Description
This elegant Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce is a perfect appetizer for special occasions or gatherings. Featuring tender, juicy beef tenderloin slices grilled to perfection atop crispy, buttery crostini, complemented by a rich, creamy Béarnaise sauce with fresh tarragon and shallots, this dish combines classic French flavors with a modern American twist for a delicious and impressive starter.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Tenderloin and Crostini
- 1 pound beef tenderloin (trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 French baguette (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Béarnaise Sauce
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (plus more for garnish)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Grill the Beef: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Rub the beef tenderloin evenly with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Grill the tenderloin for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Grill the Baguette Slices: While the beef rests, brush the baguette slices with melted butter on both sides. Place them on the grill and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they become golden brown and crisp. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Make the Béarnaise Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine white wine vinegar, dry white wine, finely chopped shallots, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and reduce it by half, concentrating the flavors. Strain the reduced liquid to remove solids, and let it cool slightly. In a heatproof bowl set over a double boiler with gently simmering water, whisk together the egg yolks and the reduced liquid vigorously until the mixture thickens. Gradually add the melted butter in a slow, steady stream while continuing to whisk until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Crostini: Place each grilled baguette slice on a serving platter. Top each crostini with a thin slice of grilled beef tenderloin, followed by a generous spoonful of Béarnaise sauce. Garnish with additional chopped fresh tarragon or parsley if desired. Serve the crostini warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- The beef tenderloin and crostini can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving to save time.
- If needed, keep the Béarnaise sauce warm by using a double boiler or gently reheat it on low heat to prevent curdling.
- For food safety, ensure the egg yolks in the Béarnaise sauce are gently cooked to at least 160°F if possible.
- Use fresh tarragon for optimal flavor; dried tarragon will not provide the same aromatic quality.
- Leftover crostini are best consumed the same day for crispiness and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
