Tender Beef Medallions with Zesty Chimichurri: A Quick & Elegant 30-Minute Meal
Prepare to be absolutely captivated by these incredibly tender and juicy Beef Medallions, perfectly complemented by a vibrant and flavorful Chimichurri Sauce! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to create an impressive meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. I’ll guide you through the process of cooking flawless beef medallions (often referred to as beef tenderloin cutlets) and whipping up a fresh, zesty chimichurri sauce to lavish over every bite. But first, let me share a little bit about the inspiration behind this sensational dish, which comes from a recent, unforgettable trip. 😉 (A heartfelt thank you to Universal Studios Orlando for sponsoring this post today! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Orlando, Florida, as a guest of Universal Resort. I joined 13 other amazing blogger friends, all thanks to Universal Studios! We were treated like royalty and had an absolute blast, experiencing the parks, dining, and accommodations firsthand. It was truly a trip filled with luxury and fun.
The Culinary Inspiration: Mythos Restaurant
During our stay, we had the pleasure of dining at several fantastic restaurants across Universal Studios. Among them, my absolute favorite meal was the Beef Medallions with Chimichurri Sauce served at Mythos Restaurant, located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. I savored every single bite of that exquisite dish. The flavors were so remarkable, so perfectly balanced, that I knew immediately I had to bring that experience home and recreate it for my family. This copycat recipe is my tribute to that unforgettable dinner at Mythos, inspired by the magic of Universal Studios!
When I first set out to recreate the dish, I wasn’t entirely sure what a “beef medallion” entailed. So, I turned to my trusted butcher at the local supermarket for guidance. He explained that “medallion” primarily refers to the shape – small, round cuts of meat. He then pointed me toward the beef tenderloins, clarifying that beef medallions are essentially small, thick slices from this incredibly prized cut. They are very similar to filet mignon in tenderness and quality. The beauty of beef tenderloin medallions lies in their inherent tenderness and their remarkably quick cooking time, making them an excellent choice for a gourmet-level protein on even the busiest of days.
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Achieving the Perfect Sear for Your Medallions
Despite their quick cooking time, beef medallions look incredibly sophisticated on a plate, making them perfect for those special celebrations you want to make a little extra memorable. Think Father’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a touch of culinary elegance! The secret to achieving that coveted perfect crust on your steak, while keeping the inside tender and juicy, lies in using a cast iron skillet. With minimal effort, just a touch of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, you can create a depth of flavor that is truly unparalleled. The high, even heat of the cast iron pan locks in juices and develops a beautiful, caramelized exterior.
The Ultimate Companion: Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
The chimichurri sauce isn’t just a complement to these Beef Medallions; it’s an essential partner that elevates the entire dish. My recipe for chimichurri leans towards the “authentic” Argentinian style, meaning it skips the cilantro in favor of fresh Italian parsley and includes a robust kick from oregano. The preparation couldn’t be simpler: just toss all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until you achieve your desired consistency. The result is a vibrant, herbaceous, garlicky, and slightly tangy sauce that brightens every bite of the rich beef. Be warned, once you taste this chimichurri, you might be tempted to drink it – it’s THAT good!
Perfect Pairings: Delicious Side Dishes
At Mythos, my Beef Medallions were served with delicious fingerling potatoes and a sweet corn succotash, both of which were fantastic. If you’re looking for other side dish ideas to perfectly complement this delectable dinner, here are a few more suggestions that will make your meal truly unforgettable:
- Smashed Potatoes aka Potatoes Fondantes: These potatoes are crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside, offering a textural contrast that pairs beautifully with the tender beef. Their rich flavor makes them a hearty addition.
- Caramelized Butternut Squash: The sweetness of caramelized butternut squash provides a lovely counterpoint to the savory beef and the tangy chimichurri, adding a touch of seasonal warmth to your plate.
- Easy Greek Farro Salad: For a lighter, fresher option, a Greek farro salad offers a delightful chewiness and zesty flavors from Mediterranean ingredients, cutting through the richness of the steak.
- **Roasted Asparagus with Lemon**: Simple yet elegant, roasted asparagus offers a slight bitterness and crunch that cleanse the palate, with a hint of lemon complementing both the beef and the chimichurri.
- **Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes**: A classic for a reason, creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting, smooth texture that makes a wonderful bed for the juicy beef medallions.
Recalling the Magic of Universal Studios Orlando
Now that your taste buds are tingling and you’re envisioning this incredible meal, allow me to indulge a little more and tell you about the truly amazing trip that inspired it all. As I mentioned, my visit to Orlando, Florida, included the incredible Universal Studios theme parks, along with a fantastic stay onsite at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. If you haven’t heard of this hotel, you absolutely must check it out! It boasts a wonderfully fun retro theme, but with all the modern comforts and amenities you could wish for. The pools were simply spectacular, offering a perfect way to relax after a day of park adventures. Below is a glimpse of the serene view from my charming hotel room. I can confidently say I would choose to stay there again in a heartbeat.
One of the many conveniences of Cabana Bay was the complimentary transportation to Universal Studios Park, though it was also a pleasant and easy walk if you preferred. Much like its California counterpart, Universal Studios Orlando is seamlessly connected to CityWalk, an incredibly vibrant area brimming with fantastic restaurants, unique shops, and exciting entertainment options. We enjoyed a memorable meal at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium in CityWalk, where the food was delicious and the giant, elaborately concocted milkshakes were a work of art! I definitely found myself in a delightful food coma afterward, haha!
Admittedly, my initial excitement for Universal Studios leaned more towards seeing the iconic sights than riding the thrilling attractions. However, after experiencing my very first ride, I was instantly hooked! The adrenaline, the immersive storytelling – I wanted to ride ALL the rides! The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit quickly became my absolute favorite. It was so exhilarating that we rode it multiple times, each time more fun than the last! The sheer joy and excitement of soaring through the air with music pumping was an unforgettable sensation. Each ride at Universal felt like its own unique adventure, blending cutting-edge technology with beloved movie magic.
Another highlight, and truly one of my favorite areas of Universal Studios, was stepping into the enchanting world of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. As a devoted reader of all the Harry Potter books, this experience was nothing short of magical – it felt like I had literally walked into the pages of the books and onto the movie set. The attention to detail was astounding, from the winding cobblestone streets to the incredibly themed shops and, of course, the majestic Gringott’s Bank! For any Harry Potter fan, this is an absolute must-see destination. The atmosphere, the rides, and the sheer immersion made Universal Studios an incredibly fun and captivating experience. I’m already dreaming of my next visit!
And now, without further delay, here is the full recipe and detailed instructions for crafting your own delectable Beef Medallions with Chimichurri Sauce at home:
Beef Medallions with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce
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Ingredients
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh Italian parsley chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped OR 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/3 cup good quality olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. fresh cracked pepper
For the Beef Medallions:
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin trimmed and cut into 1-inch thick medallions
- olive oil for cooking
- kosher salt & fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor, combine all the chimichurri ingredients: chopped Italian parsley, minced garlic, fresh or dried oregano, olive oil, white wine vinegar, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are well blended and reach your desired thickness. For optimal flavor, you can prepare this sauce a few hours in advance or even the day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Cook the Beef Medallions: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot (a few drops of water should sizzle and evaporate immediately). Drizzle the beef medallions generously with olive oil and season both sides with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Place the seasoned medallions on the hot pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your medallions and your desired internal temperature. For Medium-Rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 125ºF, and for Medium, about 135ºF. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Serve the perfectly cooked beef medallions generously slathered with the fresh chimichurri sauce and enjoy immediately!
Another immense THANK YOU to Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Studios Orlando for such a spectacular experience! And special acknowledgments go to Kia, for the comfortable and stylish SUVs you graciously provided us for our travels around Orlando, and to SquattyPotty, who came all the way to visit and shared some fantastic swag! This trip was truly unforgettable, and I eagerly anticipate my next return!
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(Please note: This post was sponsored, but as always, all opinions and experiences shared are genuinely my own.)