Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme Butter
Succulent beef tenderloin seared to a perfect crust and finished with a fragrant garlic-thyme butter that elevates its rich, buttery flavor. This american-inspired beef (low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Beef tenderloin, Olive oil, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Beef tenderloin
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tsp Fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the 1.5 lbs beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute), then add the beef and sear for 3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and edges are crisp.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp fresh thyme to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant and edges are golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Transfer beef to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Pour off excess oil, add 3 tbsp butter to skillet, and swirl until melted and frothy (1 minute). Slice rested beef thinly and drizzle with garlic-thyme butter.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme Butter take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme Butter?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme Butter?
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 Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme Butter low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
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