Name: Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Prep time: 12 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 13 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup full-fat sour cream; ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish; 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 whole beef tenderloin (about 4 pounds); 2 tablespoons seasoning blend of choice; 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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If you’re looking to create an unforgettable dish for your next gathering, you’ve landed at the right place! Picture this: a beautifully smoked beef tenderloin, perfectly cooked until it’s juicy and tender, with an irresistible crust that glistens and tempts every taste bud in the room. As the aroma of gently smoked beef fills your kitchen, it stirs memories of family barbecues and special occasions, where every bite is a celebration of good food and great company. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about this culinary masterpiece as you savor each slice, paired generously with a creamy horseradish sauce that adds a delightful kick. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a festive weekend soirée, this Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce is destined to steal the show.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Embrace the joy of cooking with this delightful recipe! It’s straightforward enough for a weekend meal yet fancy enough to impress your guests. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to wow everyone around your table with this charming dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just over an hour, you can prepare a dish that looks like it took hours of effort.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory smoked beef with zesty horseradish creates an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The gorgeous presentation of the tenderloin—juicy, with a golden-brown crust—is sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—from holiday dinners to casual barbecues—your guests will always be delighted.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adapt the horseradish sauce easily for gluten-free or vegan diets, satisfying all your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup full-fat sour cream: This forms the creamy base of our sauce, giving it a rich texture. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead.
½ cup full-fat mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor. You can substitute with avocado mayo for a healthier twist.
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish: The star of the show! It gives our sauce that perfect zesty kick. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount.
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar: This brightens the sauce, adding a tangy punch. Substitute with apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
1 whole beef tenderloin (about 4 pounds): This premium cut ensures a tender, juicy result. If unavailable, a ribeye roast can be a flavorful alternative.
2 tablespoons seasoning blend of choice: A homemade blend of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works marvelously. Feel free to get creative with your seasoning!
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil): This helps the seasoning adhere to the meat and provides moisture while cooking.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For additional flavor, used during the final searing to enhance the crust.

How to Make Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Make the Horseradish Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until smooth, ensuring everything is well mixed. It’s important to prepare this sauce at least an hour ahead of time and place it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Prepare Beef Tenderloin On Smoker: Start by placing the whole beef tenderloin on a sheet pan with a wire rack. Generously rub 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over the entire surface of the meat. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasoning blend liberally across all sides, ensuring full coverage. For best flavor, refrigerate the seasoned tenderloin uncovered for 12 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing it to absorb those delicious flavors.

Rest and Preheat: Before smoking, remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, fold the thin tail end of the tenderloin under the main body and secure it with kitchen twine. Tie the entire tenderloin at 2-inch intervals along the length, to ensure even cooking. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and prepare for the delightful process of smoking that’s about to unfold.

Smoke the Tenderloin: Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin and place it on the smoker grates. Close the lid and let it smoke for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F for that perfect medium-rare doneness. The gentle smoke infuses tender, rich flavors into the beef, resulting in a luscious finish.

Sear for Perfection: Once smoked, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and sizzle. When the butter is bubbling, place your smoked tenderloin in the skillet. Sear each side for 60 to 90 seconds until a deep golden-brown crust forms, rotating evenly to achieve that beautiful color. This step is crucial for locking in juices and flavor.

Rest and Slice: After searing, remove the tenderloin from the skillet and carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 15 minutes; this step ensures juicy slices. When ready, remove the kitchen twine and slice the tenderloin into medallions about ½ to ¾-inch thick. Serving these medallions off the board creates a lovely rustic presentation!

Serve with Sauce: Finally, serve your exquisite sliced tenderloin with the chilled horseradish sauce. The spicy cream pairs beautifully with the smoky, juicy beef, ensuring every bite is a celebration of flavors.

Storing & Reheating

To store your smoked beef tenderloin leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container, where they can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re looking to store for a longer period, slice the beef and wrap it tightly in plastic, then foil, before freezing it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through—around 15-20 minutes. Just note that while the flavor remains tasty, the texture might change slightly, so a quick sear in a hot skillet can help refresh the crust.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your beef tenderloin is at room temperature before smoking; pulling it straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking.
To prevent over-seasoning, remember that the rub will intensify during cooking, so a lighter hand can yield better results.
Keep an eye on your internal temperature; investing in a good meat thermometer is key to perfect smoking and searing.
Letting the meat rest is not to be skipped! It helps redistribute moisture, enhancing tenderness in each bite.
If you find leftovers, try tossing sliced beef on a salad or into a sandwich—those flavors are still fantastic!

It’s hard to express just how amazing this Best Smoked Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Horseradish Sauce can be for your culinary skills and your dinner table. This recipe blends taste, elegance, and ease into one scrumptious dish that will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the sauce or seasoning blends to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy every delicious moment, and get ready for the compliments when the tenderloin makes its grand entrance!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While a beef tenderloin is perfect for this recipe due to its tenderness, you could substitute it with a ribeye or strip steak. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature for doneness.

Can I prepare the horseradish sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The horseradish sauce actually tastes even better when prepared in advance. Whipping it up the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have a smoker?

No worries! You can achieve a similar effect using a grill with indirect heat and wood chips for flavor. Use a foil pack to hold the wood chips, placed directly on the heat source to generate the smoke needed for flavor.

How can I adjust the spice level in the horseradish sauce?

If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of horseradish or substitute with a milder kind. For an extra kick, try adding a touch of wasabi or some hot sauce to amp up the heat!