Foolproof Filet Mignon Recipe - Best New Year Dinner Main Dish
If there’s one dish that gets my heart racing, it’s a succulent filet mignon. You know, that melt-in-your-mouth cut of beef that can make any dinner feel like a special occasion?
I still remember the first time I treated myself to a filet mignon. I was in my early twenties, a little unsure of my cooking skills, and I thought, “What the heck, why not?” Let me tell you, I felt like a gourmet chef after that meal.
So, I thought I’d share my journey and this killer recipe with you. Grab your apron and let’s dive into the juicy goodness, shall we?
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| Filet Mignon Recipe |
Ingredients:
- 2 filet mignon steaks (about 6-8 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
- Garlic cloves (2-3, smashed)
Equipment:
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Wireless meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
Why You’ll Love This Filet Mignon Recipe?
So, why do I love this recipe? Honestly, it’s the perfection blend of simplicity and indulgence. Unlike brown sugar glazed ham, the filet mignon just melts in your mouth, and it’s like a party in your taste buds - the way the meat seared and the aromas filled my kitchen was like something out of a gourmet cooking show.
If you're looking to impress dinner guests or celebrate a special occasion, this dish delivers. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even grilled veggies - it’s up to you! What’s more, it’s quick and easy, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours to create a delicious meal.
How to Cook Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is a small, mild and tender cut from the beef tenderloin, so it requires some care while cooking. I opted for a cast iron pan for this recipe since it helps to brown the steak. Be careful not to use a non-stick pan! Here are the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Bring the mignon to room temperature. First, take your filet mignon out of the fridge about 30-45 minutes before cooking so it can come to room temperature. This helps the meat cook evenly.
Step 2: Season it. When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season both sides of the filet mignon generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Give it a quick sear. Heat a cast-iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. Once shimmering, gently place your filet mignon in the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes until a beautiful crust develops.
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| Pan Sear Filet Mignon |
Step 4: Insert wireless meat thermometer. Once you’ve seared the steak, flip it, add the butter, garlic, and rosemary to the skillet, and let that melt while you baste the steak with the flavorful mix. Then, insert the wireless meat thermometer into the steak, so you can know when it is done. After about 2 minutes of basting, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
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| Insert Wireless Meat Thermometer |
Step 5: Bake the filet mignon in the oven. Set the your wireless meat thermometer to 120°F for medium-rare or 130°F for medium. I usually go for medium-rare. it’s juicy and simply melts in your mouth! When the temperature reaches, it will alert you through the phone app, preventing any overcooking. Alternatively, cook in the oven for about 4-6 minutes.4 minutes for medium-rare, or 6 for medium).
Step 6: Let it rest. Once your filet mignon reaches the right temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This step is vital because it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender bite.
How Long to Cook Filet Mignon?
Cooking time depends on the thickness of your steak and how well done you like it. The best way to tell how well done your beef is is to use a meat thermometer so you can get an accurate cooking time no matter how thick your steak is.
- Rare: 120-125°F (about 3-4 minutes per side)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (about 4-5 minutes per side)
- Medium: 140-145°F (about 5-6 minutes per side)
- Medium Well: 150-155°F (about 6-7 minutes per side)
- Well Done: 160°F and above
Serving Suggestion
Now that you’ve got your show-stopping filet mignon ready, let’s talk about the sides. YOu don’t want to overshadow the main dish, but you do want to complement it:
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are just perfect for soaking up the steak juices. Add some roasted garlic for a little kick.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Fresh, crisp green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with slivered almonds bring a lovely crunch and color to the plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt, and roasted until caramelized—these add a fresh twist to your meal.
- Red Wine Reduction Sauce: If you want to take it up a notch, a simple red wine reduction sauce really elevates the filet. Just reduce your favorite red wine with a bit of shallots and beef stock until thickened.
- Dessert: And don’t skip dessert! A rich chocolate molten lava cake or a classic New York cheesecake would be the perfect sweet ending to your special dinner.
