The Best Filet Mignon Recipe & How to Cook

There’s something truly satisfying about going to a steakhouse and ordering a fancy steak on a special occasion. But sometimes, cooking a perfectly medium-rare steak at home can be even more fulfilling. My filet mignon recipe is basically foolproof and easy to follow, using common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Since filet mignon can be quite expensive, you definitely don’t want to mess it up. With just a little attention to detail and a reliable kitchen thermometer, you can impress your loved one with a meal that’s even better than what you’d find at most steakhouses!

Ingredients:

• 2 filet mignon steaks, about 2 inches thick
• 1 tablespoon high-smoke-point oil, like avocado, grapeseed, or canola
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, lightly crushed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary

Equipment:

• Heavy oven-safe skillet
• Wireless probe thermometer
• Tongs
• Paper towels

What Is Filet Mignon?

Is beef tenderloin the same as filet mignon? You might be wondering. Well, not quite. The tenderloin is a long muscle that runs along the spine of the cow, and since it doesn’t move much, it’s very tender and lean. Filet mignon, on the other hand, is a specific cut taken from the tenderloin. It’s pretty much the most tender cut of beef you can get, which is why it’s a bit pricey. However, to maintain its moistness, tenderness, and rich, buttery flavor, you need to cook filet mignon properly.

The Best Way to Cook Filet Mignon

I’ve tried grilling and broiling, but since this is a foolproof filet mignon recipe, I sear the steak in a cast iron skillet and then bake it in the oven. This way, you get the caramelized, crispy crust from the hot pan while also baking it evenly and gently, preventing any risk of overcooking. You might also want to try reverse searing or sous vide cooking, both of which can help you cook the steak to a perfect medium-rare.

Related Readings:

How to Reverse Sear a Steak?

How to Sous Vide Ribeye Steak?

How Long to Cook Filet Mignon?

This is where things get a little nuanced because “how long” really depends on your desired doneness, the thickness of your steak, your oven temperature, and the heat of your pan.

But for this recipe, a 2-inch filet mignon steak will take about 60 minutes to thaw to room temperature, 2 minutes per side to sear in a cast-iron skillet, and 5-12 minutes to bake in an oven preheated to 400°F. Specifically, rare takes 5-6 minutes, medium-rare takes 6-7 minutes, medium-rare takes 7-8 minutes, medium-well takes 9-10 minutes, and well-done takes 11-12 minutes. Finally, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Internal Temperature for Filet Mignon

I say timing is tricky because the filet mignon internal temperature is the key determinant of its final doneness, especially if you don’t have much experience cooking steaks. Investing in a meat thermometer early on can save your countless failed steaks.

That being said, the USDA advises cooking beef to an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safety, but according to my chart, that’s already medium-well. If you prefer a more tender and juicier texture, I recommend going for medium-rare filet mignon or medium, which is also what I usually go for. However, for your children, it’s safer to stick to that 145°F or higher.

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How to Cook Filet Mignon?

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks. Take your filet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, and up to 1 hour, before cooking. Otherwise, the outside will be burnt and the inside will still be red. Then, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Heat the Oven and Pan. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, place your empty cast-iron skillet on a medium-high stovetop burner. Let it get hot for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sear Filet Mignon. Add 1 tablespoon of high-smoke point oil to the hot pan. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the seasoned steaks. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms on the bottom and the steaks can be easily flipped. Then, flip and sear for another 2 minutes. Using tongs, sear the sides for 30 seconds each.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Butter. Reduce the heat slightly to medium, and add butter, garlic cloves, and herb sprigs to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter and aromatics over the steaks. Do this for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Cook in the Oven. Insert your wireless thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and set the temperature according to the chart above on your phone. Then, place the steaks in the preheated oven and bake until you receive the done notification.

Step 6: Rest. Once the steaks reach the “Pull at” temperature, take them out of the pan and set them on a plate or cutting. Cover with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving with the butter and garlic from the pan.

What to Serve with Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon and potatoes are classic pairing - I love garlic mashed, creamy mashed, or crispy roasted potatoes. Yet, there are times when I crave something lighter, like an arugula salad, roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sautéed mushrooms in leftover butter. If you’re looking for a side dish, mushroom risotto or creamy broccoli Parmesan risotto are also fantastic options.