Sear-Style Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter
Perfectly seared beef tenderloin finished with a rich garlic butter sauce, accompanied by roasted asparagus for a satisfying low-carb dinner. This american-inspired beef (low-carb) ready in about 35 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 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz beef tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and thyme. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and roast for 12-14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
- Step 4: Remove the beef from the skillet and let rest for 10 minutes. Add butter to the skillet and swirl to melt, then spoon the garlic butter over the rested beef.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sear-Style Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style Beef Tenderloin with Garlic 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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better beef dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
