Chateaubriand Recipe: A Classic French Dish You Can Make at Home

Introduction

Chateaubriand is a classic French dish that is sure to impress your dinner guests. It is a tender and juicy beef tenderloin steak that is cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions, yet easy enough to make at home. In this blog post, we will be sharing a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making Chateaubriand right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients to serve four people:

• 2 beef tenderloin steaks (8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Season the beef tenderloin steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. In a large skillet, heat the butter over high heat until melted and sizzling.
4. Add the steaks to the skillet and sear for 2 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the steaks reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a plate to rest.
7. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
8. Add the beef broth and red wine and stir until combined.
9. Add the Dijon mustard, tomato paste, and fresh thyme and stir again.
10. Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
11. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Slice the steaks into thick pieces and serve with the sauce on top.

Variations

• Vegetarian: This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the beef tenderloin steaks with grilled portobello mushrooms. Simply marinate the portobello mushrooms in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh thyme before grilling them.
• Vegan: For a vegan version of this dish, you can substitute the beef tenderloin steaks with seitan or tofu. Marinate the seitan or tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke before grilling or baking them.
• Seafood: If you prefer seafood, you can substitute the beef tenderloin steaks with grilled salmon or tuna steaks. Serve the fish with a lemon-butter sauce and a side of roasted vegetables.
• Sides: Chateaubriand is typically served with a side of roasted potatoes and vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a green salad.

Conclusion

Chateaubriand may sound like a fancy and complicated dish, but it is actually quite easy to make at home. With this simple and delicious recipe, you can impress your dinner guests with a flavorful and juicy beef tenderloin steak that is sure to please. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how easy it is to make this classic French dish right in your own kitchen?

FAQ

What is Chateaubriand?

Chateaubriand is a dish that consists of a large, tender cut of beef that is typically taken from the center of the beef tenderloin.

What is the best cut of beef to use for Chateaubriand?

The best cut of beef to use for Chateaubriand is the center-cut of the beef tenderloin. This cut is the most tender and flavorful part of the beef.

How should I season my Chateaubriand?

You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can add other seasonings such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme. Make sure to season the beef generously on all sides.

How do I cook Chateaubriand?

The most popular cooking method for Chateaubriand is to sear it on high heat in a cast-iron skillet, then finish cooking it in the oven until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Make sure to let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

What is the ideal internal temperature for Chateaubriand?

The ideal internal temperature for Chateaubriand is 130-135°F for medium-rare, or 140-145°F for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the beef has reached the desired temperature.

Can I cook Chateaubriand on a grill?

Yes, you can cook Chateaubriand on a grill. Sear the beef over high heat on both sides, then move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the beef has reached the desired internal temperature.

Should I marinate my Chateaubriand?

Chateaubriand is a very tender cut of beef, so it doesn’t need to be marinated. However, you can marinate it if you want to add extra flavor to the dish.

How should I slice my Chateaubriand?

Slice the Chateaubriand against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices. This will ensure that the beef is as tender as possible.

What should I serve with Chateaubriand?

Chateaubriand pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with a sauce, such as Bearnaise or red wine sauce.

Can I prepare Chateaubriand in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Chateaubriand in advance. Sear the beef, then let it cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, finish cooking the beef in the oven until it reaches the desired internal temperature.