If you’ve ever wondered about the size of a whole beef tenderloin, you’re not alone! Whether you’re planning a special dinner, hosting a party, or just curious about this prized cut of meat, understanding its size and portions can help you make smarter buying and cooking decisions. Let’s dive into the details of how big a whole beef tenderloin is, what parts it includes, and how much it can feed.
What Is a Whole Beef Tenderloin?
The beef tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef you can find. It’s a long, narrow muscle that runs along the spine of the cow, known for its buttery texture and mild flavor. Because it’s a muscle that doesn’t get much exercise, it’s incredibly soft and lean.
A whole beef tenderloin includes three main parts:
– The Head (or Nose): The thicker, bulbous end.
– The Center-Cut: The uniform, cylindrical middle section, often used for filet mignon steaks or chateaubriand.
– The Tail: The thin, tapered end.
It also has a side muscle called the “chain,” which is usually trimmed off before cooking.
How Big Is a Whole Beef Tenderloin?
On average, a whole beef tenderloin measures about 2.5 feet (around 76 cm) in length and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter at its thickest part in the center. In terms of weight, a whole tenderloin typically ranges from 5 to 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kg), though some can be larger or smaller depending on the animal and trimming.
Here’s a quick size summary:
– Length: Approximately 2.5 feet (30 inches)
– Diameter (center): About 4 inches
– Weight: Usually between 5 and 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kg)
This size makes it perfect for feeding a crowd-generally, a whole tenderloin can serve 12 to 16 people, depending on how it’s trimmed and cooked.
How Much Meat Do You Get from a Whole Tenderloin?
When you buy a whole beef tenderloin, you’ll often get it with silverskin and fat still attached, which need to be trimmed off before cooking. After trimming, you’re left with the tender, lean meat.
– The center-cut portion (the most uniform part) usually accounts for about 40-45% of the whole tenderloin’s weight. For example, from a 5-pound tenderloin, you might get around 2 to 2.25 pounds of center-cut meat.
– The head and tail can be used for smaller steaks or other dishes like stir-fry or ground beef.
– The chain muscle and fat trimmed off can be repurposed or discarded.
So, if you want a 2-pound center-cut roast or filet mignon portion, you’ll need a whole tenderloin weighing around 5 pounds or more.
How Much Beef Tenderloin Do You Need Per Person?
When planning your meal, a good rule of thumb is to allow about 6 to 8 ounces of raw beef tenderloin per person. This accounts for some shrinkage during cooking and trimming.
– For a small gathering of 4 to 6 people, a 1.5 to 2-pound roast is usually sufficient.
– For larger groups, a whole tenderloin of 5 to 7 pounds can feed 12 to 16 guests comfortably.
This lean cut is quite rich, so if you have hearty side dishes, you might even reduce the amount per person slightly.
Buying and Preparing a Whole Beef Tenderloin
Whole beef tenderloins can be purchased trimmed or untrimmed:
– Untrimmed: Comes with silverskin and fat intact, usually at a lower price. Requires some skill and time to trim properly.
– Trimmed: Ready to cook, often tied to keep its shape during roasting.
If you buy untrimmed, you’ll want to remove the tough silverskin and excess fat carefully with a sharp knife. Many home cooks find it rewarding to trim and cut their own steaks from a whole tenderloin, saving money and customizing portions.
Cooking Tips for Whole Beef Tenderloin
Because beef tenderloin is so lean, it cooks quickly and can dry out if overcooked. The best results come from cooking to medium-rare or medium (internal temperature around 130-140°F or 54-60°C).
Many chefs like to tie the tenderloin into a uniform shape to ensure even cooking, especially if roasting the whole piece. The tapered tail end can be folded under or removed and used for other recipes.
Why Buy a Whole Beef Tenderloin?
Buying a whole beef tenderloin is often more economical than purchasing smaller cuts like filet mignon steaks individually. You get more control over portion sizes and can use the different parts creatively. Plus, it makes an impressive centerpiece for special occasions.
A whole beef tenderloin is about 2.5 feet long, 4 inches in diameter, and weighs 5 to 7 pounds, enough to feed a dozen or more guests. Knowing its size and how to portion it can help you plan a delicious and elegant meal with confidence.