If you’ve ever wanted to create an elegant yet approachable dinner that impresses without the fuss, this Simple Filet Mignon Recipe is your new go-to. Picture tender, juicy steaks that boast a buttery richness enveloped in a perfectly seared crust — all made with just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s a dish that feels special but requires nothing complicated, proving that sometimes the simplest meals become your absolute favorites. Whether it’s a date night or a treat-yourself dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality filet mignon right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Filet Mignon Recipe lies in its minimal but essential ingredients, each chosen to enhance the natural flavor and luscious texture of the steak without overwhelming it. From seasoning to butter, these components work in harmony to create a dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in character.
- 2 filet mignon steaks (2″ thick): Choose well-marbled cuts to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The simplest seasoning that makes the steak’s natural taste shine through.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick): Adds richness and helps develop a beautifully golden crust while basting the meat.
How to Make Simple Filet Mignon Recipe
Step 1: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature
Start by taking your filet mignon out of the fridge about 30 to 60 minutes before cooking so the steaks come up to room temperature. This ensures they cook evenly and develop that fantastic crust without becoming overcooked inside. It’s a simple step that truly makes a difference in the texture and juiciness of your steak.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F and slide the rack to the middle. This heat level is perfect for gently finishing the steaks after searing, allowing for a tender interior without rushing the cooking process.
Step 3: Season the Steaks Generously
Pat your steaks dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that sought-after sear. Then, liberally season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here — seasoning is key to unlocking layers of flavor in this Simple Filet Mignon Recipe.
Step 4: Melt Butter and Heat the Skillet
Place your unsalted butter in a heavy, oven-safe skillet over medium-high to high heat. It’s important for the pan to get very hot to create the perfect crust, but keep an eye on the butter to prevent burning. Once it melts, stir every 20 to 30 seconds until the skillet is heated thoroughly. This step typically takes around 4 to 5 minutes if you’re using a cast-iron pan on a gas stove, which delivers that intense heat you want.
Step 5: Sear and Baste the Steaks
Place the filet mignons in the skillet and start spooning the melted butter continuously over the steaks. This technique, called basting, not only flavors the meat deeply but also keeps it moist during searing. Cook the first side for 2 minutes, flip using tongs, and continue searing the second side for another 2 minutes while consistently spooning the butter.
Step 6: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven. Bake until the steaks reach your desired temperature — 125-130°F for medium or about 120°F for medium-rare. For 2-inch thick filets, expect roughly 10 minutes, though it’s wise to use an instant-read thermometer with an external probe for precision. This step ensures your steaks stay tender and juicy instead of turning tough.
Step 7: Rest the Steaks
Once out of the oven, let your filet mignons rest right in the skillet for 5 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender bite every time. Don’t skip this part! Use the leftover butter in the pan to spoon over your steaks or side dishes for a little extra indulgence.
How to Serve Simple Filet Mignon Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate the visual appeal and introduce fresh flavor notes. Try topping your filet mignon with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and aromatic brightness. A dollop of garlic herb butter or a drizzle of balsamic reduction can also add an irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Simple Filet Mignon Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides that complement its richness. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh mixed green salad balance the meat’s buttery texture and bring harmony to your plate. For a heartier meal, consider garlic butter sautéed mushrooms or a rich red wine sauce for complexity.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, slice the filet mignon into medallions and fan them out on your plate, drizzling pan butter or sauce over the top. Serve on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside colorful vegetable ribbons for a restaurant-style finish. Presentation isn’t just about looks — it’s about enhancing the dining experience, making every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the steak from drying out, consider spooning some of that buttery pan sauce over the meat before sealing.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked filet mignon for up to 2 months. Wrap each steak tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain texture and flavor integrity for your next meal.
Reheating
Reheat the steak gently to preserve moisture and tenderness — the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F) works best. Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet so the heat circulates evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can quickly dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use this recipe for thinner filet mignon steaks?
While the method works for various thicknesses, thinner steaks will require less oven time. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking and adjust searing time accordingly.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Using an oven-safe skillet here is ideal, but if you don’t have one, you can sear the steaks in a regular pan and then transfer them to a preheated baking dish or sheet for the oven portion. Just be careful handling hot pans.
Is unsalted butter necessary?
Unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning, so the salt you add to your steak shines. Salted butter can work, but reduce additional salt in the seasoning to avoid over-salting.
How do I tell when the filet mignon is perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. Medium is about 130°F after resting, and medium-rare is closer to 120°F before resting. Touch tests can be tricky without experience.
Can I add garlic or herbs while cooking?
Absolutely! Adding smashed garlic cloves or sprigs of rosemary or thyme in the butter during the basting step infuses lovely, aromatic flavors, making the filet mignon even more special.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Filet Mignon Recipe is proof that sometimes the easiest dishes are the most rewarding. With minimal ingredients and clear steps, you get a spectacular steak that’s juicy, tender, and beautifully flavorful every time. So go ahead, invite friends or make a special night for yourself, and enjoy a filet mignon experience that feels like a treat without the stress. Happy cooking!
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Simple Filet Mignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes plus 30-60 minutes for steaks to come to room temperature
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50-65 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Oven Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Filet Mignon recipe delivers tender, juicy steaks perfectly cooked with a delicious butter basted finish. Using a combination of stovetop searing and oven roasting, the steaks come out medium to medium-rare, depending on your preference, with a rich buttery flavor and beautifully seared crust. Ideal for an easy yet elegant dinner for two.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 filet mignon steaks (2″ thick)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
Instructions
- Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: Take the steaks out of the fridge 30-60 minutes prior to cooking to allow them to come up to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking throughout the steak.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
- Season Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat Butter in Skillet: Place the butter in a heavy oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high to high heat. Melt the butter and stir every 20-30 seconds to prevent burning. Heat the pan for about 4-5 minutes until it is hot but the butter is not burnt.
- Sear Steaks with Butter Basting: Place the steaks in the hot skillet. Continuously spoon the melted butter over the steaks to baste them and keep the butter moving so it doesn’t burn. Sear the first side for 2 minutes, then flip using tongs and sear the other side for another 2 minutes, continuing to baste with butter throughout.
- Finish Cooking in Oven: Transfer the skillet with the steaks to the preheated oven. Roast until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness or 120°F for medium-rare, which should take about 10 minutes for 2″ thick steaks. Using an instant-read thermometer with an external probe is recommended for precise cooking.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender steaks. Spoon the leftover butter over the steaks or any side dishes before serving.
Notes
- Bringing steaks to room temperature before cooking ensures even heat distribution inside the meat.
- Use a heavy oven-safe skillet like cast iron for best heat retention and searing.
- Continuous butter basting during searing enhances flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
- An instant-read thermometer with an external probe helps avoid overcooking and achieves perfect doneness.
- Resting the steak after cooking is essential to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust oven time depending on steak thickness and desired doneness.
