If you’re craving a restaurant-quality steak experience that you can easily recreate at home, this Perfectly Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic-Infused Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, buttery, and bursting with subtle flavors from fresh thyme and garlic, these steaks strike the ideal balance between simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re impressing a special guest or indulging in a cozy dinner by yourself, this recipe promises juicy, melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon each and every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—these simple ingredients are the heroes of this dish. Each one adds a key element to build rich taste, impeccable texture, and an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen.
- 2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks: Choose high-quality cuts for tender, buttery texture that’s hard to beat.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing natural flavors and creating a savory crust.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness of the steak.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil): Has a high smoke point perfect for searing the steaks beautifully.
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme: Infuses a fragrant earthiness that complements the meat perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped): Provides that irresistible garlic aroma and flavor during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick): Melts into the pan to create a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce.
How to Make Perfectly Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic-Infused Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s ready and hot enough to finish cooking your seared filet mignon steaks perfectly, giving them a lovely crust on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
Pat your filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for a great sear. Generously sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning highlights the meat’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
Step 3: Sear the Filet Mignon
Heat your vegetable or canola oil in an oven-safe skillet over high heat until it just starts to smoke—this signals it’s hot enough to sear properly. Place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. Once both sides are sealed, turn the heat off and add fresh thyme, chopped garlic, and unsalted butter to the skillet.
Step 4: Roast in the Oven
Transfer the skillet straight to your preheated oven. Roast the steaks for about 10 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust according to your preferred doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Flip the steaks halfway through roasting to ensure even cooking. Remove them when the internal temperature is about 10 degrees below your target because the residual heat will continue to cook the steak to perfection.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully transfer the filet mignon to a plate or cutting board. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before cutting—this resting time allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every bite stays tender and juicy.
How to Serve Perfectly Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic-Infused Butter Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and extra zing, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the filet mignon right before serving. A small drizzle of any leftover garlic-infused butter from the pan will elevate the steak’s savory notes even further.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans with almonds, or a simple arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette. These sides balance richness with freshness and provide color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive yet simple plating, slice the filet mignon diagonally into medallions and fan them across the plate. Spoon the garlic-infused butter over the slices and add a sprig of thyme atop. Serve with colorful vegetable ribbons or roasted baby carrots to delight both eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover filet mignon, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain the steak’s tenderness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked filet mignon if needed. Wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored correctly, it stays good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover filet mignon gently in a low oven (about 250°F) until warmed through, or use a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry out the meat and alters texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is crafted for filet mignon because of its tenderness, you can try ribeye or sirloin as well. Just keep in mind their cooking times and textures vary.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak reaches the perfect doneness. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium as a guideline.
Why do I need to rest the steak after cooking?
Resting lets the juices settle back into the meat, preventing them from spilling out when you cut. This keeps every bite juicy and tender instead of dry.
Can I substitute the fresh thyme with dried herbs?
You can, but fresh thyme provides a brighter, more fragrant flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and butter. If using dried, use about one-third of the amount for best results.
Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, using an oven-safe skillet makes transferring the steak from stovetop to oven seamless, ensuring the perfect sear and even roasting. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the steak to a preheated baking dish but be careful with timing.
Final Thoughts
This Perfectly Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic-Infused Butter Recipe is a brilliant way to elevate any dinner occasion with minimal fuss. Its blend of bold, simple ingredients and foolproof steps make it a reliable favorite you’ll want to return to time and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious steak—you truly deserve it.
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Perfectly Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic-Infused Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 steaks
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic filet mignon recipe delivers tender, juicy steaks with a beautifully seared crust and rich flavor enhanced by fresh thyme, garlic, and butter. Perfectly roasted in the oven to your desired doneness, these elegant steaks are easy to prepare yet impressive for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
Flavorings
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the steaks.
- Season the steaks: Pat the filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the steaks: Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over high heat until it begins to lightly smoke. Add the steaks and sear for 3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Turn off the heat, then add the fresh thyme, chopped garlic, and unsalted butter to the skillet.
- Roast in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the steaks for about 10 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Flip the steaks halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check, removing the steaks when their internal temperature is 10°F below your target (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium), as they will continue to cook while resting.
- Rest the steaks: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) to sear and roast to avoid transferring the steaks and losing heat.
- Adjust roasting time according to steak thickness and desired doneness; thinner steaks may require less time.
- Resting the steak is crucial for juicy and tender results; do not skip this step.
- For a richer flavor, baste the steaks with the melted butter and garlic-thyme mixture during roasting.
