Filet mignon may seem like a fancy dish reserved for high-end restaurants, but it’s actually surprisingly easy to cook at home. With just a few ingredients and the right technique, you can achieve a melt-in-your-mouth steak with a rich, buttery flavor. Perfect for any special occasion or a luxury dinner at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 (6-oz.) filet mignon steaks
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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Kosher salt (to taste)
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Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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4 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (roughly chopped)
Directions
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Allow the steaks to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
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Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steaks to the pan. Cook until the steak is very well seared on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip the steaks, then add butter and rosemary to the pan. Baste the steaks with the melted butter and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
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Finish in the Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook the steaks until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium. This should take about 5 minutes but use a meat thermometer to check. If your steak is near the desired temperature, check it every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking.
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Rest and Serve: Remove the steaks from the oven, and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy, flavorful steak.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 540 kcal
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Fat: 38g
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Saturated Fat: 15g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Fiber: 1g
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Protein: 42g
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Sodium: 620mg
This method delivers the perfect balance of a rich sear on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad for a complete meal!
The Perfect Filet Mignon: Searing and Oven-Finishing
The key to cooking filet mignon perfectly lies in the combination of searing the steak on the stovetop and finishing it in the oven. The initial searing in the skillet creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the outside, which locks in the steak’s natural juices. After searing, transferring the skillet to the oven ensures that the steak cooks evenly, providing a perfect medium-rare or medium result without overcooking.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Before cooking, it’s essential to allow the filet mignon steaks to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This step helps the meat cook more evenly, preventing the cold center that often occurs when cooking a chilled steak. While the steaks are resting, season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This seasoning not only enhances the natural flavor of the beef but also helps create a flavorful crust during searing.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
For the searing process, heat two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the filet mignon steaks to the pan. Sear the steaks on one side for about 5 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms. It’s important not to move the steaks around during this time to ensure a perfect sear. After 5 minutes, flip the steaks over and add the butter and fresh rosemary to the pan.
Basting the steaks with the melted butter during the second sear adds richness and flavor, helping to create a succulent steak. Continue cooking the steaks for another 3-5 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. The butter and rosemary add a beautiful aroma and flavor to the steaks, making them even more indulgent.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
After searing the steaks on both sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated 400°F oven. The oven will finish cooking the steaks to your desired doneness without the risk of overcooking them. For medium-rare, cook the steaks until the internal temperature reaches 125°F, which will take about 5 minutes. For medium, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure accuracy and prevent overcooking. Remember, the steaks will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it’s best to remove them once they’re close to your target temperature.
Step 4: Rest the Steaks
Once the steaks have reached your desired temperature, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Resting the steaks is crucial, as it lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender, juicy steak. Avoid skipping this step, as cutting into the steak too soon will cause the juices to run out, leaving the meat dry.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
After resting, slice the filet mignon against the grain to reveal a juicy, tender interior. Serve the steak with your favorite side dishes, such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. The filet mignon’s rich flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of filet mignon contains approximately 540 calories, with 38 grams of fat, including 15 grams of saturated fat. The steak also provides 42 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of high-quality protein. With 7 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber, it’s a relatively low-carb option. The sodium content is about 620 milligrams per serving, so it’s important to adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
Conclusion
This filet mignon recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a luxurious, restaurant-quality steak dinner at home. The combination of searing and oven-finishing ensures that the steaks are cooked to perfection, with a golden-brown crust and a tender, juicy interior. The addition of rosemary and butter elevates the flavor, creating a steak that’s rich and indulgent without being overwhelming. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this filet mignon recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.