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Traeger Beef Tenderloin

Hey there, my fellow grill enthusiasts! Today, I’m gonna share my mouthwatering adventure with Traeger beef tenderloin. Oh, trust me, it’s a true masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing in delight! So let’s fire up those pellet grills and get this party started!

traeger beef tenderloin

How to make Traeger beef tenderloin

Alright, y’all, let’s get this party rolling with a quick summary of the recipe. First off, you gotta choose a top-notch beef tenderloin. Don’t be skimpy on this one; go for the best quality you can find. Then, pick the rub that suits your taste buds. We’ll talk about that in a bit.

Next up, decide whether you wanna go for searing or reverse searing. Both methods got their perks, but I’ll spill the beans on that later. Once you’ve made up your mind on that, it’s time to pick the right wood for smoking. The flavor’s where it’s at, folks!

Now, pop that seasoned beauty on your Traeger pellet grill and let it work its magic. It’s gonna be a mesmerizing sight, and you won’t believe the aroma. Patience, my friends, patience!

What rub to use

Alright, let’s dive into rubs! It’s like picking the perfect outfit for your beef tenderloin. You can go classic with some salt and pepper, or you can unleash the flavor fiesta with a mix of herbs and spices. Heck, throw in some garlic and onion powder if you’re feeling adventurous!

I like to go wild with a brown sugar and coffee rub. Oh yeah, you heard that right! It might sound crazy, but trust me, it’ll elevate that tenderloin to a whole new level of taste sensation.

beef tenderloin on traeger

Searing vs Reverse Searing

Now, let’s talk about the great searing debate! Some folks swear by searing their beef tenderloin before smoking it, while others prefer the reverse searing method. Me? Well, I’m all about that reverse sear life!

Why? Because it locks in all those juicy flavors while giving you a perfect crust on the outside. It’s like the best of both worlds colliding in your mouth.

What are the best woods/pellets to use

Ah, the wood choice! It’s like picking the soundtrack for your grilling party. You can’t go wrong with classics like hickory or mesquite, but if you wanna get fancy, try cherry or applewood. They bring a subtle sweetness to the table that’ll make your taste buds sing.

And don’t forget, you can mix and match different woods to create your own unique flavor symphony!

What should you serve 

Now, you’ve got that tender, smoky goodness ready to be devoured. But wait, what should you serve alongside this masterpiece? Oh, the possibilities are endless!

I love pairing it with some roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Creamy, dreamy, and the perfect companion for your beef tenderloin. You can also go for some grilled asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance out those hearty flavors. The choice is yours, my friends!

traeger beef tenderloin recipe

What to do with leftovers

Alright, let’s face it, even if you’re a hungry bunch, there might be some leftovers. But fear not! Leftovers are the perfect opportunity to get creative.

You can slice that beef tenderloin thin and make some killer sandwiches. Add some caramelized onions, arugula, and a tangy horseradish mayo, and you’ve got a gourmet sandwich that’ll make your taste buds thank you!

Overall, my journey with Traeger beef tenderloin has been a rollercoaster of flavors and delightful surprises. From choosing the perfect rub to experimenting with different wood flavors, I’ve learned that grilling is an art form. It’s not just about cooking food; it’s about creating an experience.

Sure, I faced some challenges along the way, like battling my impatience while waiting for that perfect smoke ring to form. But you know what? It was all worth it in the end. The look of pure joy on my friends’ faces as they devoured those tender, smoky slices made it all worthwhile.

So, my fellow grill masters, get out there and unleash your culinary creativity with Traeger beef tenderloin. Trust me; it’s a journey you won’t regret!

Finally, thank y’all for sticking around and reading through this flavorful adventure. Keep grilling, keep experimenting, and remember: when life gives you beef tenderloin, smoke it to perfection and share the love with your loved ones. Happy grilling, and as I always say, “Smoke ’em if you got ’em!”

Traeger Beef Tenderloin

Indulge in a gourmet feast with our Traeger beef tenderloin recipe. Discover the secret to achieving restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

Course Main Course
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 1 whole beef tenderloin about 4 to 5 pounds, trimmed
  • 1 cup wood chips hickory or mesquite

For the Rub:

  • 1/4 cup freshly ground coffee
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your heat preference

Optional serving sauce:

  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

  1. Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 225°F (107°C). Let the grill smoke and get those wood chips ready for flavor infusion.
  2. In the meantime, prepare the beef tenderloin. Make sure it's fully trimmed, removing any excess fat or silver skin.
  3. In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients - ground coffee, brown sugar, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coffee rub.
  4. Generously coat the entire surface of the beef tenderloin with the coffee rub. Make sure you get it all in there, rubbing it in like you mean it!

Smoking the Beef Tenderloin

  1. Once your pellet grill is up to temperature and the wood chips are smoking, place the coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin directly on the grill grate.
  2. Close the lid and let the magic happen! Smoke the beef tenderloin at 225°F (107°C) for about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
  3. During the smoking process, don't forget to check on your pellet grill occasionally to ensure a steady temperature and to add more wood chips if needed.

The Sear (Optional)

  1. Now comes the fun part - the searing! If you're all about that crust, crank up the heat on your pellet grill to 450°F (232°C) for the final phase.
  2. Sear the smoked beef tenderloin for about 2 minutes on each side. This will give you that beautiful caramelized crust while locking in all the juiciness.

Resting and Serving

  1. Once your beef tenderloin has reached the desired doneness and got that dreamy crust (if you seared it), it's time to take it off the grill.
  2. Let the tenderloin rest for about 10 minutes to allow those delicious juices to redistribute within the meat. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.
  3. If you're serving it with a sauce, now's the time to prepare it. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the beef broth, butter, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it all together until the butter melts and the sauce is warmed through.
  4. Now, slice that tenderloin into thick, juicy medallions. Drizzle with the optional sauce or serve it as it is. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and there you have it - a gourmet Traeger smoked coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin that'll blow everyone's taste buds away!
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