Ingredients
Method
Preparation of the Baguette
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush both sides of each baguette slice lightly with olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- If you like garlicky crostini, rub the warm toasts with a halved garlic clove once they come out of the oven.
Béarnaise Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the shallot, white wine vinegar, white wine (or water), and half the tarragon. Reduce until only about 1 tablespoon of liquid remains.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the warm reduction. Place the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler) making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk constantly until the yolks thicken and become pale.
- Slowly drizzle in the warm melted butter while whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick and glossy. Stir in lemon juice, remaining tarragon, and season with salt and white pepper.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water. Keep warm but off the heat.
Cooking the Beef
- Pat the tenderloin dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat with the butter.
- When foaming, sear the tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. For medium-rare, cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 125–130°F.
- Remove the beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 8–10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into medallions.
Assembling the Crostini
- Place a slice of beef on each toasted baguette round. Spoon a small dollop of béarnaise over the beef.
- Garnish with chopped chives or a tiny sprig of tarragon and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Notes
If you’re short on time, you can use a high-quality store-bought béarnaise or hollandaise and still end up with fabulous beef crostini. For a slightly different herb note, try half tarragon and half parsley. Best eaten right away; if you must hold them, keep toasted bread separate and assemble just before serving.