Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin

Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich flavors of coffee with tender beef tenderloin. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

The combination of coffee and beef may seem unusual, but it actually dates back to ancient times when coffee was used as a spice in savory dishes. The coffee crust adds a unique depth of flavor to the tenderloin, making it a popular choice for those looking to impress their guests with a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

For the meat base

2 lb (907 g) short loin tenderloin, trimmed only of fat

Spice rub

4 tbsp finely ground coffee beans or coffee powder
0.25 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp ground sage
1 tbsp onion powder
0.25 tbsp cayenne
1 red onion, quartered

Beef coffee gravy

1 can or 1.38 cup beef broth
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp instant coffee crystals
1.13 tbsp seasoned salt
2 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 cup hot or lukewarm water
3 tbsp butter, cut into large chunks
1.38 tbsp ground black pepper

How to prepare

Remove the meat from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting.
Preheat the oven to 500° F.
Fold over the thin end of the meat and tie it with a string.
In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the spice rub. Generously rub the meat with the spice mixture.
Let the meat stand for 15 minutes and repeat the rub.
Place the meat on a rack in a roasting pan and arrange quartered red onions around it. Do not cover.
Place it in the oven and turn the oven down to 400° F.
Roast for 30 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the roast reaches 130° F for rare or 145° F for medium.
Remove it from the oven and let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve it hot with beef coffee gravy.

Beef coffee gravy

In a medium pan, combine the broth, Worcestershire sauce, coffee crystals, and seasoned salt. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer.
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and whisk it into the broth mixture.
Cook until the gravy has thickened to the consistency of cream.
Whisk or mix in the butter one chunk at a time. Season it to taste with the remaining seasoned salt and pepper.

Variations

You can use different spices in the rub, such as cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika, to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Try using a different type of meat, such as pork tenderloin or lamb, for a unique twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to trim the tenderloin of any excess fat before applying the spice rub.

- Let the meat come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast for perfect doneness.

- Let the meat rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the beef tenderloin at a high temperature ensures a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use espresso powder instead of instant coffee crystals for a stronger coffee flavor.

- Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice rub and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

40g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and caffeine (coffee crystals).

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but it is high in fat and calories.

Summary

Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin is a gourmet dish that is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor and tender texture. Try this recipe for your next special occasion or dinner party for a memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea date. As we sipped on our Earl Grey, Margaret pulled out a worn, tattered notebook from her kitchen drawer.

"Have I ever shown you my collection of recipes?" Margaret asked, a twinkle in her eye. I shook my head, intrigued by the prospect of uncovering new culinary treasures. Margaret flipped through the pages of her notebook, pausing on a recipe titled "Coffee-crusted Beef Tenderloin."

"This one is a family favorite," Margaret said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "My grandmother used to make it for special occasions, and it always received rave reviews."

I eagerly copied down the recipe, grateful for Margaret's generosity in sharing her family's culinary secrets. As I read through the ingredients list and preparation instructions, I could already taste the rich, flavorful beef tenderloin in my mind. I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen and share it with my family.

When I returned home, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients for the coffee-crusted beef tenderloin. The combination of ground coffee, brown sugar, and spices intrigued me, promising a unique and delicious flavor profile. I marinated the beef tenderloin overnight, allowing the bold flavors to penetrate the meat and infuse it with a depth of taste.

The next day, as I roasted the beef tenderloin in the oven, the aroma of coffee and spices filled my kitchen, creating an irresistible fragrance that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to slice into the tender, perfectly cooked meat and savor the results of my culinary experiment.

When my family gathered around the table for dinner that evening, their eyes widened in anticipation as I brought out the coffee-crusted beef tenderloin. The meat was beautifully caramelized on the outside, with a juicy, pink interior that promised a melt-in-your-mouth experience. As we sat down to eat, the first bite confirmed what I already knew – this recipe was a winner.

The rich, smoky flavor of the coffee crust paired perfectly with the tender beef, creating a harmonious balance of savory and sweet. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, eliciting murmurs of delight from my family members. I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, knowing that I had discovered a new favorite recipe that would be passed down through the generations.

Over the years, I continued to make the coffee-crusted beef tenderloin for special occasions and family gatherings, each time receiving the same enthusiastic response from my loved ones. The recipe became a staple in my culinary repertoire, a testament to the power of sharing recipes and preserving family traditions.

As I look back on that fateful day when Margaret shared her family recipe with me, I am grateful for the gift of culinary inspiration and the joy of creating delicious meals for my family. The memory of that first taste of coffee-crusted beef tenderloin will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that happens when food brings people together.