Ingredients and Weight:
- Beef Tenderloin (whole, about 2-3 pounds)
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Thyme sprigs
- Garlic cloves (6-8)
- Butter (1 stick)
- Cooking oil (e.g., olive oil) for searing
Preparation Time:
- Marinating: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Cooking in Sous Vide: 2-3 hours (depending on desired doneness)
- Total Time: About 3-4 hours (including marinating and resting time)
Difficulty Level:
Level 4 (Moderate to Advanced) - Requires precise timing and temperature control for sous vide cooking.
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the beef tenderloin by removing any excess fat or silver skin.
- Make several shallow cuts into the meat and season with sea salt, pepper, and thyme.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic cloves and butter. Rub the mixture into the cuts in the beef.
- Place the beef in a vacuum-sealed bag with the garlic butter mixture and let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Set the sous vide machine to the desired temperature (e.g., 130-135°F for medium-rare doneness).
- When the water is heated, add the bag containing the beef into the water bath and cook for 2-3 hours.
- Remove the beef from the bag and pat dry. Heat a pan with oil and sear the beef on all sides until browned and crispy.
- Rest the beef for about 10-15 minutes before carving into slices to serve.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on estimated values and may vary depending on actual ingredients used)
Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving (assuming a 2-3 pound tenderloin)
Fat: 30-40g
Protein: 50-60g
Carbohydrates: <5g (from natural sugars in herbs and seasoning)
Dish Characteristics:
- The beef is tender and juicy with a perfect balance of doneness.
- The flavor is intense and rich due to the marination and slow cooking process.
- The seared exterior provides a crispy contrast to the tender interior.
User Comments:
- "The beef was so tender and juicy, it melted in my mouth."
- "The combination of the garlic butter marinate and seared exterior was outstanding."
- "This dish was a perfect balance of flavor and texture."
- "Easy to follow recipe, but the timing was crucial for achieving the perfect result."
- "A great dish for special occasions or dinner parties."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure to use a high-quality beef tenderloin for best results.
- Use a vacuum sealing machine or a tight plastic bag to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your desired doneness level and equipment used.
- Keep an eye on the searing process to avoid burning the exterior of the beef.
