The annual holiday food debate usually centers on two heavyweights. In one corner sits the traditional turkey, a holdover from Thanksgiving that somehow claims December too. In the other corner is the glazed ham, sweet and salty and a staple of festive tables everywhere. But while families argue over poultry versus pork, one TikTok chef is suggesting a luxurious third option that might just settle the argument for many this holiday season.
An online chef named Harrison, who goes by the TikTok handle @harrywwallace, shared a video showing how to deftly prepare and decadent beef tenderloin, a cut known for its tenderness and elegance. What makes his approach particularly brilliant is not just the roast itself, but his strategy for serving it two completely different ways. Harrison demonstrates how to prepare the beef as a show-stopping main course for dinner, and then how to utilize the same ingredients to create sophisticated appetizers for a crowd.
A versatile centerpiece for the holiday table
The appeal of beef tenderloin lies in its simplicity and speed compared to other holiday roasts. A turkey can take days to thaw, and hours to roast, but a tenderloin cooks relatively quickly at high heat. Harrison’s method involves a five-pound tenderloin that is trimmed and tied to ensure even cooking.
The process starts with arranging the beef on a wire rack over a baking sheet and patting it dry, a crucial step for getting a good crust. The seasoning is straightforward but bold. He uses a generous amount of salt and black pepper, coating the meat in softened salted butter to help the seasoning adhere and to promote browning.
The cooking method is high intensity. Roasting at 500 degrees allows the exterior to sear while the inside reaches that perfect medium-rare temperature of 125 degrees. After a critical resting period of twenty minutes under foil, the meat is ready to be sliced. This resting time is non-negotiable as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and tender.
The sauce that ties it all together
No beef roast is complete without a sauce, and this recipe features a classic horseradish cream. For the dinner version, Harrison utilizes the flavorful drippings from the bottom of the roasting pan. These are whisked together over low heat with sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, prepared horseradish, and a touch of mustard powder. The result is a warm, tangy accompaniment that cuts through the richness of the beef.
What makes this recipe a dual threat is how easily it transitions into an appetizer. By mixing the sauce ingredients cold (omitting the hot drippings) and refrigerating it, you have a spread ready for later. The appetizer version features thinly sliced leftover tenderloin atop crispy baguette slices seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. A smear of the cold horseradish sauce, a leaf of arugula, and a sprinkle of fleur de sel turns last night’s dinner into today’s elegant hors d’oeuvre.
@harrywwallace Full recipes are in today’s newsletter! Taking a break from binging Christmas hauls to bring you this incredible beef tenderloin prepared 2 ways! First as a main course for dinner and then as an appetizer for a crowd. Beef Tenderloin – 5 lb beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied – 3 Tbsp salt – 2 Tbsp black pepper – 1 stick, softened salted butter Instructions: Arrange the tenderloin on a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack, and pat dry. Season generously with half the salt, then coat with the butter and the rest of the salt and pepper. Roast at 500 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 125 degrees for medium rare. Cook another 7-10 minutes for medium, but double check the internal temperature, as every oven is a little different. The beef will rise in temperature by a few degrees as it rests. Cover with foil and allow the beef to rest for about 20 minutes, then slice and serve. For the horseradish cream sauce – Reserved drippings from the bottom of the tenderloin pan – 7oz sour cream – 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce – 1 Tbsp prepared horseradish – 1/2 tsp mustard powder, or 2 tsp dijon mustard – Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: In a skillet over low heat, add the pan drippings, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, mustard powder (or dijon), and salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Serve warm on the side of your tenderloin! For the version of this I used for the appetizer recipe, I combined all the same ingredients (except for the pan drippings) and then mixed them together without heating anything up. Can be stored in the fridge for a couple days in advance! Beef Tenderloin Crostini For the salt and pepper crostini: – 1 baguette, sliced thin – 2 Tbsp olive oil – Salt and Pepper to taste Arrange the baguette slices on a sheet tray, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 400 degrees until browned and crunchy, about 10 minutes. Slice any leftover tenderloin very thin, and arrange on a platter. To assemble, spread a little horseradish sauce, add some arugula and tip with the sliced tenderloin and some fleur de sel. #beeftenderloin #christmasdinner #cookwithme #appetizerrecipe #holidayappetizer #holidayrecipe ♬ original sound – Harrison
Switching up traditions
The response to this alternative Christmas feast has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing delight at finding a new option. The timing seemed perfect for many scrolling through their feeds. One viewer commented, “I just picked up a 6 lb tenderloin a few hours ago and this shows up on my FYP. Now I know what I’m doing with it.”
Others chimed in to validate the choice of beef over bird. “My family has beef tenderloin every Christmas and it is amazing!!” wrote another enthusiastic commenter. While ham and turkey have their place, the ease and sophistication of a beef roast can offer a welcome change of pace for the holiday season.
Whether you choose an old-fashioned ham, a roasted turkey, or start a new family tradition with this delicious beef tenderloin, it’s always good to remember that the true centerpiece of Christmas dinner is the company you share it with. Time around the dinner table is a chance to celebrate, exchange stories, and create memories that linger far longer than the meal itself.
