Savory Beef Tenderloin with Rich Mushroom Cream Sauce
Indulge in a culinary experience perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion with this Savory Beef Tenderloin drizzled in a luxurious Mushroom Cream Sauce. This dish harmonizes the tenderness of perfectly roasted beef with the earthy flavors of assorted mushrooms, all while boasting a velvety sauce made with cream and a hint of cognac. As an artistic touch for a Valentine’s dinner, use heart-shaped cutouts from colorful blanched vegetables like carrot or butternut squash to elevate your plate's presentation. Serve this dish alongside heart-shaped veggies gently sautéed in butter and adorned with fresh parsley for a charming finish that will impress your date. This recipe, designed for two, showcases the beauty of home-cooked meals while allowing you to explore your creativity in the kitchen.
2
Servings
360
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 dash (for cooking)
butter
1 teaspoon (for cooking)
beef tenderloin
2 (6 ounce) (trimmed)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
garlic
1 clove (whole)
thyme
1 sprig (fresh, whole)
cognac
6 tablespoons (or white wine)
chicken broth
1/4 cup (for cooking)
35% cream
3/4 cup (for sauce)
assorted mushrooms
1 cup (cleaned and chopped)
parsley
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat a splash of olive oil and half a teaspoon of butter until shimmering.
2
2. Generously season both sides of the beef tenderloin with salt and pepper; place them in the pan and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
3
3. Add the whole clove of garlic and the sprig of thyme to the pan while the beef is roasting, enriching the flavor.
4
4. Continue to rotate the tenderloin every 2 to 3 minutes for an even roast, approximately 10 to 12 minutes for medium doneness.
5
5. Once the beef is beautifully browned and cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and keep warm on a plate covered loosely with foil.
6
6. Discard the garlic and thyme from the pan, then carefully add a splash of cognac to deglaze, allowing the alcohol to evaporate; you may choose to flambé for dramatic effect.
7
7. Stir in the chicken broth. Let it simmer until reduced by two-thirds, then stir in the cream and continue to simmer until thickened by half, about 4 to 5 minutes.
8
8. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then keep it warm on low heat.
9
9. In a separate clean skillet over high heat, add a splash of olive oil and the remaining half teaspoon of butter.
10
10. Once hot, add the assorted mushrooms, roughly chopped to the size of hazelnuts, and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant; season with salt and pepper.
11
11. To serve, slice the beef tenderloin and arrange it neatly on warm plates. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms around the beef.
12
12. Drizzle the rich mushroom cream sauce around the mushrooms and a little over the tenderloin, ensuring a generous and elegant presentation.
13
13. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and serve your dish immediately with heart-shaped vegetables on the side if desired.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
6g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Beef Tenderloin with Rich Mushroom Cream Sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is specifically designed to serve 2 people.
What are the nutritional values for calories and protein per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories and 30 grams of protein.
What ingredients are needed for seasoning the beef?
Salt and pepper are used to generously season both sides of the beef tenderloin.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat a splash of olive oil and half a teaspoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
How long should I sear the beef tenderloin?
Sear the beef for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
What aromatics are added while the beef is roasting?
A whole clove of garlic and a sprig of fresh thyme are added to the pan to enrich the flavor.
What is the total roasting time for medium doneness?
The total roasting time is approximately 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the beef every few minutes.
How should the beef be handled after it is cooked?
Remove it from the pan and keep it warm on a plate covered loosely with foil.
What is used to deglaze the pan for the sauce?
A splash of cognac (6 tablespoons) or white wine is used to deglaze the pan.
How much should the chicken broth be reduced during cooking?
The chicken broth should be simmered until it has reduced by two-thirds.
What is the final step for preparing the mushroom cream sauce?
Stir in the cream and continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened by half, about 4 to 5 minutes.
How should the assorted mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and roughly chopped to about the size of hazelnuts.
How long should the mushrooms be sautéed?
Sauté the mushrooms for 3 to 4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How should the dish be plated for serving?
Slice the beef and arrange it neatly, spoon mushrooms around it, and drizzle the sauce over both.
What is a recommended artistic touch for a Valentine's dinner presentation?
Use heart-shaped cutouts from colorful blanched vegetables like carrots or butternut squash to elevate the plate.
What garnish is suggested for the finished dish?
Sprinkle the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.
Can I use white wine instead of cognac?
Yes, white wine can be used as a substitute for cognac for deglazing the pan.
What kind of cream is recommended for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of 35% cream for a rich and velvety sauce.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The dish contains 24 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What size should the beef tenderloin portions be?
The recipe uses two 6-ounce portions of trimmed beef tenderloin.
What heat setting is used to sauté the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be sautéed in a separate clean skillet over high heat.
What should be done with the garlic and thyme after the beef is roasted?
Discard the garlic clove and the sprig of thyme from the pan before deglazing.
Can I flambé the cognac during the cooking process?
Yes, you may choose to flambé for dramatic effect while the alcohol evaporates.
How many total ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including seasonings and garnishes.
What tags define the style of this recipe?
Tags include romantic dinner, gourmet, elegant dinner, and home-cooked.
How often should the beef be rotated in the pan?
Rotate the tenderloin every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure an even roast.
What is a suggested side dish to serve with this beef?
Serve with heart-shaped vegetables gently sautéed in butter and adorned with fresh parsley.
What oils or fats are used for cooking the beef?
A combination of olive oil and butter is used to sear and roast the beef.