How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Like Chef Gordon Ramsay: Tips and Techniques for Perfection

Gordon Ramsay is renowned worldwide for his exceptional culinary skills and incredibly high standards when it comes to food and cooking. If you want to learn how to cook a perfect beef tenderloin like the Michelin star chef himself, you’ve come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down Chef Ramsay’s techniques for cooking flawless beef tenderloin every time. With step-by-step instructions, expert cooking tips recommended tools and serving suggestions, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to cook tenderloin worthy of a spot in one of Gordon’s restaurants. Let’s get started!

What is Beef Tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is a cut of beef that comes from the short loin primal cut near the cow’s back. It’s an extremely tender, delicate, and lean cut of meat.

Due to its lack of fat and connective tissue, tenderloin is perfect for quick cooking methods like grilling sautéing or roasting. With the right techniques, it can be cooked to a perfect medium rare doneness while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

When buying tenderloin for Gordon Ramsay style cooking, look for the following:

• Uniform shape and thickness
• Bright red color with some marbling
• Fresh smell and firm texture

A whole tenderloin will need to be trimmed and tied before cooking. Or look for pre-trimmed tenderloin fillets for quicker prep.

Gordon Ramsay’s Tips for Cooking Beef Tenderloin

When it comes to cooking the perfect tenderloin, Chef Ramsay recommends these tips:

Bring meat to room temperature Take tenderloin out of fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking Cooks more evenly,

Pat dry thoroughly: Moisture on the exterior can inhibit browning. Pat very dry with paper towels.

Season generously: Coat all over with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

Sear the outside: Use a very hot pan to quickly brown the exterior before roasting. Imparts flavor.

Use a meat thermometer: Cook to 120-125°F for medium rare doneness. Carryover cooking will rise 5°F.

Let rest 10 minutes: Allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. Don’t skip this step!

Follow these tips from Chef Ramsay’s playbook and you’ll achieve tenderloin cooked to perfection every time. Now let’s look at specific cooking methods.

How to Roast Beef Tenderloin Like Gordon Ramsay

Roasting is one of the simplest ways to achieve tender, juicy beef tenderloin. Here is Chef Ramsay’s approach:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs beef tenderloin
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.

2. Pat tenderloin dry and coat with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.

3. In a large oven-safe skillet over high heat, sear tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, 1-2 mins per side.

4. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until center reaches 120-125°F for medium rare, 15-20 minutes.

5. Remove tenderloin to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10 minutes.

6. Slice tenderloin into 1/2” thick pieces. Serve warm with desired sauces or toppings.

The hot oven quickly roasts the exterior while gently cooking the inside, resulting in a tender, evenly cooked fillet.

How to Pan Sear Beef Tenderloin Like Gordon Ramsay

For an ultra quick, flavorful tenderloin, Chef Ramsay recommends pan searing:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef tenderloin fillet
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for searing
• Butter (optional)
• Fresh thyme and garlic

Directions:

1. Pat tenderloin completely dry. Generously season all over with salt and pepper.

2. Heat a skillet over high heat until very hot. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom.

3. Add tenderloin and sear until browned on all sides, about 1-2 mins per side.

4. Add butter, thyme, and garlic to skillet. Tilt pan to baste tenderloin.

5. Continue cooking and basting until center of tenderloin reaches 120-125°F.

6. Remove to a plate and let rest 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

The quick sear gives incredible caramelized flavor while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

How to Grill Tenderloin Like Gordon Ramsay

Grilling is another excellent cooking method that imparts delicious flavor. Follow Chef Ramsay’s technique:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lb beef tenderloin
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh rosemary

Directions:

1. Prepare grill to high heat. Pat tenderloin completely dry and coat with olive oil.

2. Generously season all over with salt, pepper, and rosemary.

3. Place tenderloin on grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side, rotating every minute for grill marks.

4. Grill until center of tenderloin reaches 120-125°F for medium rare.

5. Remove from grill and let rest on a platter 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

The dry heat of the grill sears the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Chef Ramsay’s Best Cooking Practices for Tenderloin

To achieve the perfect tenderloin worthy of a Michelin star chef, keep these essential practices in mind:

• Always start with high-quality, fresh beef tenderloin at room temperature

• Pat extremely dry before seasoning for optimal sear

• Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices

• Sear on all sides in a very hot pan, grill, or oven first

• Cook to an internal temperature of 120-125°F for medium rare

• Allow meat to rest off heat for 10 minutes before slicing

• Slice across the grain into 1