Filet Mignon Recipe

Perfectly Cooked Filet Mignon Recipe – A restaurant-quality steak made easy with grilling, pan-searing, and oven-finishing methods. Learn how to cook filet mignon to tender, juicy perfection, complete with a Parmesan crust topping option. Ideal for special occasions or gourmet weeknight meals, this recipe includes expert tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Achieve flawless results with precise doneness techniques and indulge in the best steak dinner at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 Filet Mignon steaks (about 8 oz. each)
• 1 tablespoon steak rub

For Pan Searing/Oven Method:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme

Optional Parmesan Crusted Topping:

• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Provolone cheese, cut into squares
• 6 tablespoons Ranch salad dressing
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions:

Grilling Method:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat and close the lid. Allow about 10 minutes for full heating.
2. Place the filets on the grill and cook undisturbed, using the following guidelines for doneness:
   • Rare: 4 minutes per side
   • Medium Rare: 5 minutes per side
   • Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
   • Medium Well: 8-9 minutes per side
   • Well Done: 10 minutes per side (See notes about the “touch test” for doneness.)
3. Use kitchen tongs to prop the steak on its side for 1-2 additional minutes, rotating every 30 seconds to sear the edges.
4. Let the steak rest for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Pan Searing/Oven Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the filets (in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Sear each side for 2 minutes to develop a crust. Optionally, sear the sides for 1 additional minute using tongs.
4. Remove the skillet from heat. Add butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary/thyme. Spoon the melted butter mixture over the steaks.
5. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a filet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes, or until the thermometer reads 125°F for medium-rare. Note: The temperature will rise by 3-4 degrees during resting.
6. Rest the steaks for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Optional Parmesan Crusted Topping:

1. Slightly undercook the steaks if using the topping, as they will cook more during broiling.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine Parmesan, Provolone, Ranch dressing, butter, and garlic powder. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
3. Stir in half of the Panko breadcrumbs. Add the remaining breadcrumbs if a thicker texture is desired.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over each steak and broil at 450°F until the topping is melted and slightly browned.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create tender, flavorful steaks with ease.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Choose between grilling or pan-searing with oven finishing.
• Elevated Topping: The Parmesan crust adds a gourmet touch that’s perfect for special occasions.
• Customizable Doneness: Achieve perfect doneness with precise timing and thermometer use.

Tips

• Room Temperature Steaks: Let steaks sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, rely on a thermometer rather than guesswork.
• Resting is Key: Allow steaks to rest after cooking to retain juices.
• Quality Matters: Choose high-quality filets for the best results.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Alternatives: Swap Provolone with Gruyere or Mozzarella for different flavors.
• Herb Options: Use sage or oregano instead of rosemary or thyme.
• Butter Swap: Try garlic-infused butter for even more flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly topping.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook Filet Mignon without a grill or oven? A: Yes, you can cook it entirely on the stovetop by searing it and finishing on low heat with a covered skillet.

Q: What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? A: Use any oven-safe skillet or transfer the steaks to a baking dish after searing.

Q: How can I tell if the steak is done without a thermometer? A: Use the “touch test”: compare the firmness of the steak to the fleshy part of your palm near your thumb.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• Add a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the flavors.
• Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or mushroom sauce for an extra gourmet touch.