Veal Tenderloin — Cooking Guide

About This Cut

Our Veal Tenderloin is exceptionally tender and delicately flavoured — a refined choice for a special occasion.

How to Cook It

Pan-Seared (Recommended)

  1. Remove from the fridge 30–40 minutes before cooking and pat dry.
  2. Season generously with salt just before cooking.
  3. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until just smoking; sear 2–3 minutes per side to build a light crust — veal is delicate, so keep an eye on it.
  4. Add butter, garlic, and thyme; baste for the last minute, then reduce heat and cook to your target temperature.
  5. Rest 5 minutes tented with foil, then slice against the grain.

Grilling

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high and sear 2–3 minutes per side over direct heat.
  2. Move to indirect heat and finish cooking to your target temperature.
  3. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Doneness & Internal Temperature

Doneness Internal Temp Description
Rare 46–49°C / 115–120°F Very red, cool center
Medium Rare 49–52°C / 120–125°F Red, warm center
Medium 54–57°C / 130–135°F Pink center
Medium Well 60–63°C / 140–145°F Slightly pink center
Well Done 66–68°C / 150–155°F Cooked throughout

Use a digital meat thermometer, and pull the meat a few degrees before your target — it will continue to rise while resting. Note: Rare, Medium Rare, and Medium all fall below Health Canada's minimum recommended internal temperature of 63°C/145°F for whole cuts of red meat; cook to at least Medium Well if you prefer to meet that guideline.

Chef's Tip

Veal's mild flavour is easily overpowered — keep the seasoning simple (salt, butter, a little garlic and herbs) and let the cut speak for itself.

A guide from HQ Meats.