Sautéed Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Thyme
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-inspired beef (keto, low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound beef tenderloin, tablespoons olive oil, minced 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 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 pound beef tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon, leaves only fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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 pound 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the simplicity and elegance of this recipe. Served with roasted veggies, perfect.
- ★★★★★
My family couldn't stop raving about this dish. The garlic and thyme were perfect.
- ★★★★☆
Cooked it for my wife's birthday; it was delicious but took about 20 minutes longer than the recipe said.
