Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a Parisian fine dining restaurant! This Beef Tournedos with Gin and Juniper Sauce is not just a meal - it's a sophisticated symphony of flavors that will elevate your cooking skills from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine tender, perfectly seared beef bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce that combines the botanical complexity of gin with the earthy punch of juniper berries - this recipe is about to become your new signature dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 beef tournedos
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup gin
- 1 tablespoon juniper berries
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Take the beef tournedos out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will help them cook evenly.
- Season the tournedos generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor of the beef.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Once the oil is hot, add the beef tournedos to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on one side until a nice brown crust forms.
- Carefully flip the tournedos using tongs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer a different doneness.
- Once cooked to your liking, remove the tournedos from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1/4 cup of gin. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which will add flavor to your sauce.
- Add 1 tablespoon of juniper berries to the skillet. Allow the gin to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Next, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and mix well. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, place each beef tournedos on a plate and spoon the gin and juniper sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with additional juniper berries or fresh herbs for presentation.
- Enjoy your Beef Tournedos with Gin and Juniper Sauce alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your beef come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing and perfect doneness.
- Pan Selection Matters: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet that conducts heat evenly for the best sear and sauce development.
- Precision Timing: For medium-rare, aim for 3-4 minutes per side, but use a meat thermometer for guaranteed perfection (125-130°F for medium-rare).
- Gin Quality Counts: Use a good quality gin with botanical notes to enhance the sauce's flavor profile.
- Don't Rush the Sauce: Allow the gin to reduce and concentrate its flavors before adding cream for a more complex sauce.
- Rest Your Meat: Let the tournedos rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
