Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter
Succulent beef tenderloin seared to a golden crust and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a keto dinner. This american-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 25 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 450 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
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the 1.5 lbs beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef and sear for 3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp butter and swirl the skillet until melted and golden. Pour the butter mixture over the beef and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 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 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 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 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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
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