Lobster Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Sauce - Amazing Dish for a Dinner Party

The Hubby and I first served this dish for Christmas dinner, oh, I would say about 8 years ago, not too long before our 1st child was born.  We made it for a few years and then once our older son starting eating with us, we simplified the meal for awhile.  Oh, and then we had another baby.  Needless to say, it had been awhile since we enjoyed it! 

For Christmas 2013, we traveled and visited my family.  My brother made a delicious crab-stuffed beef tenderloin and it reminded The Hubby and I that we needed to make this dish again!  So - the Saturday between Christmas and New Year's, we had an "official" dinner party for 8 - seated at the dining room table and all - and served this delightful meal.

I wouldn't consider this an "easy weeknight meal" - but one to try for a special occasion, a holiday meal, or for an intimate dinner party.

Do you have recipes that you have "forgotten about" over the years?

Lobster-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Béarnaise Sauce
Serves 8
Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

2 rock lobster tails

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 pound pancetta or bacon, chopped (you can find pre-diced pancetta at most grocery stores)

1/2 cup chopped shallots

3 tablespoons minced celery

2 teaspoons minced garlic

4 ounces baby chanterelle mushrooms, stems trimmed and sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons minced green onions

2 tablespoons dry white wine

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves

1 center-cut beef tenderloin, about 3 1/2 pounds, trimmed and butterflied

Steamed fresh asparagus, as accompaniment

Béarnaise Sauce

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
.
Set up a large steamer. Place the lobster tails in the steamer and steam until just cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove the lobster tails from the steamer.

Cut along the underside of the shell and remove the tail meat whole. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring, until crisp and the fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain off all but 2 teaspoons of fat from the pan. Add the shallots and celery and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms and a pinch each of salt and pepper, and cook until the mushrooms give off their liquid, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the green onions and stir. Add the wine, increase the heat, and cook until it has nearly all evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the parsley and stir. Remove from the heat, stir in the cooked pancetta, and let cool.

Spread the butterflied beef, cut side up, flat on a surface. Spread the pancetta-vegetable mixture in a line across the meat, about 2 inches from the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border on the sides.

Lay the lobster tails on top of the mixture, going across the beef.

Pull the top flap over the lobster tails and roll the meat over the stuffing, jellyroll fashion, and tuck in the ends. Tie with kitchen twine every 2 inches.
Place in a large heavy roasting pan, rub on all sides with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place over medium-high heat and sear the meat on all sides, about 6 minutes.

Place in the oven and roast to desired temperature, 30 to 35 minutes for medium-rare.
Transfer to a cutting board. Tent and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Remove the kitchen twine and slice thickly. Place on a platter, surround with the asparagus, and drizzle with the Béarnaise Sauce. Serve immediately.