How to Cook Beef Tenderloin on the Big Green Egg

The Big Green Egg is the ultimate grill for cooking beef tenderloin to juicy tender perfection. With its versatility to grill at high heat and its precise temperature control for roasting the Big Green Egg excels at producing phenomenal beef tenderloin.

In this guide, I’ll provide tips on selecting, preparing, and cooking tenderloin on the Big Green Egg along with serving suggestions. Let’s get started!

Benefits of the Big Green Egg for Beef Tenderloin

The Big Green Egg, with its thick ceramic walls and ability to hold very precise temperatures, provides key advantages for cooking beef tenderloin:

• Searing – The Egg easily reaches high temperatures for an excellent crust

• Slow Roasting – Low and slow roasting in the Egg keeps the tenderloin uniformly pink from edge to edge.

• Wood-fired Flavor – Cooking over natural lump charcoal and wood chips infuses smoky flavor.

• Moisture Control – The ceramic material doesn’t dry out meat like metal grills can.

Shopping for Beef Tenderloin

When purchasing a whole beef tenderloin roast for the Big Green Egg, keep these tips in mind:

• Select a roast that is 2 to 3 pounds to feed 4 to 6 people. Larger roasts are unwieldy.

• Choose a roast that is evenly shaped for even cooking.

• Look for good marbling throughout for flavor and tenderness.

• Plan for about 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person if serving only the tenderloin.

• Trim off any excess fat, sinew, or silver skin before cooking.

Prepping Beef Tenderloin for the Egg

Proper prep is key to ensure your tenderloin cooks evenly and absorbs flavor:

• Tie the Roast – Use butcher’s twine to tie the roast into a neat cylindrical shape. This promotes even cooking.

• Season Well – For flavorful crust and meat, coat all over with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs.

• Bring to Room Temp – Let sit out for 1 hour so the roast cooks evenly, not just the outside.

• Make a Rub – For more flavor, rub the tenderloin with spices, garlic, mustard, etc.

• Marinate Overnight – For intensely flavored meat, marinate for several hours or overnight.

How to Cook Tenderloin on the Big Green Egg

With your Roast prepped, follow these steps for perfect tenderloin:

• Get the Egg Ready: With the grill open, light your charcoal and bring the temperature to 550°F.

• Sear the Meat: Lay the tenderloin on the hot grill grate and sear all sides until browned.

• ** Roast Indirectly**: Move the roast to a drip pan away from direct heat. Close grill and roast at 300°F until done.

• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temp. Remove from grill at 125°F.

• Let Rest: Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. The temperature will rise to perfect medium rare.

• Slice and Serve: Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices. Pour over any meat juices from resting.

Handy Cooking Tips

• For more smoky flavor, use hickory, oak, or mesquite wood chunks.

• Roasting on a vertical poultry roaster promotes air circulation for even cooking.

• Insert a probe thermometer so you can monitor temp without opening the grill.

• Add herbs, garlic, or citrus inside the roast for amazing flavor.

• Let rest on a cutting board to allow juices redistribution. Don’t skip this step!

Doneness Temperatures

Always cook tenderloin to the following minimum internal temperatures:

• Rare – 120-125°F

• Medium Rare – 130-135°F

• Medium – 140-145°F

• Medium Well – 150-155°F

• Well Done – 160°F+ (not recommended for tenderloin)

Use an instant read thermometer to check multiple areas. The temperature will continue rising as it rests.

Serving Suggestions

Beef tenderloin deserves star treatment! Serve your perfectly grilled tenderloin with:

• A red wine reduction sauce or demi glace

• Horseradish cream sauce or chimichurri

• Sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions

• Twice baked potatoes or roasted vegetables

• A fresh garden salad or wedge salad

• Crusty bread for soaking up juices

• A fine Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir wine

With the Big Green Egg, you can prepare restaurant-quality beef tenderloin easily at home. Use an instant read thermometer for foolproof results. I hope these tips help you savor tender, juicy beef tenderloin off your Egg soon. Please share any of your own grilling tips in the comments!