Imagine cutting into a perfectly seared tenderloin steak that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, then getting hit with a burst of sweet, spicy pepper jelly sauce that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This isn't just another steak recipe - it's a gourmet journey that will elevate your home cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a five-star restaurant with this simple yet sophisticated Tenderloin Steaks with Pepper Jelly Sauce recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin steaks
- 1/2 cup pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by removing the beef tenderloin steaks from the refrigerator. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and preheat your cooking surface.
- In a small saucepan, combine the pepper jelly, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture over low heat until the jelly has melted and the ingredients are well blended. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once combined, remove from heat and set aside.
- While the sauce is heating, preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Season both sides of the beef tenderloin steaks generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Once the pan is hot, carefully place the steaks in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them to achieve a good sear.
- After 4-5 minutes, flip the steaks and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness (approximately 3-4 minutes for rare, 5-6 minutes for medium, and 6-7 minutes for well done).
- Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tenderness.
- While the steaks are resting, reheat the pepper jelly sauce over low heat if necessary, stirring occasionally.
- After resting, plate the tenderloin steaks and drizzle the warm pepper jelly sauce generously over the top.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Always let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Don't move the steaks while searing - this helps develop a beautiful, flavorful crust.
- Let the steaks rest after cooking to retain their juices and maximize tenderness.
- Choose a high-quality pepper jelly for the most vibrant sauce flavor.
- If you don't have a grill pan, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly for achieving a great sear.
- Experiment with different pepper jellies (jalapeño, habanero) to customize the heat level.
- Pair the steaks with complementary sides that balance the rich, sweet-spicy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
