This page shows you step-by-step how to cook beef tenderloin medallions in the pan, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Steak in the Oven, or in an air fryer until they are medium rare. Super tender, juicy protein packed dinner idea.
Beef medallions are delicious cooked to perfectly pink inside with a mushroom sauce or just lightly seasoned. No matter what method you use, they won’t take long to cook. We’ll give you a few to try and see which one works best for you. (affiliate links present).
Beef medallions make for an elegant yet easy dinner party entrée. The tender fillets cook up fast and deliver a rich, robust beef flavor in every bite. But nailing the oven bake time is key for medallions that emerge juicy, evenly cooked, and beautifully browned. So how long should you cook beef medallions in the oven?
Follow these guidelines for perfect medallions worthy of a fine restaurant.
Factors that Impact Beef Medallion Cooking Time
Several factors affect how long beef medallions need to bake, including:
- Thickness – Thinner medallions cook faster than thicker cuts.
- Doneness – Rare medallions take less time than well-done.
- Oven temperature – Higher heat speeds up cooking.
- Seasonings/coatings – Breading or heavy seasonings may require extra time.
For evenly cooked medallions stick to a thickness around 1-1.5 inches. Monitor doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.
Oven Temperature for Beef Medallions
Preheating your oven to 400°F is ideal for medallions This high temperature helps achieve a nice sear on the exterior while cooking the insides gently
Lower oven temps (350°F or below) may not sufficiently brown the outside before overcooking the inner portion. And very high temps above 425°F can burn the crust before the centers finish.
How Long to Bake 1-Inch Thick Medallions
For 1-inch thick boneless beef medallions, allow 15-18 minutes of baking time. Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness:
- Rare: 140°F
- Medium rare: 145°F
- Medium: 160°F
- Medium well: 165°F
- Well done: 170°F+
The medallions will continue cooking slightly after removal from the oven. For medium doneness, pull them around 155°F.
How Long to Bake 1.5-Inch Thick Medallions
Since they’re thicker, 1.5-inch beef medallions need a little more oven time. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes until reaching your desired internal temp.
As a rule of thumb, extend the cooking time by 3-5 minutes per extra 1/2 inch of thickness. Monitor with a thermometer for best results.
Browning the Medallions First
For enhanced flavor and texture, consider searing the beef medallions before baking. Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the medallions 1-2 minutes per side. Then transfer them to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven.
Seasoning and Herbs
In addition to salt and pepper, try coating medallions with garlic, rosemary, thyme and other herbs before baking. The oven heat intensifies flavors nicely.
Go easy on wet marinades, which can cause steaming instead of browning. Stick to dry rubs and herbs for best results.
Let Medallions Rest Before Serving
Once baked to desired doneness, let the beef medallions rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows juices to redistribute so you enjoy a tender, juicy interior.
Serve your oven-baked medallions with desired sauces and sides for a refined yet fuss-free dinner party meal.
Oven-Baked Beef Medallion Recipes to Try
Now that you know basic oven cooking times, explore recipe ideas such as:
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Roasted Garlic Beef Medallions – caramelized roasted garlic flavor.
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Beef Medallions with Blue Cheese Walnut Crust – savory crumb topping.
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Beef Medallions with Red Wine Sauce – elegant yet easy.
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Herb-Crusted Beef Medallions – aromatic parsley, thyme, rosemary.
With the proper baking times, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy beef medallions without ever leaving home. Ditch the guesswork and rely on an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness.
What are tenderloin medallions?
Medallions of tenderloin are small, round pieces of beef taken from the cow’s most tender area. They are the most sought-after beef cuts. This piece runs along the spine and is located in the middle of the short loin and sirloin. Filet mignon is a type of this that is usually cut from the thinner, more expensive end of the meat.
How do you cook steak medium rare?
You will want a thermometer to get the best read on these. They are perfectly cooked when they reach 130-135°F or 54-57°C in the center, thickest part of the steak. Remove from the heat when you check for the most accurate read. You only need about 5 minutes in a pan to get to this temp.
Cooking Beef Medallions with Chef Martin Bosley
FAQ
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