Beef tenderloin is an extravagant cut of meat, that is distinctively lean and remarkably tender. Chefs generally try to maximize the character of this cut by cooking it to medium rare, so it remains as juicy and tender as possible.
Although you can use the same methods to reheat beef tenderloin as you may for any other cut of meat, you want to do it without overcooking it so it doesn’t lose its texture. This may require a little skill and patience, but it is definitely worth the effort.
How to Store Beef Tenderloin
To reheat beef tenderloin to their best potential, it is necessary that you store it in a way it preserves well.
Wrap the meat in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag as soon as it cools down to room temperature, and store it in the fridge. Do not let it stay in room temperature for more than an hour, as it may start to develop bacteria. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 2 days.
It isn’t a good idea to freeze beef tenderloin as this will mess with the texture and make it chewy.
Ideally, you consume the leftover beef tenderloin as soon as possible; within the next day if possible.
How to Reheat Beef Tenderloin
There are a three ways you can use to reheat beef tenderloin without losing its juiciness and flavor:
· Reheat in Oven
This method works best when you have a whole piece of beef tenderloin, and will retain the cut’s original taste. But it will take some time and patience as you will have to heat it at very low.
- Preheat the oven at 225 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wrap the cut of meat in aluminum foil with a tablespoon or two of the sauce
- Place it on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven
- Warming time will depend on the size of the beef tenderloin, so you will have to keep an eye on it
- Use a food thermometer if available. It should reach an inner temperature of 150 degrees
- Remove from the oven, slice it and serve.
For already sliced pieces, wrap separately in aluminum foil with sauce, and follow the same method.
· Simmer in Water
This method only works with whole beef tenderloin. So if you have slices, you may want to check out the next one.
- Wrap the meat in a tightly sealed waterproof packaging that is heat proof
- Place a pot of water on low heat and bring it to simmer
- Put the sealed beef tenderloin in the water
- The warming time will depend on the size, but 4 to 5 minutes should be enough
- Remove and serve.
· Reheat in Saucepan
This method will work best with sliced beef tenderloin, as it may dry out a whole piece.
- Place a small saucepan on the stove on low heat
- Pour all the remaining sauce or gravy, or some beef broth if sauce is not available
- Bring it to simmer
- Place a few slices at a time into the saucepan, and heat them for 2 to 3 minutes
- Transfer the reheated slices to a plate while you do the remaining slices
- Serve immediately.
Trying to reheat beef tenderloins may be tricky. But with a little practice, you will be a pro in no time.