Cranberry Orange Kissed Beef Tenderloin

Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin A Christmas Showstopper

By SandraSeptember 23, 2025

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin is Christmas dinner sorted A juicy festive beef tenderloin recipe with a sweet tangy glaze Get the easy holiday roast recipe here ... Seasonal Favorites

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a Holiday Roast Beef that will knock everyone's socks off? Have you ever tried Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin ? Honestly, the tangy sweetness is out of this world! This recipe will become a tradition.

Brief Overview

The combination of cranberry and orange screams festive cheer. This glaze is often found in many countries, it elevates the humble beef tenderloin.

This recipe is of medium difficulty. It takes about an hour from start to finish. It yields 6 to 8 servings.

Main Benefits

Lean beef tenderloin is a great source of protein. It’s perfect for a Christmas Meat , especially with a delicious Cranberry Orange Sauce for Beef .

What makes this recipe special? It transforms ordinary beef into a Gourmet Beef Tenderloin Recipe !

Ready for a Christmas Beef that will make everyone go wild? Let's talk about this showstopper. It's more than just a Beef Tenderloin Recipe Christmas .

It's a centerpiece for your table. Seriously, this Holiday Dinner Centerpiece Beef will get you compliments.

You know, I remember the first time I made this. I was proper nervous! I wasn’t sure about the glaze.

But, Oh my gosh! the flavors worked. I was worried the cranberry would be too tart. But with the orange, it was just mint.

That tiny bit of balsamic vinegar really elevates the dish! So, now I only make this recipe.

Looking for an Easy Holiday Roast Recipe ? You've found it. The ingredients are simple. The steps are straightforward. You will definitely impress everyone.

This recipe is also a Festive Beef Tenderloin , I mean, it is so colourful, vibrant and amazing!

Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Your Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin

So, you wanna make a Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin ? Ace decision, mate! This holiday roast beef will knock their socks off.

It’s the perfect Christmas meat . This isn't just any Beef Tenderloin Recipe Christmas , its an Easy Holiday Roast Recipe Let’s break down what you’ll need.

Main Ingredients: Get the Good Stuff!

Beef Tenderloin: 1 (3-4 pound) roast (that's around 1.3-1.8 kg for you metric folks). Quality matters! Look for a well-trimmed tenderloin with good marbling. That fat is flavour, innit?
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Extra virgin is grand.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Don't skimp on the salt, it brings out the flavours!
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ). Freshly ground is always better, innit?
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 6g ). More if you’re a garlic fiend. No judgement here!
Fresh Rosemary: 1 sprig . Adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Fresh Thyme: 1 sprig . Complements the rosemary beautifully.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: 1 (12-ounce) package ( 340g ). Frozen's fine, just thaw them first.
Orange Juice: ¾ cup ( 180 ml ). Freshly squeezed is the bee's knees, but shop-bought will do in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: ½ cup , packed ( 100g ). Light or dark, your call.
Orange Marmalade: ¼ cup ( 60g ). This adds a lovely citrusy sweetness. If you want to change it up a bit replace with apricot jam.
Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Adds a bit of tang.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). For a bit of a kick.
Orange Zest: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). This is where all the aroma lives!
Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ). A classic Christmas spice.
Ground Cloves: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ). A little goes a long way.
Pinch of Salt. Just a wee pinch!

Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Oomph

The cranberry, orange, cinnamon and cloves combo is a total winner for this Christmas Beef . This Festive Beef Tenderloin is begging for this flavour.

Don't be scared to experiment! A little ginger or nutmeg can also work wonders.

If you’re out of balsamic, a splash of red wine vinegar will do the trick. For a bit of extra warmth, a tiny pinch of chilli flakes in the glaze is amazing.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Large skillet or Dutch oven (oven-safe is ideal). If you haven't got an oven-safe one, use a roasting pan!
Roasting pan (if your skillet isn’t oven-safe).
Meat thermometer. This is crucial! Don’t guess, know when your beef is perfect.
Small saucepan.
Whisk.

Honestly, that's all you really need. No fancy gadgets required for this gourmet beef tenderloin recipe . Don't sweat it if you don't have the exact equipment.

A regular pan will work, and a fork can stand in for a whisk in an emergency. The Holiday Dinner Centerpiece Beef is ready! Time to get cooking!

Cranberry Orange Kissed Beef Tenderloin presentation

Cooking Method: Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin

Right then, let’s talk about how to nail this stunning Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin. Honestly, it’s easier than it looks.

This Holiday Roast Beef is proper impressive. It'll make your Christmas Dinner Centerpiece Beef the talk of the town!

Prep Like a Pro

Before we even think about turning on the hob, mise en place is key. Chop your garlic. Squeeze that orange juice – fresh is best.

Get your cranberries ready. Having everything prepped saves a right load of stress. And most importantly, make sure you've got a meat thermometer handy.

This is our secret weapon against overcooked beef.

Step-by-Step to Christmas Meat Perfection

Okay, here's how we turn that beef into a Festive Beef Tenderloin:

Pat the beef dry and season it. Don't be shy with that salt and pepper! Tuck in the herbs.
Sear it! Get that skillet smoking hot with oil. Sear all sides until browned, about 2- 3 minutes per side.
Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce for Beef. Throw all glaze ingredients into a pan. Simmer until the cranberries burst. It'll thicken up beautifully.
Brush the glaze all over the beef. Get every nook and cranny.
Roast at 375° F ( 190° C) until it hits your desired internal temp. Use that thermometer!
Rest it for 10 minutes before slicing. This is a must for juicy beef.

Pro Tips for a Gourmet Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Want to take your Beef Tenderloin Recipe Christmas to the next level? Make sure you do these things. First, don't overcook the beef.

Use a thermometer! Second, resting is essential. It lets the juices redistribute, making it super tender. One more thing: You can totally make the glaze a day ahead.

It's a brilliant time-saver. Now, for a final tip: don't skip out on drying the meat before searing it. You'll get a beautifully dark crust and that really seals in all the delicious flavour.

Honestly? Once you’ve mastered this Easy Holiday Roast Recipe , you’ll be whipping it out every Christmas. It's such a crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Notes for Your Showstopper Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin

Alright, so you're about to tackle this amazing Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin . Honestly, it's easier than it looks. But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things to make sure your Holiday Roast Beef is absolutely perfect.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Christmas Beef Masterpiece

Presentation matters, right? For a truly Festive Beef Tenderloin , slice it on the diagonal and arrange it on a platter.

Spoon that gorgeous Cranberry Orange Sauce for Beef over the top. Think about adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary for some color and extra oomph .

On the side, creamy mashed potatoes are always a winner. Roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips also pair beautifully.

For a bit of freshness, green bean almondine is always a good shout.

Storage Tips: Keep That Christmas Magic Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the sliced Christmas Meat into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll be good for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a low oven (about 250° F/ 120° C) or in a skillet with a bit of extra glaze, so it doesn't dry out.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the texture might change. But honestly, it's so yummy, you probably won't have any left to freeze!

Variations: Tailor to Your Taste

Want to spice things up a bit? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. Seriously good! Need a dietary adaptation ? Easy peasy.

Swap the brown sugar for a sugar substitute. Using a different herb is also a way to personalize your Gourmet Beef Tenderloin Recipe .

Sage or oregano could be a nice change from rosemary and thyme.

Nutrition Basics: A Holiday Dinner Centerpiece Beef that's Good for You (ish!)

Each serving of this Beef Tenderloin Recipe Christmas has about 450-550 calories. You're also getting a good whack of protein (40-50g) and some healthy fats (25-35g).

The carbs are around 20-30g, mostly from the glaze. Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants, so you can almost call it healthy! Remember, this is an estimate.

So there you have it! A few extra tips to help you nail this Easy Holiday Roast Recipe . You've got this! Enjoy creating your very own Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin masterpiece.

I can't wait to see (and hear!) how it turns out. Trust me, it's gonna be epic!

Stunning Christmas Beef Cranberry Orange Glazed Delight

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin isn't as tender as I hoped. What went wrong?

A tough tenderloin is a kitchen nightmare, but easily avoided! First, make sure you're not overcooking it. Beef tenderloin is best served medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 130-140°F (54-60°C). Secondly, resting the meat is absolutely key – let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute. Think of it like letting a good cuppa brew properly!

Can I make the Cranberry Orange glaze for this Beef Tenderloin ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the glaze a day or two in advance can actually enhance the flavors, like a good stew. Just prepare the glaze according to the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to roast the beef, simply warm the glaze gently on the stovetop before brushing it on. Think of it as getting your ducks in a row before the main event.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin?

This dish is a bit of a showstopper, so you'll want sides that complement it without overshadowing it. Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes) are a classic choice, as are creamy mashed potatoes. For something a bit lighter, try green bean almondine or a simple salad with a vinaigrette. Basically, anything that Delia Smith would approve of!

Is there a way to make this Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin recipe lower in sugar?

Definitely. The sugar content mainly comes from the brown sugar and orange marmalade in the glaze. You can substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Look for a sugar-free or reduced-sugar orange marmalade, or even consider making your own with a sugar substitute. This is a great way to indulge without feeling too guilty, a bit like having a cheeky biscuit with your tea.

I don't have orange marmalade. What else can I use in the Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin?

No worries, a few things will work! Apricot jam is a great substitute, as it has a similar sweetness and slightly tangy flavor. You could also use another citrus-based preserve, like lemon or grapefruit marmalade, for a slightly different but still delicious twist. Even a spoonful of good-quality honey can add some sweetness and depth.

How long will leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Beef Tenderloin last in the fridge, and how should I reheat it?

Properly stored, leftover beef tenderloin will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm it in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) to prevent it from drying out. You can also slice it thinly and reheat it in a pan with a bit of the leftover glaze, or even use it cold in sandwiches or salads. Just try to avoid the 'hockey puck' scenario, where it's tougher than a day-old scone!