Herb-and-Potato Chip-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Ingredients

• 1 (4- to 5-lb.) beef tenderloin, trimmed
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper, divided
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/4 cups crushed, plain kettle-cooked potato chips
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf, crushed
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Garnish: fresh sage

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle tenderloin with 2 tsp. salt. Let stand 30 to 45 minutes.
2. 2. Meanwhile, sauté panko, garlic, 1 tsp. pepper, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a skillet over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until deep golden brown. Let cool completely (about 10 minutes). Stir in potato chips and next 4 ingredients.
3. 3. Pat tenderloin dry with paper towels, and sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. pepper. Brown beef in remaining 2 Tbsp. hot oil in a roasting pan over medium-high heat until browned on all sides (about 2 to 3 minutes per side). Transfer tenderloin to a wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined jelly-roll pan. Let stand 10 minutes.
4. 4. Spread mustard over tenderloin. Press panko mixture onto top and sides.
5. 5. Bake at 400° for 40 to 45 minutes or until coating is crisp and a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion registers 130° (rare). Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish, if desired.
6. Note: For medium-rare, cook tenderloin to 135°; for medium, cook to 150°.