Perfect Herb-Butter Filet Mignon Recipe
This Filet Mignon recipe delivers tender, juicy beef tenderloin steaks with a flavorful herb garlic butter finish. The steaks are seared in a hot cast iron skillet to create a rich crust, then finished in the oven to your preferred doneness. A herb-infused butter adds depth and a delightful melt-on-your-tongue experience, making this an elegant yet straightforward dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Cooking (Searing followed by Baking)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak
- 4, 10 ounce thick tenderloin beef filets (roughly 1.5-2 inches thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil (can substitute with 1 tbsp butter, but lower smoke point)
Herb Butter
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Butter: Leave the butter out to soften at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds until malleable. Mash in the chopped rosemary, tarragon, and minced garlic thoroughly using a fork. Store the herb butter in the refrigerator and bring it out about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Remove the filets from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to achieve room temperature. This step helps ensure even cooking and accurate timing. Season all sides liberally with salt and pepper during this resting time.
- Preheat Oven and Skillet: Preheat your oven to 415°F (213°C). Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil to an oven-safe cast iron skillet. Heat the skillet over high heat until the oil begins to smoke, indicating it is sufficiently hot for searing.
- Sear the Filets: Carefully place the filets face down in the hot skillet and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Flip the filets and sear the opposite side for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add Herb Butter and Transfer to Oven (Optional): Add a dollop of the prepared herb butter and optionally a whole garlic clove and some fresh herbs to the skillet. This enhances the flavor of the pan drippings. Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven using oven mitts to avoid burns.
- Finish Cooking in Oven: Bake the filets to your preferred doneness as follows: Rare – 4 minutes, Medium Rare – 5 to 6 minutes, Medium – 6 to 7 minutes, Medium Well – 8 to 9 minutes. The times are calibrated for 8-10 ounce filets about 1.5 to 2 inches thick; adjust accordingly for thickness and weight.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the filets to a plate. Allow them to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to redistribute juices and reach optimal serving temperature.
- Serve with Herb Butter: Spoon some seasoned pan drippings over the steaks for added flavor. Top each filet with a slice of the prepared garlic and herb butter and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness and prevents cold spots.
- Use an oven-safe cast iron skillet for best heat retention and searing quality.
- Be cautious when handling the hot skillet; always use oven mitts to avoid burns.
- Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and personal preference for doneness.
- Resting the steak after cooking is essential to preserve juiciness and flavor.
- Herb butter can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For enhanced flavor, add fresh garlic cloves and herbs when transferring to the oven to infuse the pan drippings.