If you’ve ever wondered how to create a truly restaurant-quality steak at home, you’re in the right place. Mastering How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven Recipe is easier than you think and delivers an incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time. This method highlights the beauty of the filet mignon’s delicate texture while locking in all the rich, beefy flavors with a simple sear-and-roast technique. Prepare to impress yourself and your guests with this foolproof steak cooking method that brings out the best from one of the most prized cuts of beef.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to cook your filet mignon is delightfully simple because each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing the steak’s natural flavors and texture. The combination of quality steak, the right oil, and seasoning is all you need to turn this dish into a masterpiece.
- 2 6-8 oz. filet mignon steaks (about 1.5” thick): Choose thick, high-quality cuts for perfect doneness and tender texture.
- 1-2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive): These oils have high smoke points, ensuring a great sear without burning.
- Salt and black pepper (coarse ground): Essential seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the filet without overpowering it.
How to Make How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
Start by removing the steaks from the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before cooking. Allowing them to come to room temperature helps the meat cook evenly, preventing a cold center and ensuring a tender, juicy filet.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Skillet
Place a large cast iron skillet in your oven and set the temperature to 450 degrees. You’re essentially heating the skillet inside the oven so it’s perfectly hot when you transfer it to the stovetop. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear on the outside of the steak.
Step 3: Season and Oil your Filets
While the oven heats up, generously sprinkle both sides of the filets with coarse salt and black pepper. Next, drizzle the oil over each steak, rubbing it in completely. This not only helps with the searing process but locks in moisture to keep your filet juicy.
Step 4: Sear on the Stovetop
Once your oven reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove the skillet and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the prepared steaks and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. This initial sear develops that gorgeous caramelized crust. Flip the steaks and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Roast to Desired Doneness
Transfer the skillet back into the hot oven and roast the filet mignon to your preferred doneness using these timing guidelines: 3-4 minutes for rare (120 degrees), 5-6 minutes for medium (130 degrees), and 7-8 minutes for medium-well (140-145 degrees), measured with a meat thermometer for precision.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Immediately remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil. Resting your steak for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. Now you’re ready for the best part: garnishing and serving!
How to Serve How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven Recipe
Garnishes
The best filet mignon deserves elegant garnishes that enhance rather than compete with its flavor. Garlic herb butter, melting over the warm steak, adds a luscious richness. Freshly sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions bring earthiness and sweetness that complement the filet perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your perfectly cooked filet mignon with vibrant, textural sides such as roasted asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. These sides add color, freshness, and balance to your plate that make this a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, serve your filet on warm plates with a drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze or a vibrant red wine reduction sauce elegantly swooshed around the steak. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a lovely pop of green that invites your guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover filet mignon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s important to cool the steak to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain texture and keep it tasting fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your cooked filet mignon later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn and helps the steak maintain its quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak in a low oven (around 250 degrees) until heated through, or use a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the tender meat.
FAQs
What thickness should the filet mignon steaks be for this oven method?
The recipe works best with steaks around 1.5 inches thick, which allows for a perfect sear and roasting time that keeps the inside tender while developing a savory crust.
Can I use a different type of oil besides avocado or olive oil?
Yes, but it’s best to use oils with a high smoke point like grapeseed or canola oil to prevent burning during searing. Butter alone tends to burn quickly at high temperatures.
How do I know when my filet mignon is done to my liking?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. For rare, pull it at 120 degrees; medium rare around 130 degrees; and medium well at 140-145 degrees for those who prefer it firmer.
Why is resting the steak important after cooking?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of spilling out immediately. This keeps your filet juicy and tender rather than dry or tough.
Can I make this recipe using a broiler instead of an oven?
While possible, the broiler can cook too aggressively on the outside, risking burning before the inside is properly done. Using the oven method ensures more even heat and better control for perfect results every time.
Final Thoughts
This How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven Recipe truly transforms a simple cut of beef into an elegant culinary experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve at home. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests, give this method a try—you’ll relish the juicy texture and rich flavor that comes from the perfect sear and oven roast. Trust me, once you master this, steak night will never be the same!
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How to Cook Filet Mignon in Oven Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (2 min sear each side + 3-8 min oven finish depending on doneness)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe guides you through cooking a perfect filet mignon in the oven using a cast iron skillet. It combines stovetop searing and oven finishing for a tender, juicy steak with a flavorful crust.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 6-8 oz. filet mignon steaks (about 1.5” thick)
- 1–2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- Salt and coarse ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring to room temperature: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Preheat oven and skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Season the steaks: While the oven heats, generously season both sides of the filets with coarse ground salt and black pepper. Drizzle a few teaspoons of oil over each steak and rub it in to coat evenly.
- Sear the steaks: Once the oven and skillet are hot, carefully remove the skillet and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steaks and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust. Flip the steaks and cook another 2 minutes on the other side.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the skillet back into the oven. Cook for 3-4 minutes for rare (internal temp 120°F), 5-6 minutes for medium (130°F), or 7-8 minutes for medium-well (140-145°F). Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- Rest the steaks: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer steaks to a plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices before serving.
- Serve: Serve filet mignon with your choice of accompaniments like garlic herb butter, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
Notes
- Allowing the steak to come to room temperature helps the meat cook evenly.
- The cast iron skillet gets very hot, so handle with care to avoid burns.
- The cooking times may vary depending on steak thickness and oven accuracy, so always use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Resting the steak is crucial to retain juice and tenderness.
- Optional additions like garlic herb butter or sautéed mushrooms add extra flavor.
