Lindsay Funston is the former Executive Editor at Delish, where she managed all food, culture, video and social content. She had worn many hats at the brand over the years: traveling the country in pursuit of pickles, creating gravity-defying "cheese pulls", and almost burning down the Delish kitchen with marshmallow cupcakes.
With our filet mignon recipe, you can recreate a classic steak dinner in the comfort of your own home—no bougie restaurant required. While it's relatively easy to make this steakhouse main at home, because of its steeper price tag, you want make sure you do it right to achieve that desired melt-in-your mouth texture. Whether you’re looking to wow dad this Father's Day, are planning a Valentine's Day surprise, or simply feel like treating yourself to a fancy weeknight dinner, follow our top tips and tricks (hint: we use a generous amount of butter) to learn just how to recreate this prime steak meal right in your very own home.
What is filet mignon?
Filet mignon is the smaller tip of tenderloin and one of the most expensive cuts of steak, due to its prized texture and that it's only about 2% of the total animal. Fun fact: When filet mignon isn’t riding solo on your plate, it can also be a part of another cut, the T-bone. The T-bone consists of strip steak on the bigger side of the bone, and filet mignon on the shorter side. If you can’t decide what you like, opt for a T-bone and you can have both!
Do I need to use a cast iron skillet?
For the best sear, if you have a cast iron skillet, use it here! If not, just make sure whatever pan you're using is oven-safe—you'll be starting on the stovetop and ending in the oven. If you aren’t using a cast iron skillet, opt for heavy bottomed skillets which retain heat and prevent sticking. Nonstick skillets are generally not made for steaks or for ovens.
How do I get a good sear?
One thing is absolutely key: a super-hot pan. Cook the steak in a super-hot preheated skillet—the oil should be almost smoking before you add the meat. Be patient! A deep, crusty sear will take about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Tip: Season the steak with salt and pepper for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, refrigerate, pat dry and then sear. The long pre-season draws out a bit of moisture from the steak, which helps achieve a golden crust.
Do I use oil or butter?
BOTH! Start with olive oil (though a neutral oil would work too!). Then, after flipping the steak, add butter and baste it constantly. Not only does butter make everything taste better, it adds that signature steakhouse flavor that no restaurant would skip.
How long do I cook filet mignon?
For a medium steak, we cooked our steak at medium-high heat on the stovetop for around 5 minutes, then flipped, added our butter, and cooked for an additional 3-5 minutes. We then transferred our skillet to a 400° oven and cooked for around 5 minutes. Tip: Check the temperature of your meat before transferring to the oven! That way, you can see how far you are from your desired temperature.
Temperature for steak.
Cook your steak to your desired temp., but we highly recommend not going above 155°:
— Medium rare: 130-135°
— Medium: 135-145°
— Medium well: 145-155°
Serving ideas.
We recommend serving this filet with one of our favorite side dishes for steak, including the classic wedge salad, goat cheese-stuffed rolls, garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Made it? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
- Yields:
- 4 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 30 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 569
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
- 4
(6-oz.) filet mignon
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp.
butter
- 1 tbsp.
roughly chopped rosemary
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 4)
- Calories569 Fat48 gSaturated fat20 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol171 mgSodium447 mgCarbohydrates0 gFiber0 gSugar0 gProtein33 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium49 mgIron2 mgPotassium514 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 400°. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season steak with salt and pepper on both sides. When oil is just about to smoke, add steak. Cook until very seared, about 5 minutes, then flip and add butter and rosemary. Baste with butter and cook another 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 2Transfer skillet to oven and cook until cooked to your liking, about 5 minutes for medium. Pro tip: Check the temperature of your meat before transferring to the oven to see how far you are from the desired temperature. If you are within 10 degrees, you may need even less time. If your steak isn't done after 5 minutes, check every couple of minutes so you don't risk over cooking.
- Step 3Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
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