Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Shallot-Red Wine Reduction

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef medallions pan-seared to perfection and finished with a rich shallot and red wine reduction sauce. This French-inspired beef recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs beef tenderloin medallions, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 beef tenderloin medallions (6 oz each) and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the medallions and sear for 3 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Remove medallions and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter along with 2 finely chopped shallots to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shallots are translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3/4 cup dry red wine and 1/2 cup beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes until it reduces by half and thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, then spoon the sauce over the beef medallions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Shallot-Red Wine Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Shallot-Red Wine Reduction?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef tenderloin medallions from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Shallot-Red Wine Reduction?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Shallot-Red Wine Reduction for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Shallot-Red Wine Reduction gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.