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Traditional Chateaubriand

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By , About.com Guide

From the time of Napoleon comes this recipe for a great meal. Chateaubriand is not a cut of beef, like many think, but a recipe for a grilled beef tenderloin.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds beef tenderloin
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup watercress
  • 2 tablespoons minced parsley
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper

Preparation:

Trim beef tenderloin of unnecessary fat. The tenderloin should be about 1 inch thick, so if it's too thick, pound to flatten. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and coat over the surface of the meat. Season with black pepper. Preheat grill. Meanwhile melt remaining 1/2 cup of butter in a sauce pan. Add parsley, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour into a small container and refrigerate.

Place the tenderloin on hot grill and sear on each side for about 4 minutes. Reduce heat and continue grilling until it reaches the desired doneness. Remove from grill and slice into 1/2 inch thick slices. Serve garnished with watercress and butter mixture (called Maitre d'hotel butter).

Chateaubriand is traditionally served with Béarnaise Sauce and Chateau Potatoes.

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