Smoked muscle (at home)

Smoked Tenderloin Recipe at Home

In a world where refined tastes and culinary traditions intertwine, preparing smoked tenderloin at home is a journey full of flavor and satisfaction. This smoked tenderloin recipe is not just a way to preserve meat but also an opportunity to bring a touch of magic into your kitchen. I invite you to discover step by step how to create a delicious dish that will impress family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating and smoking time)
Baking time: 3 hours (approximately)
Total time: 24 hours (including marinating)
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

- 2 pieces of fresh tenderloin (approximately 3 kg)
- 3 tablespoons of coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

For the brine:

- 3 liters of water
- 3 tablespoons of coarse salt
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 10 peppercorns
- 10 allspice berries
- 1 head of garlic, halved

Preparing the smoked tenderloin:

Step 1: Preparing the spices
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, allspice, thyme, and nutmeg. This mixture will give your tenderloin a unique flavor, and each spice plays an important role in creating a balanced taste. Allspice adds a slightly spicy note, while nutmeg offers a warm and aromatic taste.

Step 2: Seasoning the tenderloin
Wash the tenderloin pieces well and dry them with a paper towel. Then, evenly spread the spice mixture over the entire surface of the tenderloins, ensuring that every nook is well covered. Let the meat absorb the flavors for 3-4 hours at room temperature.

Step 3: Preparing the brine
In a large pot, add the 3 liters of water and bring to a boil. Once the water has started boiling, add the salt, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice, and garlic. This marinade will help intensify the flavors and give the tenderloin a juicy texture. Let the brine boil for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool.

Step 4: Marinating the tenderloin
After the brine has cooled, place the tenderloin pieces in a tall container (preferably glass or ceramic) and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the tenderloins are completely covered by the liquid. Cover the container with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This marinating process is essential for achieving tender and flavorful meat.

Step 5: Smoking the tenderloin
After 24 hours, remove the tenderloins from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Prepare the smoking using wood chips (e.g., cherry or beech) for a distinctive flavor. Place the tenderloins on the smoker grill and let them smoke for about 3 hours. Here, you can experiment with different types of wood to achieve various flavors.

Step 6: Boiling before serving
After smoking, rinse the tenderloins under cold running water to remove any smoke residue. Then, boil them in a large pot of water, adding wine, garlic, onion, and the remaining spices. This step gives the tenderloins a delicate texture and rich flavor. Boil for about 1-1.5 hours until the meat becomes tender.

Step 7: Serving
Once the tenderloins are boiled, remove them from the pot and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. They can be served warm or cold, making them perfect for appetizer platters or sandwiches. You can add a fresh green salad or pickles on the side to contrast with the rich flavor of the smoked tenderloin.

Practical tips:

- Use high-quality meat for the best results.
- If you don't have a smoker, you can improvise with a grill with a lid or use a pan that you can cover with a lid.
- Experiment with different spices and flavors in the marinade to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Smoked tenderloin can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks, and if frozen, it can last longer.

Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 1g

This smoked tenderloin at home can be an excellent choice for festive meals, as well as a quick snack. I recommend pairing it with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or craft beer, to highlight its flavors. You can also try the homemade bread recipe to create a complete and delicious platter.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, this method also works with other types of meat, such as pork chops or chicken breast.

2. What other spices can I add?
You can add smoked paprika, coriander, or even chili for a spicier taste.

3. How can I store the smoked tenderloin?
Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or freeze it for later use.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to put on your apron and start cooking! This recipe will turn every meal into a memorable feast. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 pieces of fresh muscle (3 kg) coarse salt, pepper, allspice, thyme, nutmeg (ground) Marinade: in 3 l of water, 3 tablespoons of coarse salt, 1 onion, 2 bay leaves, peppercorns and allspice, 1 head of garlic