Beef Tenderloin Smells Like Rotten Eggs: Why Does My Beef Tenderloin Smell So Bad?

beef tenderloin smells like rotten egg

Have you ever bought or cooked beef tenderloin and noticed that it smells like rotten eggs?

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It is actually a pretty common complaint.

In this post, we are going to take a look at why beef tenderloin smells like rotten eggs, and what you can do to minimize or get rid of this smell.

Keep reading to learn more!

Why does my beef tenderloin smell like rotten eggs?

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Beef should smell like beef, not eggs, or even rotten eggs.

So why does this happen sometimes?

The following reasons can explain:

Beef has been improperly vacuumed and stored for a long time

The rotten egg odor is sometimes released from your beef tenderloin, especially the cut that has been vacuumed for a long time.

When you open the package, a weird smell comes out and can make you want to throw up.

The lack of oxygen and the natural juice in the meat can cause this rotten egg smell if you improperly store it.

Bacteria in beef tenderloin release the sulfur-containing compounds when cooked improperly

Another reason that can explain the rotten egg smell in your beef tenderloin is that you have cooked it in an inappropriate way, especially when the meat is still too rare and not safe to eat.

Some certain types of bacteria can cause compounds that contain sulfur, the main cause of the rotten egg smell.

Is it safe to eat beef tenderloin that smells like rotten eggs?

Beef tenderloin is the most tender and leanest cut of beef that can result in a succulent and melt-in-your-mouth dish.

It is also one of the most expensive cuts that not all families can afford.

Therefore, it might be a waste to discard your beef tenderloin right away when you notice the rotten egg smell.

The question is if it is safe enough to keep cooking and eating this smelly cut or not.

Well, it actually depends on the situation.

Beef tenderloin, if not come with other signs of spoilage besides the slight rotten egg smell, might be safe for eating, as well as you can handle that odor.

Otherwise, you might get foodborne illnesses if you consume spoiled beef tenderloin.

How to get rid of the rotten eggs smell from beef tenderloin?

Rotten eggs definitely don’t smell good, especially when it comes from your beef tenderloin.

So how to get rid of this scent in your expensive beef tenderloin cut?

Here are some ways that can help:

Buy fresh beef tenderloin rather than its frozen counterpart

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As already mentioned, beef that has been improperly vacuumed can release an off smell like rotten eggs.

Therefore, if you buy fresh beef tenderloin, which means your beef cut is taken from the cow that has been slaughtered and is only stored in the cooling department, you don’t need to worry about the unpleasant smell coming out from the package when opened.

Fresh beef tenderloin might be more expensive, but it is worth the price. 

Only buy frozen beef as the last resort.

And don’t forget to carefully check the quality of your frozen package.

Wash and rinse the beef tenderloin thoroughly before cooking

Another tip to help you get rid of the rotten egg smell in your beef tenderloin is to always wash and rinse the meat cut thoroughly before you cook it.

Bacteria and dirt can linger on your beef tenderloin during storage and transportation.

If it is not a severe problem that makes your beef spoiled, you can remove these unwanted substances from your meat by washing it carefully before cooking.

Wash and rinse it under a running tap of cool water, and pat dry before your beef tenderloin is used in the recipe.

Cook beef tenderloin in the proper way following the recipe

Don’t forget to look for a reliable recipe to cook your beef tenderloin.

Bacteria often exist in rare meat, but it doesn’t mean that you have to fully cook your beef tenderloin and sacrifice the juicy texture of medium-rare meat.

Just make sure to use the thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before finishing cooking and serving so that your beef tenderloin will not only smell good, taste amazing, but also have a juicy and moist texture.

The bottom line

Beef tenderloin is one of the sought-after cuts of beef that is perfect for different recipes and occasions.

However, sometimes, this beef cut doesn’t smell like it should be, and the rotten egg smell comes out that can make you feel nasty.

There are some causes for this smell and ways to get rid of the rotten egg smell in your beef tenderloin, so hopefully, our article has satisfied you with useful information.

See you around in other posts!