SPICED FILLET OF BEEF WITH MIZUNA SALAD

Spiced Fillet of Beef with Mizuna Salad image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

For beef
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
2 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
2 teaspoons dried hot red pepper flakes
4 teaspoons kosher salt
3 1/2 pounds center-cut beef tenderloin roast (fillet of beef), trimmed and, if necessary, tied
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For salad
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced shallot
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 ounces mizuna or baby arugula, trimmed

Steps:

For beef:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Toast peppercorns, cumin, and coriander , then cool completely. Grind spices with red pepper flakes in an electric coffee/spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle. Stir in kosher salt.
Pat beef dry and sprinkle with spices on all sides, pressing to adhere. Heat oil in a large flameproof roasting pan set across 2 burners over high heat until just smoking, then brown beef on all sides, about 2 minutes.
Roast in middle of oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted diagonally 2 inches into center registers 120°F, about 25 minutes. Let beef stand in pan 25 minutes. Beef will continue to cook as it stands, reaching 130°F (medium-rare).
Make salad and slice beef:
Whisk together oil, lemon juice, shallot, and salt in a bowl, then add pepper to taste.
Untie beef if necessary, then slice. Toss mizuna with dressing and serve beef topped with salad.