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Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

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4.8 from 123 reviews

This Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin recipe features a tender and juicy beef cut perfectly seared and roasted to medium-rare, topped with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. Ideal for a special dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients with elegant cooking techniques to deliver bold flavors and a succulent texture.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 2 lbs beef tenderloin, trimmed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef tenderloin dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the beef tenderloin in the skillet and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until a rich brown crust forms. Be sure to sear all sides evenly to lock in juices and flavor.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice if using. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, then remove from heat.
  4. Roast the Beef: Brush half of the prepared garlic butter sauce over the seared tenderloin to coat the surface. Transfer the skillet with the beef into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare (an internal temperature of 135°F/57°C), or cook longer depending on preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked to your preferred doneness, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the beef to rest for about 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. After resting, slice the beef into medallions and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches your desired doneness for perfect results.
  • Allowing the beef to rest after roasting is crucial for juicy, tender slices.
  • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
  • Optional lemon juice in the sauce adds a bright note that complements the richness of the butter and beef.
  • You can adjust the cooking time if you prefer your beef more rare or more well done.