Make the Best Beef Tenderloin: Shopping Tips, Seasoning Inspiration and the Best Beef Tenderloin Recipe

When you need a showstopper for Sunday dinner, the holiday table or a date night in, beef tenderloin makes the idea entree. Juicy and tender, beef tenderloin lets the meat’s natural flavors take center stage, bringing in seasonings to support the star of the show. 

But such a beef-forward flavor profile means it’s important to select a high-quality roast, since a subpar cut — or a less-than-optimal cooking method — can turn your tenderloin into a tough, rubbery mess. 

But fear not, we’re here to help you make your meal a success. Read on to learn how to shop for beef tenderloin, and find irresistible recipe inspiration to get the (dinner) party started. 

What is beef tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin muscle is made up of three parts, the head, center and tail, and generally weighs between four to six pounds in total. Tenderloins can be sold in "whole loins,"  made up of all three parts, or may contain just one or two parts of the loan.

Center-cut tenderloin, for example, is made up of — you guessed it! — the center portion of the roast. Larger tenderloins might also contain the tail portion. It's rare to find smaller tenderloins containing the head portion without the center and tail: Butchers usually use it to make other cuts, like steaks and carpaccio.

How much beef tenderloin should you buy?

The size of the roast you need depends on how many people you’re serving. Generally, you’ll want about ounces of meat (weighed before cooking) per person. That translates to approximately 1.5 pounds for a crowd of six or 3 pounds for a crowd of 12. 

How to buy high quality beef tenderloin

Here’s what to look for in the ideal roast:

• Plenty of marbling. Although tenderloin is lean, marbling will help keep it tender during cooking for a melt-in-your-mouth main course. 

• USDA Prime grade. This is the highest grading for beef. Choice and select cuts may save you a few dollars, but won’t offer the same texture or flavor. 

Should you buy trimmed or untrimmed beef tenderloin?

It depends on your goals. Trimmed beef tenderloin roasts come with the excess fat and silverskin removed, saving you time in the kitchen on prep day. However, you’ll generally pay a premium for the convenience. 

If you want to streamline prep, go with trimmed tenderloin. If you want the most budget-friendly option, get an untrimmed roast — just be prepared to spend a few minutes carving it before cooking.

How to grill beef tenderloin

Grilling is one of the best ways to infuse your tenderloin with flavor. And, by allowing it to cook low and slow over indirect heat, you’ll get a tender roast cooked to perfection. 

Here’s how to do it

1. Season the tenderloin. A medley of rosemary, parsley and McCormick® Grill Mates® Montreal Steak Seasoning will make your tenderloin taste amazing. 

2. Preheat the grill on medium, then turn off the burners on one side to prepare the grill for indirect cooking.

3. Add the roast to the unlit side of the grill and close the lid. 

4. Grill until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 125°F, turning occasionally. For a 5-pound tenderloin, this will generally take 40 to 45 minutes. 

5. Transfer the tenderloin to a plate, cutting board or shallow bowl, and loosely cover in tinfoil. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes on the counter, then carve and enjoy. 

Ready to get started? Get the full recipe here.

Add your own twist to beef tenderloin

The seasoning combo above tastes amazing with beef tenderloin, but it’s not your only option. Experiment with other seasoning mixes to make the meal your own. 

Keep it classic with McCormick Grill Mates Coarse Black Pepper & Flake Salt Grilling Seasoning, which subtly complements the beef’s natural flavor. Or try Grill Mates Brazilian Steakhouse Seasoning as a bolder, zestier option. Finally, capture flavor inspiration from Korean BBQ with McCormick Korean Gochugaru Style Seasoning for a spicy-sweet main course.