Sear-Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A succulent beef tenderloin seared to a perfect crust and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce, ideal for a quick keto dinner. This american-inspired beef (keto) ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef tenderloin, avocado oil, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 12 oz beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering, then sear the beef for 2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the beef to a cutting board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested beef against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces, drizzle with the garlic butter, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter 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 Sear-Grilled 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 Sear-Grilled 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 Sear-Grilled 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 Sear-Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter keto?

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

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