Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce

Ingredients for Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce

• 1 4- to 2.3kg trimmed whole beef tenderloin, tail end tucked under, tied every 3 inches

• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, divided

• 60g finely chopped shallots

• 45ml Cognac or brandy

• 1 fresh rosemary sprig

• 1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper

• 240ml ruby or tawny Port

• Simple Homemade Beef Stock

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, coarsely cracked in mortar with pestle or in resealable plastic bag with mallet

How to make Roast Beef Tenderloin with Port Sauce

Sprinkle entire surface of beef tenderloin with coarse kosher salt. Place beef on rack set over large rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered at least 24 hours and up to 36 hours.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add shallots; sauté until soft, 3 minutes. Add Cognac, rosemary, and 1 teaspoon cracked pepper and cook until liquid evaporates, 1 minute. Add Port; bring to simmer. Add all of beef stock. Boil until reduced to 350ml , about 20 minutes. Strain into medium saucepan, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids in strainer. DO AHEAD: Can be made 24 to 36 hours ahead. Cool slightly, then cover and chill.

Let beef stand at room temperature 1 hour before roasting. Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 218°C. Rub beef all over with oil; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cracked peppercorns, pressing to adhere. Return beef to rack on baking sheet and roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of meat registers 52°C for medium-rare (57°C to 60°C in thinnest part), about 30 minutes. Remove roast from oven and let rest 15 minutes.

Bring sauce to boil; whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Cut off string from roast. Cut roast crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices; arrange on platter. Serve with sauce.

Chateau Coufran 2003 (France, $23). The leathery, earthy notes and subtle fruit in this medium-bodied Bordeaux are perfect for the tenderloin.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.