If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve restaurant-quality tenderness and flavor in your steak at home, let me share my favorite: How to Cook the Perfect Oven-Justified Filet Mignon Recipe. This technique elevates a simple filet mignon to pure culinary bliss by combining the searing heat of a cast iron skillet with the even, gentle finish of the oven. The result is a steak crusted to perfection on the outside while meltingly tender inside, making you feel like a true kitchen pro every time you cook it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Good food starts with simple, quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors and textures. Each ingredient here is a building block towards that juicy, tender, perfectly cooked filet mignon you’re about to enjoy.
- Filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz, about 1.5” thick): The star of the dish, known for its buttery tenderness and subtle flavor.
- Oil (1-2 Tbsp., avocado or olive): Helps create a beautiful sear, locking in juices without overpowering the meat’s natural taste.
- Coarse ground salt: Enhances flavor and helps build a savory crust on the steak’s surface.
- Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity that complements the rich filet.
How to Make How to Cook the Perfect Oven-Justified Filet Mignon Recipe
Step 1: Bring the Filets to Room Temperature
Start by removing your filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator about 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. This simple step ensures an even cook by preventing the steak’s surface from overcooking while the center warms up. It’s a small patience test that pays off big in flavor and texture.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Skillet to 450 Degrees
Place a large cast iron skillet in your oven and set the temperature to 450°F. Preheating the skillet along with the oven ensures the pan is smoking hot for the perfect sear on the stovetop. This trick helps lock in those precious juices and promotes a rich, caramelized crust.
Step 3: Season and Oil the Steaks
While your oven and skillet come to temperature, sprinkle the filets generously with coarse salt and black pepper on all sides. Drizzle each steak with a few teaspoons of your chosen oil and rub it in, coating the surface evenly. This step is flavor magic, prepping the steaks for their searing debut.
Step 4: Sear the Filets on the Stovetop
Remove the skillet from the oven carefully and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. When it’s fully hot (yes, it might smoke a little, which is perfect), add your filets. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a gorgeous crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes—this fast action locks in the moisture.
Step 5: Finish Cooking in the Oven
Transfer the skillet with your steaks into the hot oven. Cook times vary depending on your desired doneness: 3-4 minutes for rare (120°F internal temperature), 5-6 minutes for medium (130°F), and 7-8 minutes for medium-well (140-145°F). Using a meat thermometer guarantees you hit the perfect mark every time.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, take the skillet out and transfer steaks immediately to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and tender. Serve with your favorite toppings like garlic herb butter, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for an added punch of flavor.
How to Serve How to Cook the Perfect Oven-Justified Filet Mignon Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can turn an already outstanding steak into an unforgettable dining experience. Fresh garlic herb butter melts over the warm filet, adding luscious creaminess and aromatic depth. Caramelized onions offer a sweet counterpoint, while sautéed mushrooms bring earthiness and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like roasted asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple mixed greens salad offer balance and variety. These sides complement the richness of the filet mignon without stealing the spotlight, creating a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, arrange the steak slices fan-style on a warm platter drizzled with pan juices and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Add colorful microgreens or edible flowers to brighten the plate visually. Presentation matters just as much as taste when you’re proud of how to cook the perfect oven-justified filet mignon recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Proper sealing helps retain moisture and keeps the steak tasting fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked filet mignon, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best protection. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out your tender filet, use a low oven (around 250°F) and warm the steak on a baking sheet until heated through. Alternatively, use a steaming method or gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth. Avoid microwaving as it tends to toughen the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
While filet mignon is prized for its tenderness, you can apply similar cooking methods to other thick-cut steaks like ribeye or strip steak. Adjust cooking times for different thickness and marbling.
How do I know when the steak is done without a thermometer?
Although a meat thermometer is the most accurate, you can use the finger test for doneness or cut into the steak to check the color. Remember that resting the steak will deepen its final doneness.
What oil is best for searing the filet mignon?
Use oils with a high smoke point like avocado or light olive oil, as they handle the high heat without burning and impart minimal flavor, letting the beef shine.
Can I prepare this dish without a cast iron skillet?
A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or another oven-safe skillet can work, but cast iron excels in heat retention and creating that signature crust essential to How to Cook the Perfect Oven-Justified Filet Mignon Recipe.
Is it necessary to rest the steak after cooking?
Absolutely! Resting allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender rather than dry and tough.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has you excited and confident about How to Cook the Perfect Oven-Justified Filet Mignon Recipe. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a steakhouse-worthy dinner that’s bound to impress everyone at your table. Give it a try—you’ll never look at filet mignon the same way again!
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How to Cook the Perfect Oven-Justified Filet Mignon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Learn how to cook a perfect filet mignon in the oven using a cast iron skillet. This method combines stovetop searing with oven roasting to achieve a flavorful crust and a tender, juicy interior. Ideal for a special dinner, the recipe guides you through seasoning, searing, and roasting your steaks to your preferred doneness.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 filet mignon steaks, 6-8 oz each (about 1.5” thick)
Seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil)
- Coarse ground salt, to taste
- Coarse ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring steaks to room temperature: Remove the filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat oven and skillet: Place a large cast iron skillet into the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Season the steaks: While the oven and skillet are heating, sprinkle the steaks liberally on both sides with coarse ground salt and black pepper. Drizzle each steak with a few teaspoons of oil and rub it in thoroughly to coat the surface completely.
- Sear the steaks: Once the oven and skillet reach temperature, carefully remove the hot skillet and place it over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the prepared steaks to the dry skillet and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a crust, then flip and sear the other side for 2 additional minutes. Expect some smoke from the hot pan—that’s normal.
- Roast in the oven: Transfer the skillet with the steaks directly into the hot oven. Roast for 3-4 minutes for rare (internal temperature 120°F), 5-6 minutes for medium (130°F), or 7-8 minutes for medium-well (140-145°F). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
- Rest the steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve topped with your choice of garlic herb butter, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
Notes
- Allowing steaks to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness.
- Use a cast iron skillet for excellent heat retention and crust development.
- Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and desired doneness.
- Resting the steaks after cooking prevents juices from running out when sliced.
- For best results, use an instant-read meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature.
