Planning a special meal and eyeing that magnificent beef tenderloin? Excellent choice! It’s the undisputed champion of tenderness, known for its buttery texture and elegant presentation. But before you dive into recipes, a common question often pops up: just how big is a beef tenderloin, anyway? Understanding its size, cuts, and how much you’ll actually need for your guests can make all the difference between a feast and a famine!
Contents
- 1 What Exactly Is Beef Tenderloin?
- 2 How Big Is a Whole Beef Tenderloin?
- 3 Breaking Down the Cuts: From Whole to Individual Steaks
- 4 Factors Influencing Tenderloin Size and Yield
- 5 How Much Beef Tenderloin Do You Really Need Per Person?
- 6 Tips for Buying and Storing Beef Tenderloin
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tenderloin Size
- 8 Wrapping It Up
What Exactly Is Beef Tenderloin?
Let’s start with the basics. The beef tenderloin is a long, narrow muscle cut from the loin of the cow, specifically located along the animal’s spine. Because this muscle isn’t heavily used, it remains incredibly tender – hence the name! It’s famously lean, mild in flavor, and perfect for special occasions. You might also hear it called filet mignon (when cut into individual steaks), chateaubriand (a larger center-cut roast), or even just “fillet.”
How Big Is a Whole Beef Tenderloin?
When you buy a whole beef tenderloin, it typically comes in a long, cylindrical shape, often tapered at both ends. Here’s what you can expect:
- Weight: A full, untrimmed beef tenderloin usually weighs between 4 to 7 pounds. The most common size you’ll find in a butcher shop or grocery store is around 5 pounds.
- Length: It can stretch quite a bit, often measuring between 18 to 24 inches long.
- Diameter: The tenderloin isn’t uniformly thick. The “head” or larger end can be 4-5 inches in diameter, while the thinner “tail” end might only be 2-3 inches.
It’s important to remember that these are weights for an untrimmed tenderloin. Professional butchers often remove a good amount of fat, silverskin, and the “chain” (a long, fatty piece of meat attached to the side) before you even see it. This trimming significantly reduces the weight, but results in a cleaner, more usable cut.
Breaking Down the Cuts: From Whole to Individual Steaks
The beauty of a whole beef tenderloin is its versatility. It can be portioned into several distinct and famous cuts:
- Chateaubriand: This magnificent cut comes from the thickest, most desirable part of the tenderloin’s center. It’s typically a generous roast, weighing 10-16 ounces, and is often prepared for two people, sometimes more depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Filet Mignon: The most well-known cut, filet mignon are individual steaks sliced from the tenderloin. They are usually 1 ½ to 2 inches thick and typically weigh between 6 to 10 ounces each. Filet mignons are prized for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Tournedos: These are smaller, often thinner medallions cut from the tapered, narrower end of the tenderloin. They usually weigh around 2-3 ounces each and are fantastic for elegant individual servings or as part of a multi-meat dish.
Factors Influencing Tenderloin Size and Yield
Beyond the initial raw weight, several factors can impact the final size and usable amount of your beef tenderloin:
- Cattle Breed and Age: Larger breeds of cattle or older animals typically yield larger tenderloins.
- Trimming: As mentioned, a significant amount of the tenderloin’s initial weight is made up of fat and connective tissue. A well-trimmed tenderloin will weigh less but offer more usable meat. Expect to lose 10-25% of the raw weight to trimming if you do it yourself.
- Cooking Shrinkage: All meat loses moisture and shrinks during cooking. Beef tenderloin is no exception. Depending on how well-done you like it, you can expect a 20-30% weight loss from raw to cooked. Keep this in mind when planning!
How Much Beef Tenderloin Do You Really Need Per Person?
This is often the million-dollar question! The general rule of thumb for a main course is:
- For a main course: Plan for 4 to 6 ounces of cooked beef tenderloin per person.
- For very generous portions or if it’s the only protein: You might go up to 7 to 8 ounces of cooked meat per person.
- For an appetizer or lighter meal: 3-4 ounces can be sufficient.
To translate this into raw weight, account for trimming and cooking shrinkage. A good estimate is to buy 6 to 8 ounces of raw, untrimmed tenderloin per person. If you’re buying a pre-trimmed tenderloin or trimming it yourself, aim for about 5-6 ounces of trimmed raw meat per person.
Beef Tenderloin Servings Chart (Estimates)
This table helps visualize how many people a whole tenderloin can feed:
| Raw Tenderloin Weight (Untrimmed) | Estimated Cooked & Trimmed Yield | Number of Servings (6 oz cooked) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 pounds | ~2.4 pounds | ~6-7 people |
| 5 pounds | ~3 pounds | ~8-9 people |
| 6 pounds | ~3.6 pounds | ~10-11 people |
| 7 pounds | ~4.2 pounds | ~11-12 people |
*These are estimates. Actual yield will vary based on trimming, cooking method, and desired doneness.
Tips for Buying and Storing Beef Tenderloin
- Talk to Your Butcher: Don’t hesitate to ask your butcher for guidance. They can help you choose the right size, trim it for you, and even tie it for roasting if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
- Look for Quality: Choose tenderloin that is bright cherry-red in color with minimal marbling (flecks of fat) since it’s a naturally lean cut. It should feel firm to the touch.
- Consider Your Event: For a formal dinner, uniform filet mignon steaks might be preferred. For a more rustic, family-style meal, a roasted whole tenderloin (perhaps tied into a “barrel cut” for even cooking) is spectacular.
- Storage: Fresh beef tenderloin can be refrigerated for 3-5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 6-12 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tenderloin Size
Q: How many pounds of beef tenderloin for 10 people?
A: For 10 people, you’ll want to purchase roughly 5 to 6 pounds of raw, untrimmed beef tenderloin. This accounts for trimming and cooking shrinkage, aiming for about 6 ounces of cooked meat per person.
Q: What is a good size beef tenderloin to buy?
A: A 4 to 5-pound whole, untrimmed tenderloin is a common and versatile size that can feed 6-9 people comfortably, depending on portion sizes and other dishes served.
Q: Is a whole beef tenderloin 3 pounds?
A: While a whole tenderloin can weigh 3 pounds after significant trimming and processing, it’s more common for a whole, untrimmed tenderloin straight from the animal to be in the 4-7 pound range. A 3-pound tenderloin is likely a pre-trimmed “barrel cut” or a smaller piece.
Q: What is the smallest cut of beef tenderloin?
A: Tournedos are typically the smallest individual cuts from the tenderloin, usually weighing 2-3 ounces.
Q: What is the biggest cut of beef tenderloin?
A: The Chateaubriand is the largest individual roast cut from the tenderloin’s center. Of course, the entire untrimmed tenderloin is the “biggest” single piece.
Wrapping It Up
Understanding the size and cuts of beef tenderloin doesn’t have to be intimidating! With these tips, you’re now equipped to confidently choose the perfect tenderloin for your next gathering, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Enjoy that exquisitely tender, flavorful meal!