I've written previously about pork tenderloin being the best part of the pig. Well, the same can be said about beef tenderloin -- it's the best part of the cow.

Beef tenderloin is cut from the animal's middle, specifically the psoas major muscle, which hangs beneath the spine. Beef tenderloin is also the general name for a wholesale cut of beef from which various retail cuts are made, such as filets or tenderloin steaks. As you might guess, beef tenderloin meat is the tenderest and most flavorful kind, generally speaking.

You really don't need a recipe to cook good beef tenderloin--just follow your instincts, using your favorite preparation method as for any other kind of beef. One of the simplest ways is to rub it with seasonings such as garlic powder, salt and black pepper (the last being coarsely ground, preferably). Put the beef and a tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan on your stove top, browning the meat all over. Then put it in the oven and roast it for about half an hour at 460 degrees F or hotter, making sure to turn it occasionally.

Here's a more exact recipe if you don't care to wing it:

Ingredients

4 medium-sized beef tenderloin steaks

4 tablespoons of coarsely ground black pepper

2 gloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Place steaks in a roasting pan. Rub steaks with minced garlic, salt and black pepper.

3. Place roasting pan in oven and cook on one side for 4 minutes. Flip steaks. Cook for 4 minutes more, or to desired state of doneness.