Creamy Mushroom Risotto Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we understand that the art of creating memorable meals lies in selecting ingredients that harmonize beautifully to produce dishes both elegant and satisfying. This Beef Tenderloin with Peanut Sauce exemplifies that philosophy by combining the tender, luxurious texture of prime beef with a rich, nutty, and subtly spicy Asian-inspired peanut sauce. Originating from the esteemed Very Virginia Junior League cookbook, this dish offers a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates any dining occasion — from festive holiday gatherings to intimate weeknight dinners. The recipe is designed not only to impress with its taste but also to demonstrate culinary techniques that enhance the beef’s natural succulence and the sauce’s complex layers of flavor.

Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Meat thermometer (preferably digital)
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Sharp carving knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowls
• Grater or food processor (for peanuts, if fresh)

Tags

• Beef Tenderloin
• Peanut Sauce
• Asian Cuisine
• Elegant Dinner
• Holiday Recipe
• High Protein
• Low Carbohydrate
• Weeknight Meal
• Festive

Serving Size

Serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate — requires some experience with oven roasting and sauce preparation, but straightforward enough for home cooks looking to enhance their skills.

Allergen Information

• Contains nuts (peanuts)
• Contains soy (soy sauce)
• Contains fish (anchovy paste)
• Contains dairy (coconut milk)

Dietary Preference

• High Protein
• Low Carbohydrate
• Gluten-Free (if soy sauce is gluten-free)

Course

Main Entrée

Cuisine

Asian-inspired fusion

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Beef

Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Proper preheating is essential to achieve a perfect crust on the tenderloin, ensuring that the meat remains juicy and tender on the inside. While the oven heats, prepare your beef tenderloin by removing it from any packaging, patting it dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture. This step is crucial because moisture on the meat surface can interfere with browning, leading to a less desirable crust.

Place the beef on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, trim any excess fat or silverskin if present, as this can hinder even cooking and affect the texture. Once trimmed, season the beef generously with ground ginger, curry powder, and a pinch of salt. The ground ginger and curry powder add aromatic depth and a subtle spice that complements the richness of the beef and the nutty peanut sauce. Rub the spices evenly across the surface of the tenderloin, pressing gently to ensure adhesion and maximum flavor infusion.

Baking the Beef Tenderloin

Transfer the seasoned tenderloin to a baking sheet or roasting pan. For even cooking, position the meat in the center of the oven. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the beef, avoiding contact with bones or fat. This step is critical to monitor the internal temperature, which guides your doneness preference.

Bake the beef in the preheated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes. During this period, the internal temperature will rise, and the meat will develop a beautiful crust. For rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). For medium-rare, 125°F (52°C); medium, 135°F (57°C); and well-done, 145°F (63°C). Remove the beef from the oven when it reaches your preferred temperature, noting that it will continue to cook slightly during resting.

Resting the Meat

Once out of the oven, transfer the beef tenderloin to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting is a vital step because it permits the juices, which are driven to the center of the meat during cooking, to redistribute evenly. Cutting into the tenderloin prematurely results in juices escaping, leading to dry meat and less flavor.

During this resting period, you can prepare the peanut sauce, giving it ample time to meld and develop its full flavor profile.

Preparing the Peanut Sauce

While the beef rests, gather a medium saucepan and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step unlocks the aromatic oils and flavors essential for the sauce.

Pour in the lemon juice, plum jam, anchovy paste, salt, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, allowing the jam and spices to dissolve into the mixture. The plum jam adds a touch of sweetness and depth, while the anchovy paste introduces umami and complexity.

Slowly add the soy sauce and coconut milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, lowering the heat to maintain a low simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld into a rich, cohesive sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more coconut milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Assembling the Dish

Once the beef has rested, transfer it to a clean cutting board. Using a sharp carving knife, slice the tenderloin into thick, even portions—about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures that each piece remains juicy and tender, providing a satisfying bite.

Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Generously spoon the warm peanut sauce over the beef, ensuring every piece is coated with the luscious, nutty sauce. For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle the chopped or ground peanuts over the top. The peanuts add a delightful crunch and contrast to the tender meat and creamy sauce.

Serving and Presentation

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a light Asian salad to complete the meal. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or sliced green onions for extra freshness and color.

Serve immediately while the beef is warm, and enjoy the harmonious blend of tender meat and rich peanut sauce—an indulgent yet balanced dish that captures the essence of Asian-inspired cuisine with a modern twist.

Preparation Tips

• Choosing the right tenderloin: Opt for a center-cut beef tenderloin for uniform thickness and tenderness. Ask your butcher for assistance if needed.
• Spice adjustments: Feel free to increase the curry powder or add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
• Peanut handling: For a more textured sauce, coarsely chop roasted peanuts instead of ground. Alternatively, for a smoother sauce, process the peanuts in a food processor until finely ground.
• Resting importance: Never skip the resting step; it significantly improves juiciness and flavor.
• Make-ahead options: The peanut sauce can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated, enabling better flavor development and time-saving during meal prep.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Enhance flavor complexity: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of five-spice powder to the peanut sauce for additional depth.
• Presentation: For an elegant look, serve individual slices of beef on warmed plates with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and herbs.
• Peanut alternatives: Use almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor profile, keeping in mind the overall consistency and flavor impact.
• Adjust spice level: Incorporate red pepper flakes or chopped Thai chilies into the sauce for heat.

Add-ons

• Fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil for garnish
• Sliced green onions for a mild onion aroma
• Lime wedges for a zesty finish
• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice to serve alongside
• Stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to add color and texture

Side Dishes

• Garlic jasmine rice or coconut rice
• Steamed or roasted Asian vegetables
• Fresh Asian cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
• Spring rolls or fresh rice paper rolls

Improvements

• Use marinated beef or brine the tenderloin briefly to enhance juiciness.
• Experiment with different nuts, such as cashews or almonds, for the sauce to diversify flavor.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like Thai basil or mint into the sauce for added brightness.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the plum jam or adding honey for a different flavor profile.
• Use a cast-iron skillet to sear the beef before baking for a more intense crust.

Save and Store

The beef tenderloin is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally. For freezing, wrap the cooked beef slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

FAQ

Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

Use the touch test for beef doneness or cut into the thickest part to check the color. However, a meat thermometer ensures precision and food safety.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check labels for gluten content.

Can I substitute the beef with chicken or tofu?

Absolutely. For chicken, use chicken breasts or thighs; for a vegetarian option, try firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before cooking.

Conclusion

This Beef Tenderloin with Peanut Sauce exemplifies culinary elegance, balancing rich, tender meat with a complex, flavorful sauce that captures the essence of Asian-inspired cuisine. It’s a versatile dish suitable for festive occasions or a refined weeknight dinner when you want to impress family and friends. Mastering the roasting technique and sauce preparation ensures a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home. At Love With Recipes, we believe that cooking is an art, and this recipe offers a canvas to explore flavors, techniques, and presentation—transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary celebration.

References

While this recipe is inspired by the Very Virginia Junior League cookbook, additional insights are adapted from classic Asian cuisine techniques and modern culinary practices documented in reputable sources such as “The Food Lab” by J. Kenji López-Alt and “Asian Flavors” by Susie Wong.