Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Shallot Butter

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

A tender beef cut seared until golden and finished with a fragrant shallot-butter sauce. This american-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef tenderloin, olive oil, finely chopped shallots 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef tenderloin and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  4. Step 4: Transfer beef to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 finely chopped shallots and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened but not browned.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Step 8: Slice rested beef into 1/2-inch thick pieces and serve with shallot butter sauce.

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 Tenderloin with Shallot Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Shallot 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 Shallot 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 Shallot 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 Shallot 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

Related recipes