“Beef tenderloin filets” advice

[Reds Fan 5]

Just 3 of us for Christmas dinner. A whole tenderloin is too much. Our butcher (a great, knowledgeable one) had these beef tenderloin filets. I have 3 of equal size. -30 wind chills so cooking indoors.

Cook as individual steaks or tie together and cook like a small tenderloin? I’m leaning toward individual steaks. Thoughts from the pit?

[captainlee]

Either way is great. Since you are in the cold snap it wouldn't be any fun out there on the grill.

[Reds Fan 5]

The original plan was to smoke something. I’m typically not deterred by weather but -30 wind chill is ridiculous

[HawkerXP]

Take the plastic wrap off?

[Reds Fan 5]

It will melt off in the skillet, right?

[RonB]

I'd front sear in a very hot pan - CI preferred, but any pan thick enough to retain heat will do. Then into a low oven, (250° for me), to bring up to temp.

Reverse sear will also work if that's your preference - just reverse the process. Of course, ya want to pull at a lower temp for reverse sear so you don't overshoot your final temp.

[scottranda]

Cut into individual steaks because you’ll get more sear/crust. My opinion!

[Reds Fan 5]

Excellent point!

[bmillin]

What RonB said - front sear then bring to temp in the oven, you have more control over the final temp and a low temp cook reduces the carryover so you have less chance of overshooting.

[troymeister]

What RonB said. Or you can consider Sous Vide (if you have)and put a super hot sear in the end.

[Oak Smoke]

This will probably get me demoted but when we cook tenderloin indoors I like to butterfly them about an inch thick. Next would be a quick sear in blackening seasonings. It only takes a couple of minutes and they are a perfect medium rare, with great flavor. I think there are several seasonings or rubs that could be used instead of blackening seasoning. It’s simple and good.

[Reds Fan 5]

Creativity and cooking what you like never results in a demotion!

[Reds Fan 5]

Thanks, Pitmasters! A special thanks to HawkerXP for the greatest tip I have received from The Pit. 😂

[HawkerXP]

It t'was the least I could do to help a fellow Pit Master! Merry Christmas!

[Redwng]

I would do as steaks so I could get a sufficient sear and it's easier to control temps if your guests want different doneness.