This Spicy Marinated Beef Tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry is a show-stopping dish perfect for special occasions. The tenderloin is infused with a blend of spices, encased in crispy puff pastry, and accompanied by sautéed vegetables and a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish combines elegance and comfort, making it a must-try for any food lover. Whether you’re cooking for a festive gathering or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (optional)
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients (makes 4-6 servings)
- For the Spicy Marinated Beef Tenderloin:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 600 g (21.2 oz) beef tenderloin
- For the Puff Pastry (Doll):
- 400 g (14 oz) puff pastry
- 50 g (1.8 oz) cheese, grated
- For Rubbing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
- For Decorating the Puff Pastry:
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tsp salt
- For the Sauce:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red sweet pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 100 ml (3.5 oz) tomato paste/puree
- 50 ml (1.7 oz) water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh dill (to taste)
Directions
- Marinate the Beef Tenderloin:
- Clean and Prep: Ensure the beef tenderloin is clean and pat-dried.
- Season: Rub the tenderloin with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, coriander, and rosemary.
- Marinate: Wrap the seasoned tenderloin in foil and let it marinate for at least 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry (Doll):
- Roll Out: Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry.
- Assemble: Place the marinated beef tenderloin in the center of the pastry, sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Wrap: Carefully wrap the tenderloin with the puff pastry, sealing the edges securely.
- Bake the Wrapped Beef Tenderloin:
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Brush and Decorate: Brush the pastry with a mixture of egg yolk and milk, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake: Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 40-55 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat Oil: In a pan, heat some oil and add the diced carrot, potatoes, and zucchini.
- Cook and Season: Sauté until tender, then season with salt. Cover with water and let simmer until fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sauté: In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion, red pepper, and tomatoes until softened.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, and water. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Finish: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Serve:
- Slice the puff pastry-wrapped beef tenderloin and serve it with the sautéed vegetables and sauce on the side.
- Garnish with fresh dill.
Serving Suggestions
- Accompany with mashed potatoes for a complete and hearty meal.
- Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
Cooking Tips
- Let the beef rest after baking to ensure juicy and tender slices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Chill the puff pastry before wrapping to make it easier to handle.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Swiss for varied flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
- High Protein: The beef tenderloin is rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Antioxidants: The fresh vegetables and herbs provide antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
- Balanced Meal: This dish offers a balance of macronutrients, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
- Healthy Fats: The dish contains healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese, beneficial for heart health.
Dietary Information
- High Protein: Rich in protein from beef and cheese.
- Moderate Carbohydrates: Puff pastry and vegetables contribute to a moderate carbohydrate content.
- Contains Dairy and Gluten: Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
- Balanced Meal: Suitable for those following a balanced diet but not ideal for low-carb or vegan diets.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked puff pastry for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressive Presentation: The puff pastry-wrapped tenderloin looks and tastes like a gourmet dish.
- Flavorful Marinade: The spices penetrate the meat, creating a deeply flavorful tenderloin.
- Versatile: Great for special occasions or a comforting weekend dinner.
- Complete Meal: The combination of beef, vegetables, and sauce offers a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This Spicy Marinated Beef Tenderloin in Puff Pastry is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and textures in a beautifully presented package. The tender, flavorful beef paired with the crispy puff pastry and sautéed vegetables make for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of spices, creamy cheese, and savory sauce is a true culinary delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I marinate the beef overnight? Yes, marinating the beef overnight allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the taste.
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Absolutely! Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time.
- What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry.
- Can I substitute the beef tenderloin with another cut of meat? Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or even chicken breast, but cooking times may vary.
- Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the beef and wrap it in the puff pastry a few hours ahead, then bake when ready.
- How do I know if the beef is cooked to the desired doneness? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium.
- Can I add other vegetables to the sauté mix? Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus for variety.
- Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish? You can substitute the beef with a large portobello mushroom or a vegetarian meat alternative.
- How can I make the dish spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
- What can I serve with this dish? Serve it with mashed potatoes, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.