This is the perfect filet mignon recipe for when you need an excellent dinner idea for special occasions like date night, Valentine, or any other holiday or family celebration. With a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a steakhouse experience in the comfort of your home.

Why choose filet mignon?

The taste and texture profile of filet mignon are two main reasons why it's a favorite. It's relatively lean, juicy, and tender.

Additionally, it's one of those recipes that you pull out when you want to celebrate or make an occasion extra special. The luxurious texture and tenderness will help to create that fine dining ambiance.

Ingredients you'll need

Filet mignon

Seasoning

Oil

Unsalted butter 

Rosemary

Ingredients notes

Filet mignon

This is an expensive piece of steak, which is cut from the tenderloin. The filet mignon steak is less fatty, very tender, and lean.

Original Crabby Seasoning 

The great thing about filet mignon is that you don't need a long list of herbs and spices to make it taste awesome. This recipe calls for marinating the steaks with the Original Crabby Seasoning, but if you don't have it in your pantry, salt and ground pepper will do the trick.

Oil

The best oils for cooking filet mignon are the ones that have a high smoke point and have a neutral flavor. Avocado, grape seed, and peanut oils are highly recommended for searing steaks.

To get the perfect sear, you'll need to wait until the oil is almost smoking before you add the steaks to the cast iron pot.

Unsalted butter and rosemary

The rich flavor of fresh rosemary combined with butter adds a luxurious touch to this recipe.

How to cook the perfect filet mignon?

Thaw and prep meat

Remove your steak from the refrigerator thirty minutes before prepping and pat it dry before you add the seasoning. You may season the steak and let it marinate for two hours or even overnight if you prefer.

To wash or not to wash? Meat washing is a personal preference, and this stage is entirely up to you.

For some, meat washing is avoided because it may lead to the spread of bacteria from the meat to the sink and other areas in the kitchen. On the other hand, if you are the type of person who feels a bath of vinegar and water or lemon/lime and water is absolutely necessary, then go ahead. Do whatever it takes to make sure you enjoy this succulent meal.

Preheat oven

You'll need to preheat your oven to 400°F. This is because you'll want to continue cooking with the perfect temperature when you transfer the filet from the stovetop to the oven. If you don't have an oven, you may improvise with a toaster oven.

Cast iron skillet on stovetop

A cast iron skillet is recommended for searing a filet mignon on the stovetop. Let the steak sear for a few minutes before flipping it. If it's not flipping over easily, give it a little more time for the crust to form properly.

If you like your steak to have a nice even crust all around it, then this is where you'll make sure to do both sides and all the edges too.

If you only have a nonstick skillet, you will need to transfer your steak to an oven-safe ware before placing it in the oven.

Oven time and steak temperature 

The length of time your steak stays in the oven will depend on how you want it to be done. The average time is from 2 to 10 minutes depending on how you like your steak done.

To make sure the internal temperature is perfect for the level of doneness you want for your steak, use a thermometer and follow the guide below.

Meat Color, Doneness, and Temperature 

Well done 

Bake at 160° for a fully cooked steak with no sign of pinkness.

Medium well 

Bake at 150°F for a slightly pink steak that has clear juices.

Medium 

Bake at 140°F for a steak that is light pink with clear-ish juices.

Medium rare

Bake at 130°F for a steak with a deep pink color and reddish juices.

Rare 

Bake at 125°F for a steak that is red and has red juices.

Remove from oven

When you remove your steak from the oven, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for at least ten minutes before slicing. You don't want to leave the filet mignon in the cast iron skillet because this will cause it to become overcooked.

Recipe tips for a perfect filet mignon 

Prepping 

Rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before prepping and cooking.

Season all the sides so you get that even taste all around.

Searing and basting

Use an oil that has a high smoke point and place the steak in the skillet right before the oil starts to smoke. If you are like me and want to have an even crust all around the steak, feel free to sear the top and bottom of the steak along with all the sides in order to trap every bit of flavor.

Basting with butter and rosemary will infuse the aroma of the rosemary into the steak and create a nice, rich flavor.

Transfer to oven

Complete cooking in an oven at 400°F.

Remove the steak from the cast iron pot to stop the cooking process. This is especially important if you are aiming for rare instead of a well-done finish.

Resting time

To get the perfect filet mignon results, allow the steak to rest for ten minutes before cutting.

Slicing

When slicing your steak, make sure to cut against the grain.

Serving ideas

Potato dishes

The first serving idea that popped into my mind is potato. Creamed, mashed, and baked potatoes are some of my favorites, and if you are a potato lover like myself, you'll agree with this pairing.

Rice dishes

Rice dishes may also pair well with this sumptuous steak. You may try the Caribbean rice and peas or a creamy coconut rice recipe to help you to create that luxurious special occasion vibe.

Vegetables

Fresh vegetable salads will add the right balance of textures, color, and nutrition to this fancy steak. I always like to have al dente string beans and carrot strips with my steak because they complement the crunch of my fresh salad and blend well with the texture and flavor of the meat.

I hope this recipe will turn your next date night or celebration into an extra special occasion.