If you are looking to impress with a dish that feels both luxurious and comfortingly familiar, then this Beef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy beef fillet paired with a zesty, creamy horseradish sauce creates a flavorful harmony that brightens every bite. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply craving a sophisticated meal at home, this recipe stands out for its simple preparation and magnificent taste that brings friends and family together around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Beef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe has an important role to play, from the rich beef that promises melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to the fresh horseradish that adds a delightful kick. The balance of creaminess, acidity, and seasoning ensures every mouthful is bursting with flavor and texture.
- 125ml cream: Use full-fat cream to achieve a light and frothy base for the horseradish sauce.
- 125g sour cream: Adds tanginess that complements the sharpness of horseradish beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Provides a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the cream sauce.
- 40g grated horseradish: The star ingredient, delivering heat and piquancy that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives: Fresh herbaceous flavor with a mild onion hint, perfect for garnish and blending.
- Season to taste: Salt and pepper to enhance and balance all the flavors in the cream.
- 2kg beef fillet, approx: Choose a good quality fillet for tender, juicy meat that stands as the centerpiece of the dish.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: For coating the beef to help develop a beautiful sear and prevent sticking.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out its natural flavors.
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper: Adds aromatic heat and complexity to the beef exterior.
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp layer beneath the crust of the fillet when roasted.
How to Make Beef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Horseradish Cream
Start by placing the cream in a stand mixer bowl and whipping it gently until it turns frothy, which usually takes about 45 seconds. This whipped cream forms the airy and light foundation for the horseradish sauce, giving it a luxurious texture that’s neither too dense nor watery.
Step 2: Combine the Horseradish Sauce Ingredients
Once the cream is frothy, add the sour cream, lemon juice, freshly grated horseradish, chopped chives, and seasoning to the bowl. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Transfer it into a serving dish, cover with cling film, and chill in the fridge so the flavors meld beautifully while you prepare the beef.
Step 3: Prepare the Beef Fillet
Trim any excess fat from the beef fillet and then coat it lightly with olive oil. Season generously on all sides with salt and cracked black pepper. This prep is crucial to developing that deep, flavorful crust when you sear the meat.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat your BBQ or a large frying pan to high heat. Place the beef fillet in the hot pan and sear all sides—this should take a few minutes per side until it turns beautifully browned. Searing locks in the juices and adds wonderful texture contrasts.
Step 5: Roast with Dijon Mustard
Transfer the seared beef onto a lined baking tray. Coat it evenly with Dijon mustard, which not only adds a subtle tang but also forms a delicious crust. Roast in a preheated oven set to 220°C fan bake for 20-25 minutes, adjusting cooking time depending on how rare or well-done you prefer the beef.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove the beef from the oven and cover it loosely with tinfoil. Let it rest for 30 minutes—this step allows the juices to redistribute evenly inside the fillet, resulting in tender, juicy slices when you cut.
How to Serve Beef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped chives are not only mixed into the cream but also sprinkled over the plated beef fillet for a pop of green and a mild oniony scent that complements the dish. A few sprigs of parsley or microgreens make for a lovely colorful finish and added freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this Beef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe with roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for earthy flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery new potatoes are perfect for soaking up the horseradish cream, creating a satisfying, well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, slice the beef fillet thinly and fan it out on a large platter, dolloping the horseradish cream in the center or neatly alongside the meat. For personal servings, plate the beef slices and spoon horseradish cream over each portion, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover beef fillet and horseradish cream separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps maintain the distinct textures and flavors of each element.
Freezing
The beef fillet slices freeze well if wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer-safe container, remaining good for up to 2 months. However, it’s best not to freeze the horseradish cream as it can separate upon thawing and lose its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Gently reheat beef slices in a low oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying them out. It’s best to add fresh horseradish cream after reheating for maximum flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare the horseradish cream in advance?
Absolutely! The horseradish cream benefits from chilling for at least an hour to let the flavors develop. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the beef fillet is cooked to my liking?
Using a meat thermometer is the foolproof way: 50°C for rare, 55°C for medium-rare, and 60°C for medium. Remember the beef will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so take it out of the oven just before your target temperature.
Is horseradish cream very spicy?
Horseradish has a sharp, pungent heat that clears the sinuses in a delightful way, but when combined with cream and sour cream, it mellows out to a gentle, tangy kick rather than overwhelming spice.
Can I substitute Dijon mustard with another type?
Yes, you may use wholegrain mustard or English mustard as alternatives. They will bring slightly different flavor profiles but maintain the essential mustard tang that balances the beef.
What wines pair best with this dish?
A medium-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or a Merlot complements the richness of the beef and the tangy horseradish cream beautifully. For white wine lovers, a dry Riesling works wonderfully thanks to its acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to execute. Its balanced flavors and elegant presentation make it an unforgettable meal to share with loved ones. Give it a try and watch as this dish becomes one of your favorites to bring joy and warmth to your table.
PrintBeef Fillet with Horseradish Cream Recipe
A succulent beef fillet roasted to perfection and served with a zesty horseradish cream sauce, combining creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. This elegant dish is ideal for gatherings and special occasions, featuring a tender beef cut seared for a flavorful crust and roasted to your preferred doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Roasting
- Cuisine: Western
Ingredients
Horseradish Cream
- 125ml cream
- 125g sour cream
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 40g grated horseradish
- 2 Tbsp chopped chives
- Season to taste
Beef Fillet
- 2kg beef fillet, approx
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare Horseradish Cream: Place the cream in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip gently until frothy, about 45 seconds. Add sour cream, lemon juice, grated horseradish, chopped chives, and season to taste. Mix until combined, then transfer to a serving dish, cover with cling film, and refrigerate until serving.
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat or sinew from the beef fillet. Coat the entire fillet evenly with olive oil. Season generously on all sides with salt and cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 220°C with a fan bake setting to ensure even cooking and proper roasting of the beef fillet.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a BBQ grill or a large frying pan over high heat until very hot. Sear the beef fillet on all sides to develop a rich, flavorful crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture.
- Apply Mustard and Roast: Transfer the seared beef to a lined baking tray. Coat the top and sides with Dijon mustard, adding a tangy flavor and helping to form a crust in the oven. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, adjusting time depending on your preferred doneness (less time for rare, more for medium).
- Rest the Beef: Remove the beef from the oven and cover it loosely with tinfoil. Let it rest for 30 minutes; resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister, more tender fillet.
- Serve: Slice the rested beef fillet across the grain and serve immediately with the chilled horseradish cream and your choice of side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Resting the meat after roasting is crucial for tenderness and juiciness.
- You can adjust horseradish quantity based on your heat preference.
- Use fresh horseradish for best flavor; prepared horseradish in jars can also be used but might be less vibrant.
- Mustard enhances crust formation, but can be omitted if preferred.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on oven calibration and beef thickness.
