This post is sponsored by Tony Chachere’s, but all opinions are entirely my own.
A whole beef tenderloin is an exemplary main dish for the holidays that often intimidates many home cooks. I am here to alleviate that intimidation and to guide you on how to prepare a whole beef tenderloin in your own kitchen, ensuring it is perfectly cooked every time. I have collaborated with my friends at Tony Chachere’s to present you with this delightful twist on a beef tenderloin recipe, which will undoubtedly be a showstopper on your holiday table. This recipe for my Cajun beef tenderloin with remoulade is rich in flavor and ideal for serving at any holiday dinners you may host this season.
I understand that preparing a whole tenderloin at home can be daunting, especially since this cut of beef tends to be somewhat expensive. However, with my tips and recipe, you can ensure a perfectly cooked tenderloin every time. To begin with, this tenderloin is not only seasoned on the exterior, but I also inject it with Tony Chachere’s Creole Butter to guarantee a juicy piece of meat that is bursting with flavor. Additionally, I rub the exterior of the meat with a blend of Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning and fresh herbs to create a delicious crust on the tenderloin.
I prefer to sear the tenderloin in a skillet before finishing it in the oven to achieve a nice crust on the meat. This step is optional, but I believe this method elevates the tenderloin to the next level. Once the meat has been seared, I simply transfer the tenderloin to a roasting pan or a baking sheet lined with a baking rack to ensure that the air circulation in the oven surrounds the meat. What I appreciate about using a roasting pan is that the airflow circulates around the meat as it cooks, preserving the crust and cooking the tenderloin evenly.
The key aspect of preparing a tenderloin is to ensure that it is not overcooked. This specific cut of meat is best savored at rare or medium rare. I always recommend setting a timer to monitor the internal temperature, and I advise having a meat thermometer on hand for this purpose.
The internal temperature should reach 125 degrees for rare and approximately 130-135 degrees for medium rare. I typically set a timer for 10 minutes, then check and cook for an additional 5 minutes if necessary to achieve the desired doneness. Once it is removed from the oven, it is essential to allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing, as this helps the juices to redistribute throughout the tenderloin.
The outcome is a highly flavorful, perfectly cooked beef tenderloin that can genuinely be the highlight of any holiday table. I serve it with a delightful homemade remoulade sauce and roasted potatoes or vegetables. I am eager for you to try this recipe yourself.
Visit Tony Chachere's for additional holiday menu ideas. This Cajun beef tenderloin with remoulade is an excellent recipe for any of your holiday gatherings throughout the remainder of the year!
CAJUN BEEF TENDERLOIN RECIPE INGREDIENTS
3 - 3 1/2 lb. beef tenderloin roast
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. white pepper, finely ground
Garlic powder to taste
Onion powder to taste
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
Lemon slices (opt.)
Celery leaves (opt.)
CAJUN BEEF TENDERLOIN RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Combine seasonings and rub over meat. Place meat on a rack in open roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part of meat. Do not add water and do not cover. Roast 45 to 50 minutes at 425 degrees for rare. Remove meat when thermometer reaches 135 degrees. Let meat set 15 minutes in a warm place before carving. Garnish with lemon slices and celery leaves if desired. Cool. Enjoy the CAJUN BEEF TENDERLOIN ROAST recipes !!!
These Dr Pepper Steak Bites are filled with intense flavor and are incredibly simple to prepare! The soda not only tenderizes the steak but also contributes a sweet, savory glaze, making it ideal for a hassle-free dinner or appetizer.
Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Steak Bites
Dr Pepper is rapidly becoming one of my preferred cooking ingredients. It enhances the flavor and sweetness of various dishes. In this instance, it combines with BBQ sauce and other components such as brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce to form a sweet, smoky, and savory sauce blend. This mixture infuses a tremendous amount of flavor into each steak piece. Furthermore, as the meat cooks in the slow cooker, it stays perfectly tender and juicy, ensuring that you achieve wonderfully cooked steak every time.
Why You’ll Appreciate These Dr Pepper Steak Bites
They are cost-effective to prepare. I frequently make this recipe because it is very budget-friendly. If you prefer to adhere to a strict budget while still wanting to create something delicious, consider trying these steak bites.
Preparation is swift and straightforward. It only requires a few minutes to prepare the ingredients and set them in the crockpot. After that, the most challenging part is the anticipation of when they will be ready to enjoy!
They complement any side dish. You can serve these Dr Pepper steak bites with any side dish and still enjoy a fantastic meal. Whether it’s potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or any vegetable of your choice, everything pairs beautifully.
A full plate of Dr Pepper steak bites served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans, arranged next to wooden cooking utensils and a soda.
What You Will Require
All the ingredients necessary to impart flavor into the steak bites are detailed below, including Dr Pepper and the other sauce elements.
Steak: You may select any cut of steak that you prefer! Some of my favorite options for this recipe include London broil, sirloin, and chuck roast.
Dr Pepper: This is the key ingredient in this recipe! As it reduces during cooking, it provides sweetness while tenderizing the steak. It imparts that distinctive yet familiar Dr Pepper taste.
Honey and brown sugar: These are the sweeteners I opted for to balance the savory components.
I appreciate the blend of honey and brown sugar due to the honey's subtle floral notes, while the brown sugar contributes hints of molasses and caramel. Together, they create a rich tapestry of flavors!
BBQ sauce: Feel free to select any brand and type of BBQ sauce that suits your preference. Personally, I enjoy a classic, smoky BBQ sauce, as it offers the best balance.
Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient introduces umami, effectively counteracting the sweetness and richness. It harmonizes beautifully with the other elements in the sauce.
Garlic: I incorporate this for its sharp taste and delightful aroma during cooking. It also amplifies the other flavors present in the sauce.
Black pepper: The sole seasoning I include is black pepper, as the other ingredients provide ample flavor and salt. It imparts a subtle, spicy note that complements the other components.
Cornstarch and water: I prepare a slurry to incorporate towards the end of the cooking process, which aids in thickening the sauce so that it adheres to each bite of steak. This step is optional, but I believe it achieves the ideal consistency.
What You’ll Need
Below is a list of all the ingredients required to infuse flavor into the steak bites, including Dr Pepper and the other sauce components.
Steak: You may choose any cut of steak that you prefer! Some of my favorite options for this recipe include London broil, sirloin, and chuck roast.
Dr Pepper: This is the key ingredient in this recipe! As it reduces during cooking, it imparts sweetness while tenderizing the steak, delivering that distinct yet familiar Dr Pepper flavor.
Honey and brown sugar: These sweeteners were selected to balance the savory elements. I enjoy the combination of honey and brown sugar because the honey has a slight floral quality, and the brown sugar brings in notes of molasses and caramel. They contribute multiple layers of flavor!
BBQ sauce: Choose any brand and variety of BBQ sauce that you prefer. I particularly enjoy a classic, smoky BBQ sauce, as it seems to provide the best balance.
Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient adds umami while cutting through the sweetness and richness, complementing the other components in the sauce effectively.
It complements the other elements in the sauce effectively.
Garlic: I incorporate this for its pungent flavor and delightful aroma as it cooks. It also enhances the other flavors present in the sauce.
Black pepper: The sole seasoning I include here is black pepper, as the other ingredients provide ample flavor and salt. It adds a subtle, spicy taste that harmonizes well with the other components.
Cornstarch and water: I prepare a slurry to incorporate towards the end of the cooking process to thicken the sauce, allowing it to adhere to each piece of steak. This step is optional, but I believe it achieves the ideal consistency for the final dish.
How to Prepare Dr Pepper Steak Bites
Here are the instructions to assist you in setting up your slow cooker, ensuring you can savor the most delightful Dr Pepper steak bites for dinner. It is incredibly quick and straightforward!
Sear the steak. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet and place the steak inside. Sear the steak bites for a few seconds on each side to develop a brown crust. Transfer them to the bottom of the crockpot.
Prepare the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients except for the cornstarch and water. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Then, pour it over the steak bites.
Cook. Cover the slow cooker and let the steak bites cook on low for 4-6 hours or until they become tender.
Create a slurry. Mix the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce to thicken it.
Serve. Enjoy alongside your preferred side dish!
Tips for Success
If you prefer, you can skip the searing step. I enjoy achieving a beautiful brown crust on the steak bites to enhance the flavor, but they will still be excellent if you choose to omit this step. Just make sure they are fork-tender after 4 hours, or extend the cooking time slightly until they reach that tenderness.
Cut the steak uniformly. It is important to ensure that the steak pieces are of equal size. This allows for even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook more quickly, while larger ones will require additional time to become tender.
Consider using diet soda. You can incorporate diet or zero-sugar Dr Pepper soda into this recipe. I have found that it does not alter the flavor at all. You might also want to experiment with other flavor variations, such as cherry Dr Pepper.
Spice it up. Feel free to modify the sauce to add some heat! Incorporate your favorite hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced chiles to give it a spicy kick.
Proper Storage
Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving, or until they are warm. Take care, as they can become dry. For longer storage, freeze the steak bites in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
More Dr Pepper Recipes to Try
Dr Pepper Wings
Dr Pepper Chili
Dr Pepper Meatballs Recipe
Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs Recipe
Dr Pepper Steak Bites
These Dr Pepper Steak Bites are a dish full of flavor that is both simple and delicious. The soda helps to tenderize the meat and forms a caramelized glaze with both sweet and savory flavors. With minimal preparation and bold taste, these steak bites are ideal for a quick dinner or as a party appetizer that will impress everyone. There is no need for lengthy marination—just cook and savor!
Dr Pepper Steak Beef Tenderloin Recipe Ingredients
* 2 pound beef tenderloin
* 1 liter Dr Pepper (can not be diet)
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 3/4 cup lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
* 1 Tablespoon black peppercorns
* 1 Tablespoon coarse salt
* 3 cloves garlic - crushed
Dr Pepper Steak Beef Tenderloin Recipe Instructions
1. Combine all marinade ingredients in large liplock bag
2. Add tenderloin
3. Marinade 5 hours or overnight
4. Heat grill to medium
5. Reserve marinade if you wish to make sauce (see below)
6. Add tenderloin, cook turning occasionally
7. Cook about 45 minutes, until meat registers 130 degrees
8. Transfer to board and rest before slicing
9. You can also heat the marinade to a boil and simmer until slightly reduced and serve as a sauce. Cool. Enjoy the Dr Pepper Beef Tenderloin Recipe !!!
