16 Best Sauces for Beef Tenderloin (Sauce & Beef Heaven)

What sauce to serve with beef tenderloin?

There’s nothing better than a juicy steak, cooked to perfection and then smothered in a rich, delicious sauce before being devoured.

But what’s the best sauce to serve with beef tenderloin?

See Also:

• 8 Best Herbs and Spices for Beef Tenderloin
• Beef Tenderloin Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Beef Tenderloin

Well, after doing some extensive research, we’ve come up with 16 of the tastiest sauces that go great with beef tenderloin that you can make at home.

What Sauce to Serve with Beef Tenderloin (16 Best Sauces)

Okay, probably you don’t need us to tell you this, but a good sauce is the most important part of a beef tenderloin meal.

It’s the thing that makes the whole dish shine.

If you don’t have the right sauce, then you might as well just grill up a couple of hot dogs with some onions and relish on them.

1. Cilantro-Lime

Simply combine fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, and mayonnaise—you can even add in sour cream if you want this sauce to be extra creamy.

You can also add finely chopped jalapeños to kick up the spice.

2. Chimichurri

This sauce is a staple at most South American restaurants, and it’s easy to whip together at home.

Just combine parsley, oregano, chives, garlic cloves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Horseradish

If you’re looking to add a little kick to your tenderloin, horseradish sauce might be the way to go.

Although horseradish is often considered a condiment for seafood or even potatoes, this sauce also works well with other meats like beef tenderloin.

If you’re looking to use horseradish as a sauce for your cut of beef, you should really consider adding sour cream and heavy cream to the mix.

This will give you a super creamy texture that will look great, as well as help thicken the consistency of the sauce without making it too thin.

4. Red Wine Sauce

Red wine sauce is classic and incredibly easy to make.

All you need is beef stock, red wine, butter, salt and pepper.

• Start by melting the butter in a pot over medium heat.
• Add the beef stock and wine, simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
• Then add salt and pepper to taste before serving on the side or pouring on top of the tenderloin after it’s been cut into slices.

5. Whiskey Sauce

You’re probably thinking, “Whiskey sauce? I don’t like whiskey.

Well, here’s the thing: you don’t have to like whiskey!

In fact, whiskey gives you a kick in more ways than one—it not only adds a wonderful smoky flavor, but it also helps keep your tenderloin moist and juicy.

Kind of like a mini-marinade on its own.

6. Brown Sauce

Also called “brown gravy”, brown sauce is an English classic that can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

All you really need is a roux (that’s flour and oil or butter) and some spices, then add whatever liquid you want!

The only catch is, you have to let your sauce simmer for at least half an hour so that all the flavors blend together completely and it thickens up nicely.

7. Mushroom Cream Sauce

This mushroom cream sauce is an excellent topping for almost any type of meat.

It’s especially good with beef tenderloin because it can be paired with any other sauce.

It’s also great on fresh vegetables or pasta.

8. Tartar Sauce

To start with tartar sauce, it’s helpful to know what goes into a traditional tartar sauce.

Tartar sauce is normally an emulsion of egg yolks thickened with mayonnaise or mustard.

It can also contain other things like capers or cornichons or dill pickles or parsley or even curry powder.

There’s no wrong way to make tartar sauce—as long as it tastes good!

When creating a tartar sauce for beef tenderloin, we suggest using something that has plenty of acid and saltiness to help balance out the meaty flavor of the beef.

9. Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)

This garlic sauce is often served as a dip in Middle Eastern countries, but you can use it to add a kick to your beef tenderloin meal!

It’s excellent when paired with almost any type of meat, but it goes especially well with beef tenderloin because it has a creamy texture that combines nicely with the tenderness of the meat.

10. Aïoli

Aïoli is an excellent dipping sauce for beef tenderloin that you’re sure to love.

It pairs perfectly with this type of meat because it adds a light flavor and crispy texture that complement the tenderness of the meat’s taste and texture.

11. Balsamic Reduction Sauce

Balsamic Reduction Sauce is the perfect choice if you love the tangy taste of balsamic vinegar but want something with more kick.

This is a salty-sweet combination that combines the tartness of balsamic with the sweet/salty flavor profile of caramelized onions to create a unique sauce that will mesh perfectly with your favorite cut of beef tenderloin.

12. Spicy Peanut Sauce

Spicy Peanut Sauce is great because it makes beef tenderloin feel spicy and Asian-inspired.

It’s just as delicious as it sounds—think peanut butter blended with red pepper flakes and lime juice.

It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once, so it’ll make any beef tenderloin feel like a brand new dish!

13. Basil Pesto

This sauce is great because it tastes just like summertime!

It’s a great spring/summer meal, because when you’re eating it, you can pretend that you’re in Rome or somewhere!

And then when you’re done eating the dish, you can take a little nap in your lawn chair!

14. Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a tangy tomato-based sauce that’s thickened with a little bit of sugar and vinegar.

This sauce is best for cooking over medium heat, and it is often used to coat chicken or pork.

This one is probably the most familiar to you – after all, it’s what you get when you ask for barbecue sauce at a restaurant.

It’s a flavor that people all over the world are familiar with and enjoy.

15. Chermoula Sauce

This is no ordinary barbecue sauce; it has the flavor of Moroccan herbs—coriander, paprika, cumin—with a kick of garlic!

You’ll be adding tons of spice (and maybe some “extra” spice) to your dish every time you use it.

16. Korean BBQ Sauce

And last but not least, we have Korean BBQ Sauce, a savory staple of the diet in South Korea.

It’s a spicy-sweet sauce perfect for adding an Asian flair at home!

How To Pick The Right Sauce For Beef Recipes

Choosing the right sauce can elevate the flavor of your beef recipe and take it to the next level. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect sauce for your beef:

1. Consider the cut of beef: Different cuts of beef have different flavors and textures, so it’s important to choose a sauce that complements the beef rather than overwhelms it. For example, a bold red wine sauce can pair well with a hearty ribeye steak, while a creamy béarnaise sauce can complement the tenderness of a filet mignon.
2. Think about the cooking method: The cooking method can also influence the sauce you choose. For example, if you’re grilling beef, you may want to choose a sauce that can stand up to the smoky flavor of the grill, such as a tangy BBQ sauce. If you’re roasting beef, a rich and savory mushroom sauce can be a great choice.
3. Consider your personal taste: Ultimately, the sauce you choose should be based on your personal taste preferences. If you prefer bold and spicy flavors, a chimichurri sauce or a horseradish cream sauce may be the perfect choice. If you prefer creamy and indulgent flavors, a classic béarnaise or hollandaise sauce may be more up your alley.
4. Experiment with different flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces and flavors to find your perfect pairing. Some classic sauces for beef include red wine sauce, mushroom sauce, chimichurri sauce, and béarnaise sauce, but there are countless other options to explore. Try adding some Asian-inspired flavors with a soy and ginger glaze, or give your beef a Mediterranean twist with a tzatziki sauce.

3 Tips For Your Roast Beef Recipe

1. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your roast beef is cooked to perfection, invest in a meat thermometer. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the beef, which should reach 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the beef and avoid touching any bones or fat, as this can give you an inaccurate reading.
2. Let the beef rest: Once your roast beef is done cooking, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the beef tender and juicy. Simply cover the beef with foil and let it sit on a cutting board while you prepare any sides or sauces.
3. Add flavor with a rub or marinade: While roast beef can be delicious with just a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, you can take it to the next level by adding a rub or marinade. A rub is a dry mixture of herbs and spices that you can rub onto the beef before cooking. A marinade, on the other hand, is a liquid mixture that you can soak the beef in for several hours before cooking. Both options can add a lot of flavor to your roast beef, so experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and liquids to find your favorite.

FAQ

What goes good with beef tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin is a versatile cut of meat that pairs well with a variety of flavors. Some classic sides to serve with beef tenderloin include roasted vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, and potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Additionally, sauces like béarnaise, mushroom, or red wine sauce can take your beef tenderloin to the next level.

How do you dress a beef tenderloin?

Before cooking beef tenderloin, it’s important to remove any silver skin or excess fat. Then, you can choose to season it with a simple mix of salt, pepper, and olive oil or use a marinade to infuse more flavor. Some popular marinade options include garlic, herbs, and citrus.

Which cooking method is best for beef tenderloin?

The most popular methods for cooking beef tenderloin are roasting and grilling. For roasting, preheat your oven to 425°F, season the tenderloin, and roast it in the oven for 15-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. For grilling, preheat the grill to high heat, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, and then move it to a cooler part of the grill to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.

Should you Season beef tenderloin the night before?

You can season beef tenderloin the night before cooking it to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, if you use a marinade that contains acid (such as vinegar or citrus), be careful not to marinate it for too long as it can start to break down the meat and make it tough.

What are the common sauces and sides for meat dishes?

Common sauces for meat dishes include gravy, mushroom sauce, béarnaise sauce, and red wine sauce. As for sides, popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, and a simple green salad.

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