To BBQ a beef tenderloin, you’ll need to cook it low and slow over indirect heat until it reaches your preferred doneness. For a perfectly juicy, medium-rare tenderloin, aim for a smoker temperature of 225-250°F and pull the meat when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F. This premium cut deserves special attention, but with the right tools and techniques, even beginners can achieve steakhouse-quality results at home.
Essential Tools for BBQing Beef Tenderloin
Having the right equipment makes all the difference when BBQing an expensive cut like beef tenderloin. I learned this the hard way when I ruined my first tenderloin by guessing at temperatures. Here’s what you’ll need for success:
- Reliable meat thermometer (digital probe style)
- BBQ smoker or grill with lid
- Drip pan
- Butcher’s twine
- Sharp knife for trimming
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs and/or spatula
- Basting brush
- Wood chips or chunks (optional)
Must-Have: Digital Meat Thermometer
A reliable thermometer is non-negotiable for perfect beef tenderloin. The ThermoPro TP20 gives you precise readings without opening your grill, preventing temperature fluctuations and ensuring perfect doneness every time.
Selecting the Perfect Beef Tenderloin
The quality of your meat significantly impacts your results. When shopping for beef tenderloin:
- Look for USDA Choice or Prime grade for optimal marbling
- Choose center-cut tenderloin for even cooking
- Plan for about ½ pound per person
- Bright red color indicates freshness
- Some fat is good, but excessive fat should be trimmed
If budget allows, ask your butcher for a center-cut tenderloin with the silver skin removed to save prep time. I’ve found Costco and Sam’s Club offer good quality at reasonable prices compared to specialty butchers.
Preparing Your Beef Tenderloin for the BBQ
Proper preparation is crucial for even cooking and maximum flavor. Follow these steps:
Trimming and Tying
- Remove the beef tenderloin from refrigeration 1-2 hours before cooking to reach room temperature
- Trim excess fat and remove the silver skin (a tough membrane) using a sharp knife
- Tuck the tapered end (tail) underneath and secure with butcher’s twine
- Tie the tenderloin at 1-inch intervals to create an even thickness throughout
Seasoning Options
Keep seasonings simple to let the natural beef flavor shine. My go-to rub includes:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
| Kosher salt | 1 tablespoon | Enhances flavor and helps form crust |
| Coarse black pepper | 2 teaspoons | Adds mild heat and texture |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Provides savory depth |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | Adds herbal notes |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Helps seasonings adhere and promotes browning |
Apply olive oil to the entire surface of the tenderloin, then evenly coat with the seasoning mixture. Let it rest with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
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Food-grade cotton twine ensures your tenderloin maintains its shape during cooking for even results. This 200-foot roll will last through countless BBQs and roasts.
Setting Up Your BBQ for Beef Tenderloin
The key to perfectly BBQed beef tenderloin is indirect heat cooking. Here’s how to set up different types of grills:
Charcoal Grill
- Light charcoal and let burn until covered with gray ash
- Push coals to one side of the grill
- Place drip pan on empty side
- Add a few wood chunks for smoke flavor
- Aim for 225-250°F temperature
Gas Grill
- Turn on burners on one side only
- Place drip pan on the unlit side
- Use smoker box with wood chips if desired
- Preheat to 225-250°F
- Adjust burners to maintain temperature
Pellet Smoker
- Fill hopper with desired wood pellets
- Set temperature to 225-250°F
- Allow 15 minutes to reach temperature
- Place drip pan under grates
- No need for additional wood chips
Best Wood Flavors for Beef Tenderloin
Wood smoke adds subtle flavor to your tenderloin. Here are my recommended options:
| Wood Type | Flavor Profile | Intensity | Best For |
| Oak | Medium, traditional | Medium | All-purpose, balanced flavor |
| Hickory | Bacon-like, smoky | Strong | Bold, traditional BBQ flavor |
| Cherry | Mild, slightly sweet | Mild | Subtle flavor, nice color |
| Apple | Sweet, fruity | Mild | Delicate flavor that won’t overpower |
How to BBQ a Beef Tenderloin: Step-by-Step
Now that everything is prepared, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Preheat your BBQ to 225-250°F using the indirect heat setup described above
- Place the seasoned tenderloin on the cool side of the grill (away from direct heat)
- Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the meat
- Close the lid and maintain temperature between 225-250°F
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 115°F (for medium-rare finish)
- Move the tenderloin to the hot side of the grill for a quick sear on all sides (about 1-2 minutes per side)
- Remove when internal temperature reaches 125-130°F for medium-rare
- Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil
- Rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing (temperature will rise 5-10°F during rest)
- Slice into 1-inch medallions against the grain and serve
Temperature Guide for Perfect Doneness
| Doneness | Pull Temperature | Final Temperature (after rest) | Appearance |
| Rare | 115-120°F | 120-125°F | Cool red center |
| Medium-Rare | 125-130°F | 130-135°F | Warm red center |
| Medium | 135-140°F | 140-145°F | Warm pink center |
| Medium-Well | 145-150°F | 150-155°F | Slightly pink center |
Pro Tip: For the juiciest results, I recommend cooking beef tenderloin to medium-rare. Because it’s such a lean cut, cooking beyond medium can result in dry meat. Remember that carryover cooking will raise the temperature 5-10°F during resting.
Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker
This versatile smoker is perfect for BBQing beef tenderloin with precise temperature control. Its two-level design allows for perfect indirect cooking and adding wood chips for that authentic smoky flavor.
Serving Your BBQ Beef Tenderloin
After all your hard work, it’s time to enjoy the results! Here are some serving suggestions:
Sauce Options
While a perfectly cooked tenderloin needs no sauce, these options can complement its flavor:
- Horseradish cream sauce
- Red wine reduction
- Chimichurri
- Compound butter (garlic herb, blue cheese)
- Mushroom sauce
Perfect Side Dishes
Complete your meal with these complementary sides:
Vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Creamed spinach
- Sautéed mushrooms
Starches
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted fingerling potatoes
- Wild rice pilaf
- Crusty bread
Salads
- Caesar salad
- Arugula with balsamic
- Wedge salad
- Tomato and mozzarella
Troubleshooting Common BBQ Beef Tenderloin Problems
Even with careful preparation, things can go wrong. Here’s how to handle common issues:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
| Tough, chewy meat | Overcooked beyond medium | Use a reliable thermometer and pull at 125-130°F for medium-rare |
| Uneven cooking (some parts overdone) | Uneven thickness, not properly tied | Tie tenderloin at 1-inch intervals to create uniform thickness |
| Lack of flavor | Insufficient seasoning or not enough rest time | Season generously and allow meat to rest with seasonings before cooking |
| Too much smoke flavor | Too much wood or strong wood variety | Use milder woods like apple or cherry and fewer chunks |
| Dry interior | Overcooked or not rested properly | Cook to proper temperature and rest 15-20 minutes before slicing |
Common Mistake: The biggest error I see beginners make is not using a meat thermometer and relying on time alone. Beef tenderloin is too expensive to guess! Invest in a good thermometer and use it every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQing Beef Tenderloin
How long does it take to BBQ a beef tenderloin?
For a 4-5 pound beef tenderloin, plan on 60-90 minutes of cooking time at 225-250°F, plus 15-20 minutes of resting time. However, always cook to temperature, not time. The exact duration depends on your grill temperature, the size and starting temperature of your meat, and your desired doneness level.
Should I marinate beef tenderloin before BBQing?
Marinating isn’t necessary for beef tenderloin as it’s already naturally tender. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and herbs is sufficient. If you do marinate, limit it to 4 hours maximum to avoid breaking down the meat too much and potentially making it mushy.
Can I BBQ a frozen beef tenderloin?
It’s not recommended to BBQ a frozen beef tenderloin. Always thaw completely in the refrigerator (about 24 hours) before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption from seasonings.
What’s the difference between grilling and BBQing beef tenderloin?
Grilling typically refers to cooking over direct high heat for a short time, while BBQing involves cooking with indirect heat at lower temperatures for longer periods, often with smoke. For beef tenderloin, I recommend a combination: slow BBQ with indirect heat until nearly done, followed by a quick sear over direct heat for a flavorful crust.
How do I store and reheat leftover BBQ beef tenderloin?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently to avoid overcooking. Wrap slices in foil and heat in a 250°F oven until just warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). Alternatively, enjoy leftover tenderloin cold in sandwiches or salads.
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Add authentic smoky flavor to your beef tenderloin with these premium hickory wood chunks. They burn slowly and consistently for perfect smoke throughout the cooking process.
Mastering the Art of BBQ Beef Tenderloin
BBQing a beef tenderloin might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, proper preparation, and careful temperature monitoring, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Remember that this premium cut shines with simple seasonings and proper cooking technique.
The key takeaways for perfect BBQ beef tenderloin are:
- Start with quality meat and bring to room temperature before cooking
- Use indirect heat at 225-250°F for most of the cooking process
- Always use a reliable meat thermometer
- Pull the meat at 125-130°F for medium-rare
- Rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing
With practice, you’ll develop confidence in handling this special cut of meat. Your BBQ beef tenderloin will become a signature dish that friends and family request for special occasions. Happy BBQing!
