Planning the centerpiece for your holiday table can feel like a big deal. You want something special, something that looks and tastes amazing, but you also don’t want to spend the entire day in the kitchen. I totally get it. What if I told you there’s a dish that ticks all those boxes? One that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare.
This Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin is one of my favorite Christmas recipes dinner options. It is incredibly tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and savory sauce that is just so good. It looks impressive on a platter and makes your whole house smell wonderful. Let’s make this holiday meal one to remember, without all the stress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this beef tenderloin one of the best holiday dinner recipes out there? Honestly, there are a few great reasons. It’s not just about the flavor, which is fantastic, but also about the ease of making it.
First, it’s incredibly simple. The spice rub uses common pantry staples, and the sauce comes together in just one bowl. You don’t need any special cooking skills to pull this off. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big results.
The flavor is another huge win. The combination of savory spices on the beef with the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce is just perfect. It creates a beautiful glaze on the tenderloin that is simply delicious.
Plus, it’s a total showstopper. Bringing a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin to the table just feels festive. Your family and friends will think you spent hours on it, but we’ll know it was our little secret. It’s a wonderful way to make your holiday meal feel extra special.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this dish is refreshingly simple. You probably have most of the spices and sauce components in your kitchen already. Let’s break it down.
For The Beef Tenderloin
- 2 (1 pound each) beef tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For The Honey Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup tamari soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful beef tenderloin ready for your table. It’s one of those amazing Christmas food ideas for dinner that comes together so nicely.
Step 1: Make The Seasoning
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Go ahead and preheat it to 375°F or 190°C. While that’s warming up, grab a small bowl. Add the garlic powder, sweet paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything evenly. Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 2: Make The Sauce
Now for that wonderful sauce. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth and well combined. This sauce is what gives the beef that lovely sweet and savory glaze. Set this aside too.
Step 3: Season The Tenderloins
It’s time to season the beef. Take your spice blend and sprinkle it all over the beef tenderloins. Don’t be shy here. You want to get a nice, even coating on all sides. Use your hands to gently rub the spices into the meat. This helps the flavors really sink in.
Step 4: Sear The Tenderloin
Grab a large, oven safe skillet. This is important because it will go from the stovetop straight into the oven. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the beef tenderloins in the skillet. You should hear a nice sizzle.
Cook the beef, turning it occasionally, until it’s beautifully seared and browned on all sides. This should take about 4 minutes in total. Searing the meat creates a delicious crust and locks in all those wonderful juices.
Step 5: Add The Sauce And Roast
Turn off the stove heat. Now, carefully pour that honey garlic sauce into the pan with the beef. Use a pair of tongs to turn the beef tenderloins in the sauce, making sure they get fully coated. The kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now.
Transfer the entire pan to your preheated oven. Roast the beef for about 15 to 20 minutes. The best way to check for doneness is with an instant read thermometer. For a medium rare finish, you’re looking for a temperature of 140°F or 60°C.
Step 6: Reduce The Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, carefully place the skillet back on the stove. Remove the beef from the pan and place it on a plate or cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is so important for a juicy tenderloin.
While the beef is resting, simmer the remaining sauce in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes. It will reduce slightly and thicken up into a beautiful glaze. If you want it a bit thicker, you can add a tiny bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water.
Step 7: Slice And Serve
Now for the grand finale. Cut the rested beef tenderloin across the grain into about half inch slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Drizzle that lovely, reduced honey garlic sauce all over the top. Your delicious centerpiece for the best Christmas recipes dinner is ready to serve!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is sometimes a big if, storing them is easy. First, let the beef tenderloin cool completely to room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation inside the container.
Once cooled, place the sliced beef in an airtight container. You can also pour any remaining sauce over the top to keep it moist. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, you can gently reheat the slices in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Tips
Want to make sure your beef tenderloin is as good as it can be? Here are a few simple tips to help you along the way. These will help you nail your Christmas meal ideas dinner.
- Let The Meat Rest Twice: Let the tenderloin sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before you cook it. This helps it cook more evenly. And always, always let it rest after cooking so the juices can redistribute.
- Use A Good Skillet: A heavy bottomed, oven safe skillet, like cast iron, works wonders for getting a great sear on the beef. It holds heat really well.
- Don’t Skip The Sear: Searing the meat is key to developing that rich, deep flavor and beautiful crust. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the beef.
- Watch The Temperature: An instant read thermometer is your best friend for this recipe. It takes the guesswork out of cooking meat and ensures you get it just the way you like it every time.
- Add A Little Kick: If you like a little bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce. It adds a nice, subtle warmth.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A truly special main course that is perfect for your holiday gathering. This Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin proves that impressive Christmas recipes dinner options don’t have to be complicated or stressful.
It’s all about simple, good quality ingredients coming together to create something wonderful. I really hope you and your loved ones enjoy this recipe. It’s a meal that is sure to create some happy memories around the dinner table this holiday season. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Beef?
While beef tenderloin is really great for its tenderness, you could try this recipe with other cuts like sirloin roast or tri tip. Just be aware that you will need to adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the roast you choose.
Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can whisk together the honey garlic sauce ingredients a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save a little time on the day of your big dinner.
What Should I Serve With This Beef Tenderloin?
This dish pairs beautifully with so many classic holiday sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus or green beans, or a simple garden salad. These are all wonderful and easy Christmas dinner ideas that complement the rich flavor of the beef.
How Do I Know When The Beef Is Cooked To My Liking?
The best way is to use an instant read thermometer. For rare, aim for 125°F. For medium rare, 135°F. For medium, 145°F. Remember to pull the beef from the oven about 5 degrees below your target temperature, as it will continue to cook while it rests.
Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin
This Honey Garlic Beef Tenderloin is an incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful dish coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a surprisingly simple yet impressive centerpiece for any holiday dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, sweet paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Sprinkle the spice blend all over the beef tenderloins, rubbing it gently into the meat for an even coating.
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the beef tenderloins in the skillet and sear for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Turn off the stove heat. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and use tongs to turn the beef tenderloins, ensuring they are fully coated. Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven.
- Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the beef reaches your desired doneness (e.g., 140°F/60°C for medium-rare).
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the beef to a plate or cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. While the beef rests, simmer the remaining sauce in the skillet on the stovetop for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken into a glaze. (Optional: mix a tiny bit of cornstarch/arrowroot powder with water to thicken further).
- Slice the rested beef tenderloin across the grain into half-inch slices. Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with the reduced honey garlic sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
Let the tenderloin sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before you cook it to ensure even cooking. Always let it rest after cooking for juicy results.
A heavy-bottomed, oven safe skillet, like cast iron, works wonders for getting a great sear on the beef and holds heat well.
Searing the meat is key to developing that rich, deep flavor and beautiful crust. Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the beef.
An instant read thermometer is your best friend for this recipe, taking the guesswork out of cooking meat and ensuring perfect doneness every time.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a subtle warmth.
Store cooled leftover sliced beef with any remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Nutrition
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