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Filet Mignon (Foolproof Recipe) Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

This foolproof Filet Mignon recipe delivers tender, juicy steaks with a beautifully seared crust and rich, buttery flavor. The steaks are seasoned, seared in a hot pan with garlic and rosemary, then finished in the oven to your preferred doneness. Served with melted herb butter or bearnaise sauce, this elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Steak

  • 2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high heat oil)

For Basting and Flavor

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 peeled garlic cloves

To Serve

  • Herb compound butter or bearnaise sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season: Remove the filet mignon steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 to 40 minutes. Season all sides of the steaks evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while preparing the steaks.
  3. Sear: Heat an oven-safe pan, preferably cast iron, on the stovetop over high heat until very hot. Add the avocado oil and wait until it shimmers, indicating it is sizzling hot. Place the steaks in the pan and sear them for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  4. Sear Edges and Baste: Roll the steaks onto their sides and sear the edges for 1 minute. Flip the steaks onto their final side. Add butter, garlic cloves, and rosemary to the pan. Use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter for 1 minute, infusing them with rich herb flavor.
  5. Bake: Carefully transfer the entire hot pan to the preheated oven using oven mitts. Bake the steaks for 4 to 10 minutes depending on your preferred level of doneness—remove steaks at 120°F internal temperature for medium rare.
  6. Rest: Remove the steaks from the oven and transfer to a plate. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 to 7 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute and steaks to reach perfect serving temperature.
  7. Serve: Serve the filet mignons topped with the hot melted herb butter from the pan or a fresh slice of compound butter. Alternatively, drizzle with bearnaise sauce for a classic, luxurious finish.

Notes

  • Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking throughout.
  • Using a cast iron pan helps achieve a perfect crust due to its excellent heat retention.
  • Butter basting with garlic and rosemary infuses deep flavor and helps keep the steak moist.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and remove steaks from oven early as they will continue to cook while resting.
  • Resting the steak is crucial for juicy and tender results.
  • Bearnaise sauce pairs wonderfully with filet mignon, adding a rich and tangy contrast.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American