Ingredients
- 4 (1 1/2-inch thick) beef tenderloin fillets
- 1 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cracker meal
- 11/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- Biscuits, for serving, optional
Directions
Slice the tenderloin fillets crosswise in half into 3/4-inch thick medallions. Season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper.
Combine 3/4 cup of the flour, cracker meal, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the Essence in a small, shallow bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and 1 teaspoon of the hot sauce.
Dredge the beef medallions, 1 at a time, in the flour-cracker mixture and then dip in the buttermilk mixture. Dredge medallions again with the flour-cracker mixture, pressing to coat, and shaking off any excess flour.
Heat the oil in a large skillet with 2-inch deep sides to 375 degrees F. (The oil should be about 1/4-inch deep.) Add the tenderloins to the preheated oil, being careful not to over-crowd the pan. It may be necessary to do this in batches. Pan-fry on the first side for 2 1/2 minutes, or until golden brown. Turn the beef tenderloins and cook an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown. The tenderloins should be medium at this point, or you can cook to the desired degree of doneness. Place the tenderloins on a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm while you make the gravy.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the pan drippings in the skillet and discard the remainder. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring, until softened and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour to the mushrooms, and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Add the milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly to keep from sticking. Bring the gravy mixture to a simmer, and cook 5 to 6 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season the gravy with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, remaining 1/2 teaspoon Essence, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce. Serve immediately over split biscuits and chicken fried tenderloins.
Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
- 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 2/3 cup
Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.
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By babyazn_8123101
Kennesaw, GA
on March 04, 2008
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Very easy to make, and very tender. I added a little more essence to emphasize the flavors..... FOllow the directions, and it will come out perfect!
By usmcsweethart_7...
flagstaff, AZ
on August 04, 2007
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i liked this recipe my husband did a good job on it, im trying to get away from fried foods so my husband used olive oil, it still tasted really good. but i like this recipe.
By cuejay_6051914
Temple, TX
on September 12, 2006
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I thought this would be a terrible waste of such a great cut of meat, but was I wrong. Incredible recipe !!
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