For an elevated gourmet experience, few dishes rival the decadence of crab-stuffed beef tenderloin with Béarnaise bliss. This surf and turf masterpiece blends the buttery tenderness of beef tenderloin with the delicate sweetness of crab meat, creating a luxurious balance of flavors. Topped with a rich, velvety Béarnaise sauce, this dish embodies fine dining at its best.
Perfect for special occasions, crab-stuffed beef tenderloin with Béarnaise bliss is a show-stopping entrée that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home. The succulent beef tenderloin is carefully butterflied and filled with a flavorful crab stuffing, then roasted to perfection. The Béarnaise sauce, infused with tarragon and butter, adds a luscious finishing touch.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a milestone, crab-stuffed beef tenderloin with Béarnaise bliss is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete fine-dining experience. Indulge in the ultimate gourmet feast with this irresistible surf and turf creation!
Ingredients Breakdown
Selecting the Best Beef Tenderloin
- Choose a high-quality cut: Look for Prime or Choice grade beef tenderloin for maximum tenderness.
- Size matters: A 2-3 lb. center-cut tenderloin is ideal for stuffing.
- Prepping the meat: Trim excess fat and silver skin for even cooking.
Choosing the Right Crab Meat
- Jumbo lump crab meat: The best option for a rich, flaky stuffing.
- Fresh vs. canned: Fresh is superior, but high-quality canned crab works in a pinch.
- Moisture control: Drain well and remove excess liquid to avoid a soggy stuffing.
Key Ingredients for the Stuffing
- Jumbo lump crab meat (1 lb.)
- Cream cheese (4 oz., softened)
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp.)
- Shallots (2, finely chopped)
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp., chopped)
- Lemon zest (1 tsp.)
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Ingredients for Béarnaise Sauce
- White wine vinegar (1/4 cup)
- Dry white wine (1/4 cup)
- Shallots (1, finely chopped)
- Tarragon leaves (1 tbsp., chopped)
- Egg yolks (3)
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Preparing the Beef Tenderloin
- Butterfly the tenderloin: Slice through the center lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Flatten slightly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to even out thickness.
- Season generously: Use salt, black pepper, and a touch of olive oil.
Making the Crab Stuffing
- Sauté shallots & garlic until fragrant.
- Mix crab meat, cream cheese, mustard, and seasonings.
- Fold in breadcrumbs to bind the stuffing.
- Spread evenly over the tenderloin.
Rolling and Tying the Tenderloin
- Roll the beef tightly around the stuffing.
- Tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals.
- Sear in a hot skillet for a golden crust.
Oven Roasting
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast for 30-40 minutes until internal temp reaches 130°F (medium-rare).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Making the Béarnaise Sauce
- Simmer vinegar, wine, shallots, and tarragon until reduced.
- Whisk egg yolks over a double boiler.
- Slowly add melted butter while whisking.
- Season and serve warm over the tenderloin.

Serving and Presentation
Plating Tips
- Slice the tenderloin into medallions.
- Drizzle with béarnaise sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Wine Pairing Suggestions
- Red: Cabernet Sauvignon
- White: Chardonnay (for a balanced pairing)
Variations & Pro Tips
Alternative Stuffings
- Lobster or shrimp for a different seafood twist.
- Spinach & cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Expert Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare ahead: Stuff and roll the tenderloin a day in advance.
- Leftovers? Use them for steak sandwiches or pasta dishes.

FAQs
How do I prevent the stuffing from leaking?
- Secure tightly with kitchen twine and avoid overstuffing.
Can I grill instead of roasting?
- Yes! Sear over direct heat, then finish on indirect heat.
What can I use instead of béarnaise sauce?
- Try hollandaise, red wine reduction, or garlic butter.
How long does it take to cook to medium-rare?
- About 35 minutes at 400°F plus resting time.
Conclusion
Crab-stuffed beef tenderloin with Béarnaise bliss is a luxurious, show-stopping dish that perfectly blends the flavors of land and sea. The succulent beef tenderloin is filled with sweet, delicate crab meat, then topped with a rich, buttery Béarnaise sauce, creating an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Ideal for special occasions or an upscale family dinner, crab-stuffed beef tenderloin with Béarnaise bliss is a recipe designed to impress. The combination of tender beef, flavorful crab stuffing, and silky Béarnaise sauce makes every bite indulgent.
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Crab-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Bliss
- Total Time: PT1H00M
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
When it comes to elevated gourmet dining, few dishes rival the indulgence of Crab-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Bliss. This show-stopping centerpiece marries the tender, buttery texture of beef tenderloin with the delicate sweetness of lump crab meat — all topped with a luscious, buttery béarnaise sauce. Perfect for special occasions or elegant dinner parties, it’s the definition of fine dining at home.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Tenderloin:
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin, trimmed and butterflied
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp butter (for searing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Béarnaise Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced shallots
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Stuffing
- In a bowl, combine crab meat, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
- Mix gently to avoid breaking up the crab. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Beef Tenderloin
- Butterfly the tenderloin by slicing lengthwise down the center without cutting through completely.
- Open it like a book, cover with plastic wrap, and pound lightly to an even thickness.
- Spread the crab mixture evenly over the beef, leaving a small border.
- Roll tightly and secure with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
3. Sear and Roast
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear the tenderloin on all sides until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer to the oven and roast 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F (medium-rare).
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Make the Béarnaise Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, shallots, and tarragon. Simmer until reduced by half.
- Strain and whisk the reduction into egg yolks over a double boiler.
- Slowly drizzle in melted butter, whisking constantly, until thick and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Slice tenderloin into 1-inch medallions.
- Spoon warm béarnaise sauce over each serving.
- Garnish with extra tarragon or a light sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT35M
- Category: Gourmet
- Method: Roasted & Stuffed
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thick slice with béarnaise sauce
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 230mg

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