Delicious Beef Medallions with garlic butter and herbs
Looking to create a meal that feels luxurious yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner? This beef medallions recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-worthy dish without the fuss. Featuring tender beef fillet medallions seared to a golden crust and topped with an irresistible garlic butter sauce, this dish brings elegance and flavor to any table.
Whether you’re new to cooking medallions of beef or looking to refine your technique, this recipe is designed to deliver juicy, flavorful results every time. The combination of savory herbs, rich garlic butter, and perfectly cooked beef makes this beef medallions recipe a standout choice for date nights, dinner parties, or even a cozy family meal.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can transform humble cuts of beef into a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Are you ready to elevate your cooking skills? Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide and discover how to make mouthwatering beef medallions that everyone will rave about!
Table of Contents
Quick Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320 | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 28g
Key Equipment:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl (for garlic butter mixture)
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- For the Beef Medallions:
- 4 beef fillet medallions (about 6 oz each), patted dry
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for searing)
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
This quick guide ensures you can whip up a batch of beef medallions effortlessly. With these simple ingredients, you’re ready to make one of the best beef recipes at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this recipe is simpler than you might think, and with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have tender, flavorful medallions of beef ready to serve in no time. Follow along to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Medallions
Pat the beef fillet medallions dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this ensures a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the medallions sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Medallions
Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering or the butter is melted and bubbly, add the beef medallions to the pan.Sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they achieve a golden-brown crust. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow for proper browning. Remove the medallions from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the fresh parsley, thyme, and lemon juice (if using), stirring to combine. This creates a rich, aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the beef medallions .
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the rested medallions to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce generously over the top to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm the medallions through, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Transfer the beef medallions to serving plates, drizzling extra garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a finishing touch. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
With this recipe , you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort—a dish that’s sure to impress!
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this recipe is straightforward, but these expert tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish to perfection. Whether you’re aiming for tender, juicy medallions of beef or troubleshooting a step, these insights will ensure success every time.
Professional Chef Insights:
- Choose High-Quality Beef: For the best results, select well-marbled beef fillet medallions from a trusted butcher. The quality of the beef directly impacts flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the beef medallions rest after searing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Enhance the Sauce: For an extra layer of richness, add a splash of white wine or beef broth to the garlic butter sauce and let it reduce slightly before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
- Medallions Too Chewy: If the meat turn out tough, it may have been overcooked. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness (internal temperature of 130–135°F/54–57°C) for optimal tenderness.
- Not Enough Crust: If the beef medallions lack a golden-brown crust, ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the beef. Pat the medallions dry beforehand to prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Sauce Too Greasy: If the garlic butter sauce feels overly rich, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of chicken stock to balance the flavors and lighten the texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions:
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply melt the butter and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Storage Guidelines:
Store leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beef dry.
With these tips, you’ll master the art of making a perfect medallions recipe like a pro!
Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re catering to specific preferences or experimenting with flavors, these customizations will keep your medallions of beef exciting and unique for any occasion.
Flavor Enhancements:
- Add Heat: For a spicy twist, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce. You can also top the medallions with a sprinkle of chili oil before serving.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or tarragon in the garlic butter sauce for a fragrant, gourmet touch that complements the beef fillet medallions .
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the sauce or sprinkle it over the finished dish for a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
Dietary Modifications:
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef medallions with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional mashed potatoes or pasta for a keto-friendly meal.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check any store-bought broths or sauces you might use as substitutes to ensure they’re safe for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make this beef recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredient Swaps:
- Protein Variations: Swap beef for pork tenderloin medallions or chicken breasts for a lighter take on the dish. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
- Butter Alternatives: Use ghee or clarified butter for a nuttier flavor, or substitute with avocado oil for a healthier twist on the garlic butter sauce.
- Sauce Add-Ins: Stir in capers, Dijon mustard, or a splash of balsamic vinegar into the sauce for an extra layer of complexity.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair the beef medallions with classic sides like roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a fresh arugula salad for a complete meal.
- Serve the dish over creamy polenta or risotto for a comforting, indulgent experience.
- Package individual portions in meal prep containers with roasted vegetables for easy lunches throughout the week.
Plating Suggestions:
- Elegant Presentation: Arrange the beef fillet medallions on warm plates with a drizzle of garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or microgreens for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Stacked Style: For a dramatic effect, stack two medallions of beef slightly overlapping on each plate, topped with an extra pat of garlic butter that melts slowly over the meat.
- Family-Style Serving: Place the beef medallions on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. This encourages sharing and adds a cozy vibe to the meal.
With these variations, your recipe can suit any occasion, taste preference, or dietary need—ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate guide to making a beef medallions recipe that’s as elegant as it is delicious. Whether you’re searing tender beef fillet medallions for a special occasion or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish delivers rich flavors and juicy tenderness in every bite. With its golden crust, aromatic garlic butter sauce, and fresh herbs, these medallions of beef are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
What makes this beef medallions recipe so special is its balance of simplicity and sophistication. Using just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for any home cook to master. Best of all, it’s versatile enough to suit any taste or dietary preference, making it perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or cozy family meals.
So fire up the skillet, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that will leave everyone craving seconds. Happy cooking, and may every bite remind you why beef medallions are a timeless classic!
FAQ Section
1. What are beef medallions exactly?
Beef medallions are thin, round cuts of meat typically taken from the tenderloin or fillet portion of the cow. These medallions of beef are known for their tenderness and are perfect for quick-cooking methods like searing or grilling.
2. Can I substitute a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While beef fillet medallions are ideal for their tenderness, you can substitute with other tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just slice them into even-sized portions to mimic the medallion shape.
3. How do I store leftover beef medallions?
Store leftover beef medallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the beef.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply melt the butter and proceed with the recipe as directed.
5. What sides pair well with beef medallions?
This beef medallions recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a crisp arugula salad. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
6. How do I know when the beef medallions are cooked perfectly?
For medium-rare beef medallions , aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, or look for a warm red center when slicing into the medallions.
7. Can I freeze beef medallions?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked beef medallions in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for best results.