is an elegant and flavorful appetizer, perfect for parties or special occasions. This dish features tender slices of grilled beef atop crunchy crostini, topped with rich, creamy Béarnaise sauce, offering a combination of textures and tastes that are sure to impress.
Here’s how it comes together:
Components:
- Grilled Beef Tenderloin: The tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of beef, making it perfect for this dish. It’s seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic or herbs, then grilled to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is often ideal for tenderloin). Once rested, it’s thinly sliced.
- Crostini: Slices of baguette or another rustic bread are toasted until golden and crispy. You can brush them with olive oil and season lightly with salt for extra flavor.
- Béarnaise Sauce: This classic French sauce is a rich, buttery emulsion flavored with shallots, tarragon, and white wine vinegar. It adds a luxurious, tangy touch to the beef, balancing the richness of the meat. Béarnaise is similar to hollandaise, but the herbs give it a slightly different flavor profile.
Assembly:
- Prepare the Crostini: Slice the baguette, brush with olive oil, and toast in the oven or on a grill until crispy.
- Grill the Beef: Season the beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Grill it over high heat until your preferred doneness is achieved. Let the beef rest before slicing thinly.
- Make the Béarnaise Sauce: This sauce can be made in advance or just before serving. Combine shallots, tarragon, vinegar, and a touch of white wine in a saucepan, reduce, and then whisk in butter slowly to emulsify.
- Assemble the Crostini: Place a slice of tenderloin on each crostini, then drizzle with Béarnaise sauce. Garnish with extra fresh tarragon or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
This appetizer is sophisticated and full of bold flavors, combining the juicy, flavorful beef with the crunch of crostini and the buttery richness of Béarnaise sauce. Would you like a step-by-step recipe for this?