Looking for a quick and easy recipe that will take you and your dinner guests on a culinary journey that's nothing short of luxurious? We've got you covered with this exquisite filet mignon recipe that's bound to impress even the most discerning palates.
Often celebrated as the epitome of indulgence, filet mignon delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience that's second to none.
Today, you'll learn all about the art of selecting the perfect filet mignon, expert tips for achieving a restaurant-quality sear, and a delectable recipe that promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights. Whether you're planning a special occasion or simply craving a gourmet treat, this filet mignon recipe is just what any home chef needs to create an unforgettable meal.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
You will love this filet mignon recipe because it is a simple meal that is quick and easy to make and designed to impress. In 10 minutes you will be able take one of the most tender cuts of beef and create a buttery slice of heaven that is full of flavor.
This fillet mignon recipe relies on a few simple, quality ingredients to take center stage. With a quality cut like filet mignon, all you really need is some seasoning, rosemary, garlic, and butter to create a meal that is delicious and indulgent.
Additionally, pan-searing your steaks this way is an incredibly method for cooking steaks and it gives you amazing results every time. You don't need to have much, if any experience cooking steaks at all which is nice with a luxurious cut like filet mignon because you don't have to worry about contending with complex cooking procedures and ruining it.
Finally, you will love how impressive this recipe is. With a few ingredients and very little effort, you can create a beautiful and delicious meal that will impress any dinner guest.
Ingredients
Filet Mignon:
Filet mignon is a lean cut of beef with minimal marbling that is highly sought after for its tenderness and mild flavor. When choosing good quality filet mignon at your local butcher or grocery store, look for steaks that are a rich, deep red color with fine white marbling distributed evenly through. Ensure that your filets are at room temperature before cooking. This allows for a more even cook.
Garlic:
While fresh, crushed, and peeled cloves of garlic will give you the most flavorful results, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder to your steaks when you are seasoning them.
Rosemary:
If you don't happen to have fresh rosemary, some sprigs of thyme or oregano will work nicely with this recipe too.
Salt & Pepper:
Season your meat generously on every side to help tenderize it and draw out the flavors. You may need to adjust the amounts of salt and pepper that are called for in this recipe depending on the size of your filets.
How to Make Filet Mignon
Step One:
Pat your filets dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then coat evenly with salt and pepper.
Step Two:
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add oil.
Step Three:
Place filets in the hot skillet to sear for 2-3 minutes.
Step Four:
Flip the filets, add butter, rosemary, and garlic to the skillet, and cook for 2 -3 minutes, continually basting the steak, garlic, and rosemary in butter.
Step Five:
Remove your filets from heat and allow them to stand for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step Six:
Serve atop a bed of sweet potato puree, and enjoy!
Tips
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough that water beads before adding oil and filets. Not only does this give a much better sear with a caramelized crust, but it also prevents your meat from sticking to the skillet.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If you need to cook your filets separately, do so. Forcing them both into a pan that isn't big enough will result in an uneven cook.
- A good sear keeps the flavors and juices locked into your filets. Keep a close eye on your meat and look for signs of caramelization on the outside edges to know when it needs to be flipped.
- It's essential to keep basting the steak with the butter for several reasons. Moving the butter around continuously keeps it from burning too quickly in your hot skillet as butter burns very quickly. Also, as you baste, the butter becomes infused with the garlic and rosemary flavors, giving you a more flavorful filet mignon.
- When you are ready to slice your filet mignon, cut it against the grain for the most tender results.
What to Serve With Filet Mignon
Often regarded as the crown jewel of steaks, filet mignon deserves accompaniments that enhance its elegance and flavor. To elevate your dining experience, serve your filet mignon with delicious side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, their buttery richness balancing the steak's tenderness, or opt for crisp and golden roasted potatoes for a delightful contrast. A medley of sautéed vegetables, grilled asparagus, or oven-roasted zucchini will add a little vibrancy and nutrition to the meal. Follow up this decadent meal with an indulgent dessert like a salted caramel cheesecake or creme brulee to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Looking for more ideas? Check out Filet Mignon Sides for 16 delicious options.
FAQs
Can I grill filet mignon instead of pan-searing it?
Yes, you can absolutely grill your fillet mignon steaks instead of pan-searing. Simply add your steaks to an oiled, high-heat grill for 3-4 minutes on each side for a medium-rare cook.
What internal temperature should filet mignon reach for medium-rare, medium, etc.?
The recommended internal temperatures for filet mignon are:
- Rare: 120-125F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135F
- Medium: 140-145F
- Medium-Well: 150-155F
- Well-Done: 160F and above
These temps are all subject to review based on the size of your steaks.
How long can leftover filet mignon be stored?
Any leftover filet mignon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, use a microwave or oven to heat your steaks to an internal temperature of 165F.
More Steak Recipes
If you love steak but want to reserve the filet mignon for special occasions, here are some more steak recipes to try with other cuts of meat.
Filet Mignon
Ingredients
- 2 filets filet mignon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 4 sprigs rosemary fresh
- 4 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup sweet potato puree optional
Instructions
- Pat your filets dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then coat evenly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add oil.
- Place filets in the hot skillet to sear for 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the filets, add butter, rosemary, and garlic to the skillet, and cook for 2 -3 minutes, continually basting the steak, garlic, and rosemary in butter.
- Remove your filets from heat and allow them to stand for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Serve atop a bed of sweet potato puree, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough that water beads before adding oil and filets. Not only does this give a much better sear with a caramelized crust, but it also prevents your meat from sticking to the skillet.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If you need to cook your filets separately, do so. Forcing them both into a pan that isn't big enough will result in an uneven cook.
- A good sear keeps the flavors and juices locked into your filets. Keep a close eye on your meat and look for signs of caramelization on the outside edges to know when it needs to be flipped.
- It's essential to keep basting the steak with the butter for several reasons. Moving the butter around continuously keeps it from burning too quickly in your hot skillet as butter burns very quickly. Also, as you baste, the butter becomes infused with the garlic and rosemary flavors, giving you a more flavorful filet mignon.
- When you are ready to slice your filet mignon, cut it against the grain for the most tender results.