How to Cook Perfect Beef Tournedos in the Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

Beef tournedos are a delicious and impressive cut of meat that can seem intimidating for home cooks to make However, with the right technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality tournedos easily in your own oven. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook beef tournedos in the oven perfectly every time

What are Beef Tournedos?

Beef tournedos are small, round slices of beef tenderloin that are typically wrapped in bacon or fatback They are generally 2-4 ounces in size The term “tournedos” comes from the French word “tourner” meaning to turn, referring to the turning motion used while cooking them.

Tournedos are prized for their tenderness and flavor They are most often cut from the center of the tenderloin where the meat is the most tender. When wrapped in bacon or fatback, the meat stays moist and flavored during cooking The result is a tender, juicy steak that makes for an elegant dinner party dish.

Benefits of Cooking Tournedos in the Oven

There are several advantages to cooking beef tournedos in the oven:

• Even heating allows the tournedos to cook evenly throughout.

• Easy monitoring without having to constantly flip or move the meat.

• Hands-free cooking leaves the stovetop free for side dishes.

• No need for added fats or oils. The bacon wrapping provides sufficient moisture.

• Oven roasting enhances the rich, beefy flavor of the tenderloin.

• An oven provides a controlled environment for precise cooking.

With the simple oven method below, you can achieve restaurant-quality results right at home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Tournedos in the Oven

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked beef tournedos every time:

Ingredients:

• Beef tournedos (tenderloin slices wrapped in bacon), about 6 oz each
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh thyme and rosemary (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Use convection setting if available for even heating.

2. Pat the tournedos dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brushing with olive oil is optional for added browning.

3. Season the tournedos liberally on all sides with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can also rub with fresh thyme, rosemary, and crushed garlic.

4. Place the tournedos on a baking sheet. If desired, dot with butter for added richness. Space them evenly to allow air circulation.

5. Roast for 15-18 minutes for medium doneness, turning once halfway through. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness.

6. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, reading 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.

7. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

8. Serve warm with side dishes and sauces like béarnaise, chimichurri or peppercorn sauce. Enjoy!

Following this simple oven method results in tender, juicy tournedos cooked to perfection every time.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

When selecting beef for tournedos, it’s important to choose high quality tenderloin or filet mignon. Here are a few tips:

• Look for beef graded “Prime” or “Choice” for the most flavor and tenderness.

• Choose tournedos that are 1.5 to 2 inches thick for the best results.

• Make sure the meat is well marbled but with little visible gristle or fat.

• The meat should be bright red in color and firm to the touch.

• For added moisture and flavor, choose tournedos wrapped in bacon rather than plain.

Opt for the highest quality beef you can find and your hard work will pay off in tender, buttery tournedos.

Handling and Storing the Raw Meat

Properly handling and storing beef tournedos prior to cooking is important for both food safety and quality:

• Store wrapped raw tournedos in the back of the fridge at 35-39°F.

• Place on a plate or rimmed baking sheet to catch any drippings.

• Only keep 1-2 days maximum before freezing or cooking.

• Rinse under cold water and pat extremely dry before seasoning.

• Do not season more than 1 hour before cooking for best adherence.

• Allow refrigerated tournedos to come up to room temp before cooking.

Following safe meat handling and storage helps ensure your tournedos cook up tender and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to commit a few errors when cooking beef tournedos. Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

• Uneven cooking – Leave space between tournedos for air flow.

• Burned bacon – Use lower heat and rotate pans.

• Tough, dry meat – Don’t cook straight from fridge.

• Underseasoned – Be generous with salt and pepper.

• Skipping resting – Always rest meat 5+ minutes after cooking.

• Cutting too soon – Tournedos need time to reabsorb juices.

Avoid these mistakes for tender, juicy tournedos your guests will rave about.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

To ensure perfect doneness, follow these guidelines when cooking beef tournedos:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C), 8-10 minutes
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C), 10-12 minutes
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C), 12-15 minutes
• Medium Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C), 15-18 minutes
• Well Done: 160+°F (71+°C), 20+ minutes

Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness in the thickest part of the tournedos. Keep in mind the temp will rise 5-10°F during resting.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Beef tournedos make for an elegant presentation. Serve with:

• Compound butter or béarnaise sauce atop each tournedos.

• Sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus or glazed carrots.

• Scalloped or au gratin potatoes or fried potato rounds.

• A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

When serving tournedos for dinner parties or date nights, don’t forget the ambiance. Dim the lights, light candles, put on soft music, and set the table with your finest plates and linens. Your guests will feel pampered by the incredible meal.

With this complete guide, you have everything you need to cook tender, juicy beef tournedos in the oven like a professional chef. Follow the step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.