Filet Mignon

I’ve always been really nervous to cook expensive foods just in case I mess them up. But after watching tons of videos and practicing my technique with other cuts, I am confident in this filet mignon recipe. It’s easy to make with a simple technique, and it’s basically foolproof. Now I can enjoy filet mignon any time!

Seasoned simply with salt and pepper and cooked in oil, butter, thyme, and garlic, this steak recipe is dead simple and the meat is so tender, juicy, and flavorful! It’s one of my favorite show-stopping meals of all time!

What’s in This Filet Mignon Recipe?

Steak: Filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef available. It comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin, and it is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic are the only seasonings I used in this recipe. Sometimes, simple really is best.
Oil: I used a high smoke point neutral oil, like vegetable or canola, to prevent burning since I took the skillet to smoking hot.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich buttery flavor and moisture to the dish. It’s the perfect finishing element.

overhead view of 2 filet mignon on a black plate.

Tips for Success

I prefer to cook filet mignon to medium-rare. That means the internal temperature should be about 135°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature as you cook. If you prefer to cook your steak to more of a medium or even well-done temp, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

For more info on internal meat temperatures, and to get a free printable chart, CLICK HERE.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 250°F oven on a wire rack set in a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through to 110°F.

Freeze filet mignon in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

three-quarters view of a partially sliced filet mignon cooked to medium rare.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve filet mignon with classic sides, like baked potatoes and grilled asparagus. These roasted tomatoes with balsamic are one of my favorite simple sides! They’re just bursting with freshness and acidity that balances out all that juicy, umami steak.

Filet Mignon Recipe

This filet mignon recipe is easy to make with a simple technique, and it's basically foolproof. Now I can enjoy filet mignon any time!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings steak

Calories 849kcal

Author Sabine Venier

Ingredients

2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Pat the filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season with salt and black pepper.

2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
In an oven-safe skillet, heat oil over high heat until it lightly smokes. Add the filet mignon steaks and sear for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Turn the heat off and add the thyme, garlic, and butter.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 10 minutes for medium-rare or adjust the time based on your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Flip halfway through. Remove the steaks from the oven when the internal temperature is 10°F below your target, as it will rise during the rest.
After taking the skillet out of the oven, transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board, allowing them to rest for 5 minutes.

Video

Notes

Steak Temperature Guide:
- For rare steak: 125-130°F
- For medium-rare steak: 130-140°F
- For medium steak: 140-150°F
- For medium-well steak: 150-160°F
- For well-done steak: 160-165°F

Storage: Store filet mignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

How to Cook Filet Mignon Step by Step

Season the Steaks: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat 2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

2 seasoned raw filets on a baking sheet.

Sear the Steaks: In an oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat until it lightly smokes. Add the filet mignon steaks and sear for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Turn the heat off and add 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.

filet mignon in a pan with butter and thyme.

Bake the Steaks: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 10 minutes for medium-rare or adjust the time based on your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Flip halfway through. Remove the steaks from the oven when the internal temperature is 10°F below your target, as it will rise during the rest.

Rest the Steaks: After taking the skillet out of the oven, transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board, allowing them to rest for 5 minutes.

2 filets on a cutting board, one with a meat probe sticking out.

Is beef tenderloin the same as filet mignon?

Beef tenderloin is the entire cut of meat, while filet mignon is a smaller, more tender portion of the tenderloin.

Why is filet mignon so expensive?

Filet mignon is expensive because there is only a small portion of it per cow, it is in high demand for its delicious flavor and texture, and it is extremely high quality!

Why is filet mignon hard to cook?

Because filet mignon is so lean, it is easy to overcook it and dry it out. But it’s not too difficult to cook perfectly once you learn the proper technique!