Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Southwest Spice Rub

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef medallions coated in a smoky Southwest spice blend, pan-seared to medium-rare perfection and served with a zesty lime cilantro sauce. This american-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs 6 oz each beef tenderloin medallions, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Southwest spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 beef tenderloin medallions (6 oz each). Rub each medallion evenly with the spice mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the seasoned beef medallions to the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until a crust forms.
  5. Step 5: Flip the medallions and cook for an additional 3 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove the beef from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
  7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves until smooth and vibrant.
  8. Step 8: Serve the rested beef medallions topped with the lime cilantro sauce for a fresh, tangy finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Southwest Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Southwest Spice Rub?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Southwest Spice Rub?

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 Southwest Spice Rub 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Beef Medallions with Southwest Spice Rub?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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