Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter

Name: Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 filet mignon steaks (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Hearty House Classics

I absolutely love cooking filet mignon, especially when it's topped with rich garlic butter. The combination of tender meat and flavorful butter creates a dish that's perfect for any special occasion or a cozy night in. This recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests or just treat myself. The best part is how simple it is to prepare; with just a few quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy plate in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try filet mignon this way, it will become a favorite!

Created by

Elodie Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:52:13.981Z

When I first tried making filet mignon at home, I was a bit intimidated by the cut and the cooking method. However, I discovered that using high-quality meat and a hot cast-iron skillet made all the difference. It's all about searing the steak to achieve that perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

One tip I've learned is to let the steak rest after it cooks. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite. Adding garlic butter right at the end gives it an incredible savory finish that's simply unforgettable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy, tender steak with an irresistible garlic flavor
Quick and simple enough for a weeknight but elegant for special occasions
A perfect blend of rich butter and fresh herbs enhances the flavor

Choosing the Right Cut

When preparing filet mignon, the quality of the meat is paramount. Look for steaks that are deep red in color with a fine grain; the fat marbling should be present but not excessive. USDA Prime or Choice grades are excellent choices for their tenderness and flavor. If you can find filet mignon that has been dry-aged, it can offer even more depth of flavor, elevating your dish further.

Thickness matters, too. Aim for steaks that are at least 1.5 inches thick, which allows for a good sear while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. If your cuts are on the thinner side, be sure to reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking. I recommend a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For perfect medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F.

Mastering the Sear

The searing process is crucial for developing a crust that enhances the steak's flavor. Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it's hot enough to produce a sizzling sound when the steaks hit the pan. To test the heat, you can sprinkle a few drops of water; they should dance and evaporate quickly. When you place the steak in the skillet, resist the urge to move it around; this allows for a more even crust, forming that attractive golden-brown exterior.

Also, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan, as this can drop the temperature and result in steaming rather than searing. If you’re cooking more than two steaks, do it in batches. The goal is to achieve a beautifully caramelized crust, which generally takes 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust your cooking time less or more based on your preferred doneness, and remember to let the steaks rest after cooking to let the juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing sides with your filet mignon can elevate the entire meal experience. Creamy mashed potatoes or a decadent risotto complement the richness of the steak beautifully. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the garlic butter. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

For those looking to impress even further, consider a red wine reduction sauce made from the pan drippings after cooking the steak. Simply deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine, scraping up the browned bits before letting it reduce to a glossy finish. Drizzle this sauce over the rested steaks for a stunning presentation that’s sure to delight your guests.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a mouthwatering filet mignon:

Ingredients

2 filet mignon steaks (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked filet mignon:

Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside.

Season the Steaks

Generously season both sides of the filet mignon with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Sear the Steaks

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on your preferred doneness.

Add Garlic Butter

In the last minute of cooking, add the prepared garlic butter to the pan and spoon it over the steaks for a delicious finish.

Rest and Serve

Transfer the steaks to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan.

Your filet mignon is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with your favorite side dish.

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the pan after cooking the steaks to create a quick sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in a pinch, you can substitute the fresh herbs with dried versions. Generally, use a third of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. For instance, if you're using dried thyme or rosemary, about 1/3 teaspoon should suffice. Alternatively, fresh garlic can always be swapped with garlic powder in a pinch, reducing the amount to about 1/2 teaspoon to prevent overwhelming the dish.

For those looking for a lighter option, consider using grass-fed or lean filet mignon. They provide the same tenderness but with a slightly lower fat content. Sometimes, you can also mix in a bit of olive oil with the garlic butter if you want a lightened-up compound butter that maintains flavor without the richness of additional butter.

Make-Ahead Tips

While filet mignon is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter in advance. Just combine the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it in small portions for longer storage. This way, you have your flavor enhancer ready to go for those nights when you want a quick gourmet meal without much hassle.

If preparing for guests, you can season the steaks up to 2 hours in advance. Let them marinate in salt and pepper to form a crust during cooking, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. Just be sure to let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking for optimum results.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat leftover filet mignon without sacrificing its tenderness, use the oven method. Preheat your oven to 250°F, and place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Heat for approximately 20-30 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture and ensures an even reheating without overcooking the steak.

Microwaving is not the best option as it can easily lead to tough, overcooked meat. If you must use the microwave, slice the steak into smaller pieces, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts on a lower power setting. This helps to reduce the risk of drying out the meat while saving you time.

Questions About Recipes

→ How can I tell when my filet mignon is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer; medium-rare should read about 130°F (54°C) internally.

→ Can I use frozen filet mignon?

It's best to use fresh or thawed filet mignon for better texture and flavor results.

→ What side dishes pair well with filet mignon?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad are excellent choices.

→ How do I store leftover filet mignon?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.