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The Big Green Egg is a culinary powerhouse, offering a versatile way to smoke, grill, and roast your favorite dishes. When it comes to beef tenderloin, the Big Green Egg excels in achieving a juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked result. But how long should you cook it for? This guide will provide you with the essential information on temperature, timing, and technique for achieving the perfect medium-rare beef tenderloin on your Big Green Egg.

Cooking Time and Temperature Guide

The key to a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin is achieving the right internal temperature, which determines its doneness. For a juicy and flavorful medium-rare, you’ll want to aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. This usually takes about one hour, but the exact time can vary depending on the size of your tenderloin and the desired level of doneness.

Maintaining a consistent cooking temperature is also crucial. The Big Green Egg excels at providing a stable heat source, making it ideal for achieving a consistently cooked result. Using a probe thermometer is essential for monitoring the internal temperature of your tenderloin throughout the cook, ensuring you achieve your desired level of doneness.

Setting Up Your Big Green Egg for a Beef Tenderloin Cook

The Big Green Egg utilizes lump charcoal and pecan wood chips to create a flavorful, smoky environment for your tenderloin. To cook indirectly, you’ll want to set up your Big Green Egg for "off-set" cooking. This involves positioning the coals on one side of the Egg, creating a zone of indirect heat. This way, the tenderloin won’t be directly exposed to the intense heat of the coals, resulting in a more even cook. To maintain the desired temperature of 375°F, you’ll need to adjust the vents on the Big Green Egg to regulate the airflow.

Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

Before cooking, it’s important to prepare the tenderloin for a perfect cook. Start by trimming any excess fat and silverskin, ensuring a clean and evenly cooked result. Next, you can tie the tenderloin for shape retention, preventing it from becoming misshapen during cooking.

Once your tenderloin is prepped, it’s time to season it! A good beef rub will enhance the flavor profile, but salt and pepper are crucial for bringing out the natural taste of the meat. You can use a store-bought rub like Jack Daniel’s Beef Rub, or create your own custom blend. After seasoning, let your tenderloin rest in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cooking the Beef Tenderloin

With your Big Green Egg preheated and your tenderloin prepped, it’s time to start cooking! Place the tenderloin on the Big Green Egg, away from the direct heat of the coals. Monitor the internal temperature throughout the cook using a probe thermometer, adjusting the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Resting and Serving

Once your tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature, it’s time to remove it from the Big Green Egg and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product.

After resting, you can slice the tenderloin to your desired thickness. The tenderloin will be beautifully cooked, with a delicious smoky flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides, like grilled vegetables or a simple salad, and don’t forget the horseradish sauce for a classic pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much beef tenderloin should I buy?

The amount of beef tenderloin you’ll need depends on how many people you’re serving. A half tenderloin will comfortably feed eight people, while a full tenderloin can feed up to twenty guests.

Can I sear the tenderloin before cooking?

Searing can add a nice crust to the tenderloin, but it’s not essential. The smoke from the Big Green Egg will naturally create a delicious crust as the tenderloin cooks. However, if you choose to sear, do it before adding any rub or seasoning, as the searing process might remove them.

What are some alternatives to pecan wood chips?

While pecan wood chips are a popular choice for smoking beef tenderloin, you can also use other hardwood chips like hickory, cherry, or applewood. Each wood type will impart a slightly different flavor profile to your dish.

Can I cook a beef tenderloin on a charcoal grill?

Yes! While the Big Green Egg offers exceptional temperature control and a smoky flavor, you can also cook a beef tenderloin on a charcoal grill. Use indirect heat and a probe thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Conclusion

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Cooking a beef tenderloin on the Big Green Egg is a delicious and impressive feat! By following this guide, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful tenderloin every time. Remember to adjust cooking time and temperature based on your preferred level of doneness and the size of your tenderloin. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience in the comments section below! And be sure to check out our website for more delicious recipes and culinary tips!