The first time I crafted this Roasted Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe, I couldn’t believe how effortlessly luxurious it turned out! The way the buttery garlic sauce coated each melt-in-your-mouth bite was downright magical. It wasn’t long before everyone at the table was asking for seconds.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms a simple dinner into something truly spectacular. Despite its elegance, the dish is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality results every time. If you’re ready to impress with a main course, this one’s for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece, along with tips to make it even better.
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin, trimmed (the star of the dish―choose a good quality cut for the juiciest results)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (creates a rich, silky garlic butter sauce)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (for bold, aromatic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (a fresh, bright garnish)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (sticks better than table salt for even seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adds balance to the richness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for an earthy depth)
Note: This recipe is ideal for about 6 servings. Adjust ingredients proportionally for larger or smaller gatherings.
Variations to Try Out
Here are some fun ways to customize this dish to suit all tastes and needs:
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out regular butter for a plant-based version or olive oil for a lighter touch.
- Add Extra Spice: Mix in smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a bolder flavor.
- Herb Lovers: Amp it up with fresh rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a unique twist.
- Simple Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished tenderloin for a sweet and tangy bite.
Cooking Time Checklist
Here’s the quick time breakdown to help you plan seamlessly:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment Essentials
To ensure flawless results, these tools will come in handy:
- Oven-safe skillet: Used for both searing and roasting the tenderloin.
- Meat thermometer: Guarantees the perfect level of doneness.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the garlic butter mixture.
- Knife and cutting board: Helps with chopping herbs and slicing the tenderloin neatly.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin?
Creating this tenderloin is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps to cook a dish that’s bursting with flavor and looks as good as it tastes!
Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by finely mincing your garlic. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes, allowing all those incredible aromas to fill your kitchen. Stir in some parsley along with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set this glorious mixture aside. Trust me, the garlic butter makes all the difference!
Season the Beef Tenderloin
Use paper towels to pat your tenderloin dry first – this helps the seasoning stick better. Liberally coat the meat with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. This simple blend doesn’t overpower the beef, letting its natural taste shine through.
Sear the Tenderloin
Turn your stove to medium-high and add a drizzle of oil to an oven-safe skillet. Once the oil is hot, sear your tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on all sides until it develops a stunning golden crust. This seals in the juices and enhances the final texture.
Roast to Absolute Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After searing, transfer the skillet with the tenderloin directly into the oven. Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Remember, the meat will continue cooking slightly once it’s out of the oven.
Rest and Butter It All Up
Remove the tenderloin from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting is key to keeping the juices locked in, leaving you with perfectly tender slices. While it’s resting, brush on the garlic butter generously so all that flavor soaks in beautifully.
Slice and Serve
Carve the tenderloin into thin medallions, slicing against the grain for ultimate tenderness. Arrange the slices elegantly on a plate or serve family-style with extra garlic butter on the side. It’s pure bliss in every bite.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some tips I’ve learned that help take this tenderloin to the next level:
- Bring It to Room Temperature: Before cooking, leave the tenderloin out for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Sear Without Fear: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds a flavorful crust your guests will love.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking the internal temperature ensures perfectly cooked meat without any guesswork.
- Rest Is a Must: Always rest your meat before slicing; it preserves the juiciness and texture.
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin?
For the ultimate pairing, serve this beef tenderloin with sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. To elevate it even more, drizzle some extra garlic butter over the slices and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that final burst of flavor and color. Whether plated individually or served family-style, it’s a dish that wows every time.
Nutritional Information
This dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. Per serving (approximately):
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 24g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe’s versatility makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Save extra garlic butter to use for reheating!
Freezing
If you have leftovers to store long-term, slice the tenderloin, wrap in foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This beef tenderloin recipe is packed with qualities that make it a keeper:
- Elegance Meets Simplicity: It’s gourmet enough for special occasions but easy enough for a weeknight.
- Customizable to Your Needs: You can tweak the ingredients to suit dietary restrictions or flavor preferences.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: The tenderloin on a platter, glistening with garlic butter, is irresistible.
- Heavenly Flavor Pairings: Every ingredient complements the beef, creating an unforgettable taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Great for intimate dinners or festive gatherings alike.
With this roasted garlic butter beef tenderloin, you’re setting yourself up for culinary success. Like me, you’ll find it’s a recipe that belongs in your regular rotation. Enjoy every luxurious, buttery bite!
For more details on how to make this, check out the video here:
Roasted Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef tenderloin trimmed
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves optional
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and thyme, then set aside.
- Pat the tenderloin dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until golden-brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest the tenderloin for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture onto the tenderloin slices and serve.
Notes
- Let the tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Searing the meat is crucial for locking in moisture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
