This is a handy how-to post that accompanies theRoast Beef Tenderoinrecipe I also published today.
Introduction
Beef tenderloin is a premium cut of beef, prized for how tender it is.
But it’s possible for you to save quite a lot by purchasing a whole untrimmed beef tenderloin.
Centre cut beef tenderloin trimmed and cut from a whole tenderloin
Tuck the thin tail end under and tie at 2.5cm/1 intervals.GOAL:Shape it even thickness.
The whole beef tenderloin
This is what a whole beef tenderloin looks like.
It will be wet and slippery, so dry it off with paper towels so its easier to handle.
Removing the silver skin
The first thing I do is remove the silver skin.
This thin membrane goes tough when cooked, and it also shrinks which warps the shape of the beef.
To remove the silver skin, just slide a small sharp knife under the silver skin.
Keep the knife at a 45 degree angle to remove as little meat as possible.
Work in small sections about 1.25cm / 1/2 wide at a time, for better control.
But minimise the beef you trim off as much as possible!
Its the most desirable because its the widest part (we like our roasts hefty!)
and its even in shape which means the meat cooks evenly.
The photo above shows the centre cut of the tenderloin.
The goal is just to get the widest part in the centre thats relatively even thickness.
Its a little smaller than the 1kg/2lb weight I typically aim for when making a roast.
To get a 1kg/2lb centre-cut, youd need a 2.25-2.5kg / 4.5 5lb whole beef tenderloin.
Though very small at just 300g, its still roast-able!
The fat end can also be tied and roasted.
Stir fry the scraps!
Any smaller off cuts are ideal to use for stir fries, so keep them and freeze if necessary!
Tenderloin is great for stir fries, like everybodys favouriteBeef & Broccoli stir fryor a classicBeef Stir Fry.
Hope you found this post useful!
Tied centre cut beef tenderloin
You really can make substantial cost savings by trimming your own beef tenderloin.
Now make theRoast Beef Tenderloinwith a dreamy creamy mushroom sauce!
Its easy and an absolute stunner, perfect for special occasions.
This year, I keep catching him snuffling around thinking Im going to make the same mistake again….
