Grilled French Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Compound Butter

There is a profound elegance in simplicity, especially when it involves high-quality beef and the rustic charm of open-fire cooking. This French-inspired Grilled Beef Tenderloin recipe transports the sophisticated flavors of a Parisian bistro directly to your backyard. By utilizing the unique heat zones of the Arteflame grill, you can achieve that coveted steakhouse sear while maintaining an incredibly tender, juicy interior. The star of the show, however, is the red wine compound butter. It melts luxuriously over the hot steak, mingling with the meat's natural juices to create a sauce that is both robust and velvety.

Whether you are hosting a romantic dinner under the stars or looking to impress friends with your grilling prowess, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between gourmet preparation and effortless execution. The tenderloin, known for its buttery texture, requires little manipulation, allowing the smoky char of the grill and the aromatic depth of the red wine reduction to shine through. Prepare to redefine your steak night with this classic pairing of filet mignon and savory, wine-infused butter.

Ingredients

For the Red Wine Butter

• 1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work best)
• 1 large shallot, finely minced
• 1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Beef Tenderloin

• 4 Beef Tenderloin steaks (Filet Mignon), approximately 1.5 to 2 inches thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
• Coarse sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Red Wine Reduction

1. Place a small saucepan on the flat cooktop of your Arteflame or a side burner. Add the red wine and minced shallots.
2. Simmer the mixture gently until the liquid has reduced significantly, becoming syrupy and measuring about 1 to 2 tablespoons. This concentrates the flavor.
3. Remove from heat and let the reduction cool completely. If you mix it with the butter while hot, the butter will separate.

Step 2: Compound the Butter

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, the cooled red wine and shallot reduction, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Mash the ingredients together with a fork until the wine is fully incorporated into the butter.
3. Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Roll it into a log shape, twist the ends to seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill and Steaks

1. Fire up your Arteflame grill. Build a fire in the center and allow it to burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the cooktop is searing hot. The center grate should be over 600°F (315°C) for searing.
2. While the grill heats, pat the beef tenderloin steaks completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
3. Rub the steaks lightly with olive oil and season generously with coarse sea salt and black pepper on all sides.

Step 4: Sear the Steaks

1. Place the steaks directly on the center grill grate for the initial sear.
2. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, rotating slightly to get beautiful cross-hatch grill marks if desired. You are looking for a deep, brown crust to form.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Move the steaks from the center grate to the flat carbon steel cooktop. This zone provides a more moderate, even heat perfect for bringing the internal temperature up without burning the exterior.
2. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches your preference: 120°F (49°C) for rare, or 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
3. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Slice a coin of the cold red wine butter and place it atop each hot steak, allowing it to melt as you serve.

Tips

To ensure your French Grilled Beef Tenderloin is restaurant-quality, always allow your meat to come to room temperature for at least 30 to 45 minutes before grilling; cooking cold meat leads to uneven doneness. When making the butter, ensure the wine reduction is completely cool before mixing, otherwise, you will end up with a broken, greasy sauce rather than a creamy compound. Don't skip the resting period after grilling. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices. If you cut into the steak immediately, all that flavorful liquid will run out onto the plate, leaving you with dry meat. Finally, rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than touch or timing to guarantee perfect doneness, as grill temperatures can fluctuate based on ambient weather and wood type.

Variations

While the red wine butter is a classic French pairing, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate several delicious variations to suit your palate. You can easily modify the compound butter or the seasoning rub to create a subtly different flavor profile without changing the core grilling technique. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Blue Cheese Butter: Swap the red wine reduction for 2 tablespoons of crumbled Roquefort or Gorgonzola cheese mixed into the butter.
• Garlic Herb Butter: Omit the wine and use roasted garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon zest for a Maître d'Hôtel style topping.
• Coffee Rub: Add finely ground espresso to your salt and pepper mix for an earthy, bold crust that pairs beautifully with the wine butter.
• Bacon Wrapped: Wrap a slice of bacon around the perimeter of the filet before grilling for added smokiness and fat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.

Best pairings

A dish as rich and elegant as this deserves sides and drinks that complement its intensity without overshadowing it. Since the main dish features red wine, the beverage pairing is straightforward: serve the remaining bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Bordeaux used in the butter reduction. The tannins in the wine cut through the richness of the butter and the protein of the beef perfectly. For side dishes, stick to French classics that can also be prepared on the Arteflame.

• Grilled Asparagus: Tossed with lemon and parmesan, grilled right on the flat top.
• Potatoes Dauphinoise: Or, for a simpler outdoor version, smashed baby potatoes crisped on the griddle with rosemary.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Button or Cremini mushrooms sautéed in garlic butter alongside the steaks.
• Arugula Salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich meat.

Conclusion

Mastering this French Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Butter allows you to bring the sophistication of fine dining to the comfort of your own patio. The Arteflame grill makes the process intuitive, giving you the high heat needed for a professional sear and the control required for a perfect finish. The result is a steak that is tender enough to cut with a fork, crowned with a melting savory butter that creates its own decadent sauce.

We hope this recipe inspires you to open a good bottle of wine and fire up the grill. It is a celebration of simple ingredients treated with care, resulting in a meal that is truly memorable. Gather your friends, pour the wine, and enjoy the art of French cooking over an open fire.