Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme

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

A perfectly seared beef tenderloin with aromatic garlic and fresh thyme, finished with a rich herb-infused butter sauce that melts into every bite. This beef recipe (keto, low-carb), ready in about 30 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 550 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C). Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme 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 Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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