Planning a special dinner for 10 adults and wondering how big a beef tenderloin you need? Beef tenderloin is a luxurious, tender cut that makes any meal feel like a celebration. But getting the portion size right is key to ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied without wasting food or money. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much beef tenderloin to buy for 10 adults, plus share tips to make your meal a delicious success.
How Much Beef Tenderloin Per Person?
The general rule of thumb for beef tenderloin is to allocate 8 ounces (half a pound) of cooked meat per person for a main course. This portion size offers a generous serving that suits most appetites at a formal dinner.
Keep in mind that beef tenderloin loses weight during cooking-usually about 20-25%-due to moisture loss and trimming. So, to serve 10 adults, you’ll want to purchase around 7 pounds of raw beef tenderloin to end up with roughly 5 pounds of cooked meat.
If your guests are big eaters or you want to be extra sure there’s enough, you can increase the portion to 10 ounces per person, but 8 ounces is typically sufficient.
Calculating the Size for 10 Adults
– Portion per person: 8 ounces cooked (about 10 ounces raw)
– Total cooked needed: 10 guests × 8 oz = 80 ounces (5 pounds)
– Raw beef to buy: Approximately 7 pounds (to account for shrinkage)
This means a 7-pound raw beef tenderloin is ideal to comfortably feed 10 adults.
What If You Have Lots of Side Dishes?
If your meal includes hearty sides like potatoes, pasta, or bread, you can slightly reduce the beef portion to about 6 ounces per person because the sides will fill up your guests. In that case:
– Portion per person: 6 ounces cooked
– Total cooked needed: 10 × 6 oz = 60 ounces (3.75 pounds)
– Raw beef to buy: Around 5 pounds
So, if you’re serving a big spread, a 5-pound tenderloin can suffice for 10 adults.
Choosing the Right Cut and Trim
Beef tenderloin comes in different forms:
– Whole tenderloin: Usually 6 to 8 pounds untrimmed, perfect for 8-13 people.
– Center-cut tenderloin: More uniform in shape, typically 3.5 to 4 pounds, serves 6-8 people.
– Tail end: Smaller and thinner, less ideal for large groups.
For 10 adults, a whole trimmed tenderloin of about 7 pounds is best. If you buy untrimmed, expect to lose some weight trimming fat and silver skin.
Tips for Cooking and Serving
– Cooking method: Start with a high heat to sear the outside, then lower the temperature to cook evenly inside. This method keeps the tenderloin juicy and tender.
– Rest the meat: Let the beef rest after cooking to retain juices.
– Slicing: Use a sharp, long knife and slice at a slight angle for beautiful presentation and perfect portion sizes.
– Leftovers: Beef tenderloin reheats well, so having a little extra is never a bad idea.
Summary Table for 10 Adults
| Portion Size per Person (Cooked) | Total Cooked Needed | Raw Beef Tenderloin to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 oz (standard) | 5 lbs | 7 lbs | Generous portion |
| 6 oz (with hearty sides) | 3.75 lbs | 5 lbs | If serving many sides |
| 10 oz (for big eaters) | 6.25 lbs | 8.75 lbs | For very hungry guests |
Final Thoughts
For 10 adults, plan on buying about 7 pounds of raw beef tenderloin to ensure everyone gets a satisfying 8-ounce serving. Adjust the amount slightly depending on your side dishes and guests’ appetites. With the right size and preparation, your beef tenderloin will be the star of a memorable meal.
Enjoy your feast!