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Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe

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4.6 from 92 reviews

This Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin recipe delivers a succulent and flavorful main course featuring a perfectly seared and oven-roasted beef tenderloin topped with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet weeknight dinner, this dish promises tender, juicy beef with a delicious herbaceous finish.

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 with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for roasting.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef tenderloin and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust. Be sure to sear all sides evenly for the best texture and flavor.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown, then remove from heat.
  4. Roast the Beef: Brush half of the prepared garlic butter sauce all over the seared beef tenderloin. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the beef for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare doneness (135°F/57°C) or longer depending on your preferred level. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature accurately.
  5. Rest and Serve: Take the tenderloin out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy final product. After resting, slice the beef into medallions, drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce, and serve warm alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to your preferred doneness.
  • For a more intense herb flavor, fresh herbs are preferred but dried can be used as substitutes.
  • Letting the beef rest after roasting is crucial for juicy and tender slices.
  • The lemon juice in the garlic butter sauce is optional but adds a nice brightness to balance the richness.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared beef to a baking dish before roasting.