and cooking to avoid drying out.
Preparing Tenderloin Tips for Cooking
Before cooking, cut your beef tenderloin into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other spices or marinades depending on your flavor preference.
Cooking Methods for Tenderloin Tips
1. Pan-Searing Tenderloin Tips
Pan-searing is a quick and easy way to cook tenderloin tips, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust.
– Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil.
– When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the tenderloin tips in a single layer without crowding the pan.
– Sear for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, depending on thickness, until browned but not fully cooked through.
– Remove the tips from the pan and set aside.
– You can then use the pan to make a sauce or gravy by sautéing onions, mushrooms, or garlic in the drippings, adding broth or cream as desired.
2. Broiling Tenderloin Tips
Broiling is another excellent method, especially if you want to cook multiple pieces quickly.
– Preheat your broiler and place the tenderloin tips on a broiler pan or baking sheet.
– Broil for about 8 minutes total, turning once halfway through.
– Use a meat thermometer to check for medium-rare doneness at 130°F.
– Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
3. Sous Vide and Searing
For perfectly tender and evenly cooked tenderloin tips, sous vide is a fantastic option.
– Seal the seasoned tenderloin tips in a vacuum bag.
– Cook in a water bath at your desired temperature (rare to medium-well) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
– Remove from the bag and pat dry.
– Preheat a skillet over high heat with a little oil.
– Sear the tips for about 2 minutes per side to develop a crust without overcooking inside.
4. Braising Tenderloin Tips
If you prefer a richer, more tender dish with a sauce, braising is ideal.
– Season the tenderloin tips and sear them in batches in a large pan with oil until browned on all sides.
– Remove the meat and sauté onions in the same pan, deglazing with beef broth to loosen browned bits.
– Add tomato paste, broth, and seasonings, then return the meat to the pan.
– Cover and simmer gently until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 hours.
Tips for Perfect Tenderloin Tips
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches helps the meat sear instead of steam.
– Use high heat for searing: This creates a flavorful crust quickly.
– Let meat rest: Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
– Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 130°F for medium-rare to avoid overcooking.
– Season well: Simple salt and pepper work wonderfully, but garlic, herbs, or soy sauce can add extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Tenderloin tips are versatile and pair well with many sides:
– Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
– Add sautéed mushrooms and onions for a classic steak tip dish.
– Toss with rice or quinoa and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
– Use as a filling for tacos or wraps with fresh salsa and avocado.
Tenderloin tips also shine in stir-fries, pasta dishes, or hearty stews.
Tenderloin tips are quick to cook, tender, and flavorful when prepared properly. Whether you choose to sear, broil, sous vide, or braise, following these tips will help you enjoy perfectly cooked beef every time. Enjoy your meal!