Sear-Style Beef Tenderloin with Herb Butter

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

A perfectly crusty beef tenderloin paired with a fragrant herb butter sauce, ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal prep. This american-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef tenderloin, avocado oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef for 2 minutes per side until deeply browned.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and roast for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Remove beef and let rest for 10 minutes. Melt remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh chives, and 1 tsp fresh thyme. Cook for 1 minute until butter is foamy and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested beef and drizzle with the herb butter sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Style Beef Tenderloin with Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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.

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