Best Beef Tenderloin Recipe

(center-cut beef tenderloin (also called chateaubriand))

Kosher salt

freshly crushed tri-color peppercorns or 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

unsalted butter

sprigs fresh thyme

garlic (peeled & chopped)

shallot (roughly chopped)

Coarse sea salt (such as fleur de sel or Maldon)

Brandy Peppercorn Sauce (click for recipe)