Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic-Asparagus Butter
A succulent beef tenderloin seared to perfection and served with a vibrant garlic-asparagus butter sauce. This american-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs beef tenderloin, olive oil, 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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
- 12 oz beef tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz asparagus
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the 12 oz beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 3: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
- Step 4: While beef roasts, trim the 12 oz asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
- Step 5: Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Remove beef from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Add 2 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the asparagus skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 7: Thinly slice the rested beef and serve immediately with the asparagus and garlic-butter sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic-Asparagus Butter take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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-Asparagus 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-Asparagus 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-Asparagus 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-Asparagus 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
- ★★★★★
The tenderloin cooked to absolute perfection—juicy and flavorful, just like the recipe promised.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for date night with the garlic-asparagus butter shining through.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured the asparagus! Even my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds.
