Sometimes the most intimidating part of preparing a roast is shopping for one. For some reason, beef tenderloins cost more than other cuts of beef, and they can come in different shapes and sizes depending on where you buy them. Here are some tips that will give you the confidence to buy a beef tenderloin, whether you’re at the butcher or the Costco. These are the three things you need to know about buying beef tenderloin.
Beef tenderloin is considered one of the most tender and delicious cuts of beef you can serve. Also known as filet mignon, this cut practically melts in your mouth with its soft, buttery texture. However, tenderloin is also one of the most expensive cuts per pound. So how much should you buy for dinner with 6 adults? Here is a complete guide to help you figure out exactly how many pounds of tenderloin you need.
What is Beef Tenderloin?
The tenderloin is a long, tapered muscle that runs along the back of the cow, under the spine Because this muscle doesn’t get much use, it contains very little connective tissue, making it incredibly tender
Tenderloin is sometimes sold whole as a roast. More often, it is cut into individual filet mignon steaks, or into larger cuts like Chateaubriand or tournedos.
No matter how it is cut, beef tenderloin should always be cooked to no more than medium doneness. Cooking it beyond that runs the risk of drying out this lean, delicate cut.
How Much Tenderloin Per Person?
For beef tenderloin, you’ll want to estimate about 4-6 ounces per person This accounts for some loss during trimming and cooking
While many protein recommendations are 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per serving, tenderloin is exceptionally pricey. Slightly smaller portions are appropriate.
A whole trimmed tenderloin averages 3-5 pounds This provides between 6-10 servings of 4-6 ounces each
Here are some sample serving sizes:
- 4 ounces raw = 3 ounces cooked
- 5 ounces raw = 4 ounces cooked
- 6 ounces raw = 5 ounces cooked
These serving sizes account for about 20% loss during cooking.
How Many Pounds for 6 Adults?
For 6 adults, plan for 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of trimmed tenderloin. This allows for 4-6 ounce portions per person.
Here are some specific recommendations:
- 1.5 pounds = 4 ounces each (smaller portions)
- 2 pounds = 5 ounces each
- 2.5 pounds = 6 ounces each (larger portions)
Ideally, have your tenderloin trimmed and tied at the grocery store or butcher shop. This removes excess fat and silverskin for more accurate weighing.
If purchasing untrimmed, add about 0.5 pound extra to account for waste.
Cooking Times for Tenderloin
To cook tenderloin perfectly medium-rare, use these guidelines:
- 1.5 lb roast = 20-25 minutes at 425°F then 325°F
- 2 lb roast = 25-30 minutes at 425°F then 325°F
- 2.5 lb roast = 30-35 minutes at 425°F then 325°F
Always let the meat rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness of 130°F for medium-rare.
Should You Buy Individual Steaks or a Whole Roast?
Buying a whole tenderloin roast and slicing it yourself is almost always cheaper per pound than purchasing individual filet mignon steaks.
However, a whole roast requires some work to trim, tie, and portion yourself. Steaks eliminate this extra effort for a premium price.
Either way can work well for 6 people. Just watch costs and preparation time as you make your decision.
More Tips for Perfect Tenderloin
Here are a few extra pointers as you plan your tenderloin dinner party:
- Always trim silverskin and excess fat before cooking
- Tie the roast evenly for better consistency
- Season well with salt, pepper, and herbs
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy
- Let rest before slicing to retain juices
- Slice across the grain for tenderness
- Pair with rich sauces like béarnaise or au poivre
Serving tenderloin for dinner guests is sure to impress. Follow these guidelines to select the perfect roast size and cook it to perfection. Pair with side dishes like roasted potatoes and green beans or asparagus for an elegant meal.
For 6 adults, plan for a 1.5 to 2.5 pound trimmed tenderloin roast. This will provide generous 4-6 ounce portions of this melt-in-your-mouth luxurious cut of beef.
The semantics: head, tail or center-cut.
There are three different cuts of whole beef tenderloin: the head (which comes from the back end of the steer), the center, and the tail. If you buy a whole beef tenderloin from a butcher or big-box store, you’ll only see these three cuts. On bigger tenderloins, the tail end is left on while the head end is cut into steaks or pounded for carpaccio.
If you’re only cooking for four to six people, a center-cut tenderloin is the best shape for roasting whole. For bigger dinner parties, a tail-end tenderloin is best, but you’ll need to tie the roast to make sure it cooks evenly.
How much beef tenderloin you need per person.
As a general rule, estimate 8 ounces (or 1/2 pound) of meat per person. This advice comes from the raw weight, which takes into account the fact that the meat will shrink by about 2 ounces while it’s being trimmed and cooked. Since beef tenderloin is a lean, boneless cut of beef that tends to be quite pricey, you can easily cut that down to 6 ounces of beef per person, especially if you have some hearty sides on the menu for dinner.
For feeding four to six guests, youll want a roast between 1 1/2 to 2 pounds. Each of your guests will get three to four slices (1/2-inch thick), plus a small amount of seconds or leftovers.
Cut your own filet mignon! Step by step Chef David will show you how!
FAQ
How big of a beef tenderloin do I need for 6 adults?
How many does a 5 pound beef tenderloin serve?
How many servings in a 4 lb beef tenderloin?
How many pounds of beef do I need for 6 adults?
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Number of guests
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Pounds of beef
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4 people
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2-3 pounds
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6 people
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3-4 pounds
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8 people
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5-6 pounds
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10 people
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6-7 pounds
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How much beef tenderloin should I buy?
These are the three things you need to know about buying beef tenderloin. 1. How Much Beef Tenderloin per Person As a general rule, estimate 8 ounces (or 1/2 pound) of meat person. This recommendation is based on raw weight and accounts for about 2 ounces in shrinkage during trimming and cooking.
How many people can a whole beef tenderloin feed?
Depending on how it is sliced and what sides are served with it, a whole tenderloin that weighs between 5 and 8 pounds can feed six and twelve people. I typically prepare the center cut of a beef tenderloin for a small gathering of 2 to 6 people. For a larger dinner that serves more than six people, a whole tenderloin is preferable.
How many ounces of beef tenderloin per sitting?
An average adult male eats about 5 ounces of beef tenderloin per sitting. However, for a large group of big eaters, it is recommended to serve 6 to 7 ounces per person. Tenderloin is a premium cut of beef and is usually served in a fine dining or refined recipe.
How much beef tenderloin do you need for a dinner party?
Here are some tips for calculating the amount of beef tenderloin needed for your next dinner party or special occasion. First, consider the size of your party. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 8 ounces of beef tenderloin per person. If you’re serving other main dishes or have a lot of sides, you can reduce this amount to 6-7 ounces per person.