How Long to Cook Beef Tenderloin on Big Green Egg

Are you wondering how long to cook beef tenderloin on your Big Green Egg? Look no further!

In this article, we’ll provide you with temperature and time guidelines, as well as tips for preparing and seasoning the beef tenderloin.

We’ll also guide you on setting up your Big Green Egg and share cooking techniques for achieving perfect tenderness.

By the end, you’ll be ready to rest and serve a mouthwatering beef tenderloin that will impress your guests.

Let’s get started!

Temperature and Time Guidelines

To achieve a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin on your Big Green Egg, you’ll want to follow these temperature and time guidelines.

Temperature control is crucial when cooking a beef tenderloin to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Preheat your Big Green Egg to a temperature of 225°F for a medium-rare tenderloin. This low and slow cooking method allows the meat to cook evenly and retain its juices. For a medium doneness, raise the temperature to 250°F, and for a well-done tenderloin, increase it to 275°F.

Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of your beef tenderloin. As a general rule, you can estimate about 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat. However, it is always best to rely on an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F, for medium it should be 145°F, and for well-done, it should reach 160°F.

Remember to let the beef tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender piece of meat. By following these temperature and time guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to serving a delicious and perfectly cooked beef tenderloin from your Big Green Egg.

Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

When it comes to preparing beef tenderloin, there are several key points to consider.

First, you’ll want to explore different marinade options to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderness.

Next, it’s important to properly season the tenderloin to enhance its natural taste and texture.

Marinade Options for Tende

There are various marinade options available for tenderizing beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg. Marinades not only add flavor but also help to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak. Here are two sub-lists of popular marinade options and grilling alternatives:

Marinade options:

• Classic Herb Marinade:

• Ingredients: olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

• Instructions: Mix all the ingredients together and coat the beef tenderloin with the marinade. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

• Asian-inspired Soy Ginger Marinade:

• Ingredients: soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.

• Instructions: Combine all the ingredients and marinate the beef tenderloin for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for a sweet and savory Asian twist.

Grilling alternatives:

• Dry Rub:

• Ingredients: paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Instructions: Mix the dry rub ingredients and generously coat the beef tenderloin. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.

• Balsamic Glaze:

• Ingredients: balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.

• Instructions: In a saucepan, simmer the ingredients until thickened. Brush the glaze onto the beef tenderloin while grilling for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Experiment with different marinades and grilling alternatives to find your favorite combination for a mouthwatering beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg. Happy grilling!

Seasoning the Tenderloin Properly

Make sure you season your tenderloin properly to enhance its flavor and create a delicious meal.

When it comes to seasoning beef tenderloin, there are various options you can choose from to complement its natural taste. Before you start cooking, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve.

You can go for a classic combination of salt and pepper, or you can get creative with a blend of herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Once you’ve decided on the seasoning, make sure to rub it evenly on all sides of the tenderloin. This will help to develop a flavorful crust when searing.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different searing techniques to add depth to the overall taste. Whether you pan-sear, grill, or use a cast-iron skillet, searing will help to lock in the juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior.

Alternatives to Grilling

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can try alternative cooking methods such as pan-searing or using a cast-iron skillet to achieve a deliciously caramelized exterior on your tenderloin. Here are some sous vide alternatives and oven roasting options to consider:

• Pan-searing:

• Preheat a skillet over high heat.

• Season the tenderloin with salt and pepper.

• Add a little oil to the skillet and sear the tenderloin on all sides until browned.

• Finish cooking in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until the desired internal temperature is reached.

• Oven roasting:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Season the tenderloin with your choice of seasonings.

• Place the tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan.

• Roast in the oven until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.

These alternatives will allow you to enjoy a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin even without a grill.

Seasoning and Marinating Tips

When seasoning and marinating your beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg, be sure to choose flavors that complement the natural richness of the meat. The right combination of seasonings and marinades can elevate the taste of your tenderloin to new heights. To help you achieve that perfect flavor, here are some tips for marinade preparation and grilling alternatives:

Marinade Preparation

When preparing your marinade, it’s important to consider the flavors that will enhance the natural richness of the beef tenderloin. You can experiment with a variety of ingredients to create a unique and delicious marinade. Here are some popular options:

Ingredient	Flavor Profile	Complements
Soy Sauce	Salty, Umami	Garlic, Ginger
Balsamic Vinegar	Tangy, Sweet	Herbs, Citrus
Worcestershire Sauce	Savory, Tangy	Mustard, Brown Sugar

These ingredients can be combined with other spices and herbs to create a marinade that suits your taste preferences. Remember to marinate your beef tenderloin for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Grilling Alternatives

If you don’t have access to a Big Green Egg, don’t worry! There are other grilling alternatives you can use to cook your beef tenderloin. Here are a few options:

1. Gas Grill: This is a convenient and easy-to-use option. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat and grill the tenderloin for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally for even cooking.

2. Charcoal Grill: This traditional method imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. Light your charcoal and let it burn until it turns gray. Place the tenderloin on the grill, cover, and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping it once halfway through.

3. Oven: If you prefer indoor cooking, you can roast your beef tenderloin in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and cook the tenderloin for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Remember to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. With these seasoning and marinating tips, along with grilling alternatives, you can create a perfectly seasoned and tender beef tenderloin every time.

Setting up the Big Green Egg

Setting up the Big Green Egg is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Gather the necessary grilling accessories needed for the setup:

   • Charcoal: The Big Green Egg requires high-quality lump charcoal to achieve optimal results.
   • Fire starters or lighter fluid: These will help you ignite the charcoal and get your grill ready for cooking.

2. Prepare the charcoal grill for setup:

   • Remove the dome: Lift off the ceramic dome carefully and set it aside.
   • Remove the cooking grid: Take out the cooking grid from the grill and set it aside as well.
   • Open the bottom vent: Slide the draft door open to allow airflow and regulate the temperature during cooking.

3. Add charcoal to the firebox:

   • Fill the firebox with the desired amount of charcoal, leaving enough space for airflow.
   • Arrange the charcoal in a pyramid shape, ensuring good ventilation for even heat distribution.

4. Light the charcoal:

   • Use fire starters or lighter fluid to ignite the charcoal, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • Allow the charcoal to burn and reach the desired temperature before placing the cooking grid back on the grill.

With these simple steps, you can set up your Big Green Egg charcoal grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious grilling experience. Happy grilling!

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Tenderness

Are you looking to elevate your cooking game and achieve perfect tenderness in your dishes?

Two techniques that can help you achieve this are the sous vide method and the reverse sear technique.

The sous vide method involves vacuum-sealing your food and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature, ensuring even and consistent cooking.

On the other hand, the reverse sear technique involves slow-cooking your food at a low temperature and then finishing it off with a quick sear to develop a flavorful crust.

Both techniques have their advantages and can be used for different types of dishes, so let’s dive deeper into each one and explore how they can take your cooking to the next level.

Sous Vide Method

The sous vide method is a popular way to cook beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg. With sous vide, you can achieve precise temperatures and consistent results every time.

Here are the advantages of using sous vide over grilling:

• Precise temperature control: Sous vide allows you to set the exact temperature you want your beef tenderloin to cook at, ensuring it is cooked to perfection without overcooking or undercooking.

• Even cooking: The sous vide method ensures that the beef tenderloin is cooked evenly throughout, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.

• No flare-ups: Unlike grilling, sous vide eliminates the risk of flare-ups, making it a safer cooking method.

• Less supervision: Once you set the sous vide machine, you can walk away and attend to other tasks while your beef tenderloin cooks.

Reverse Sear Technique?

Now that you’re familiar with the sous vide method, let’s explore another technique for cooking beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg: the reverse sear.

The reverse sear is an alternative to the traditional sear method, where you sear the meat first and then finish it in the oven.

With the reverse sear, you start by cooking the beef tenderloin low and slow in the oven or on the Big Green Egg until it reaches a desired internal temperature. This allows for even cooking and a tender, juicy result.

Once the meat is cooked to the desired temperature, you finish it off with a quick sear on high heat to develop a flavorful crust.

The benefits of using the reverse sear technique include more control over the cooking process, resulting in a more evenly cooked and tender piece of meat. Additionally, the reverse sear allows for better flavor development and a beautiful crust, giving your beef tenderloin a restaurant-quality finish.

Resting and Serving the Beef Tenderloin

After roasting the beef tenderloin on your Big Green Egg, you’ll want to let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful result. During this time, you can prepare any accompanying side dishes or set the table.

Here are some tips for resting and serving your perfectly cooked beef tenderloin:

• Resting Time:

• Once you remove the tenderloin from the grill, transfer it to a cutting board and loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

• Let the meat rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to stabilize and the juices to settle.

• Carving Techniques:

• Before slicing, use a sharp carving knife to remove any excess fat or silverskin from the tenderloin.

• Slice the tenderloin against the grain into desired thickness. This will result in tender and easy-to-eat slices.

• Serve the beef tenderloin immediately after slicing, while it’s still warm and juicy.

Conclusion

So there you have it – cooking a beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg is a delicious and rewarding experience. By following the temperature and time guidelines, preparing the tenderloin properly, and using the right seasoning and marinating techniques, you can achieve a perfectly tender and flavorful result.

With the right setup and cooking techniques, your beef tenderloin will turn out beautifully every time. Just remember to let it rest before serving to ensure maximum juiciness.

Enjoy your mouthwatering masterpiece!