Pan-Seared Fourth-Century Beef Medallions with Herb Jus

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

Seared beef medallions inspired by classical simplicity, finished with a fragrant herb jus that elevates each tender bite. This french-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each beef tenderloin medallions, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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: 15 min Serves 4 French cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 beef tenderloin medallions (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the medallions to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, spooning 3 tbsp unsalted butter over the top during the last 2 minutes along with 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 3 crushed garlic cloves until fragrant and the butter foams.
  3. Step 3: Remove the medallions to a warm plate and tent with foil. Pour 1/2 cup beef broth into the skillet and simmer over medium heat, stirring and scraping the browned bits for 2-3 minutes until the jus thickens slightly. Pour the herb jus over the medallions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Fourth-Century Beef Medallions with Herb Jus 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 Fourth-Century Beef Medallions with Herb Jus?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Fourth-Century Beef Medallions with Herb Jus?

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 Fourth-Century Beef Medallions with Herb Jus 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 Fourth-Century Beef Medallions with Herb Jus?

French 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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