Beef Tenderloin on the Pellet Grill
Cooking on a pellet grill offers several advantages that make them popular for many outdoor cooks. They are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking methods. You can grill, smoke, roast, bake, and even braise on a pellet grill. This versatility allows you to cook a variety of dishes, making it a great all-in-one outdoor cooking solution.
Pellet grills use real wood pellets as their fuel source, providing a distinct smoky flavor to the food. The choice of wood pellets, such as hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry, can add unique flavors to your dishes, enhancing the overall taste and appeal. The wood pellets are a highly efficient energy source, meaning that they produce a lot of heat with minimal waste. This efficiency translates to less fuel consumption and lower overall operating costs compared to some other grills. Pellet grills are also a healthier option compared to traditional charcoal grills, as they produce fewer harmful substances such as creosote and soot. Additionally, the ability to cook at lower temperatures for extended periods during smoking can help retain more nutrients in the food.
Cooking beef tenderloin on a pellet grill is a great way to achieve a delicious smoky flavor and a perfectly tender piece of meat. A whole beef tenderloin can, of course, be cooked directly on the grill itself. I prefer to put it in a cast iron pan and to put the whole pan on the grill to help capture all of the juices.
Ingredients
- 1 whole beef tenderloin (about 2-3 lbs.) at room temperature
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Meat Rub
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet grill to 180°F.
- Rub the tenderloin all over with olive oil. Rub all over with your meat rub if you are using one, or salt and pepper to taste if you are not. I think this tastes a lot better with a rub.
- Insert a leave-in meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin and place it in a large cast iron pan. If your tenderloin is too long, you can cut it in half and put both pieces into the pan.
- Place the pan directly on the grill grate, close the smoker lid and allow it to smoke for 60 minutes.
- Remove the tenderloin from the grill and increase the grill temperature to 400°F. Once hot, return the tenderloin to the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 130℉. This should take about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the tenderloin. Be careful not to overcook it.
- Allow the tenderloin to rest, covered loosely with foil, for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
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