Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce

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

Tender beef medallions pan-seared to perfection and finished with a smoky chipotle cream sauce that adds a spicy depth. This mexican-inspired beef (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends 6 oz each beef tenderloin medallions, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 beef tenderloin medallions dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare. Transfer the medallions to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the chipotle cream sauce over the beef medallions and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Smoky Chipotle Sauce?

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 Smoky Chipotle Sauce 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 Smoky Chipotle Sauce 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.

Related recipes