Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter

Name: Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each); Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

When I first made Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could deliver such a luxurious experience. Each bite of this tender steak, enhanced with rich, aromatic garlic butter, felt like a celebration. I love how the high heat caramelizes the meat’s exterior while keeping the inside perfectly pink. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire!

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:58:11.913Z

My journey into cooking the perfect filet mignon began when I attended a culinary class where the chef emphasized the importance of letting the meat rest before and after cooking. This not only ensures even cooking but also maximizes juiciness.

Recently, I experimented with adding herbs to the garlic butter, and I was thrilled with the flavor enhancement. The harmony of garlic, butter, and the subtle freshness of thyme was a revelation. It’s these little tweaks that make a classic dish sing!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender, juicy steak cooked to perfection
Rich garlic butter elevates the flavors
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions

      

Choosing the Right Cut

Filet mignon is known for its tenderness, but not all cuts are created equal. When selecting your steaks, look for a deep red color and a good amount of marbling. Marbling refers to the small streaks of fat throughout the meat, which melt during cooking and enhance flavor and juiciness. A thickness of at least 1.5 inches is ideal for achieving that perfect medium-rare doneness, as it allows for a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside pink and tender.

I recommend sourcing your filet mignon from a butcher rather than a supermarket for the best quality. Feel free to ask them about sourcing grass-fed or organic options, as these can enhance the flavor profile and texture. Don't hesitate to communicate your desired thickness; a good butcher will be happy to oblige.

Mastering the Sear

The searing process is crucial for developing flavor in filet mignon. Preheat your skillet over high heat until it’s smoking slightly, which ensures that the steaks develop a rich, caramelized crust. If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the steak will steam rather than sear, resulting in a lack of that mouth-watering crust. You can test the heat by flicking a drop of water into the pan—if it dances and evaporates immediately, you’re ready to go.

Using a heavy skillet, such as cast iron or stainless steel, will help maintain consistent heat, essential for proper searing. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if you’re cooking more than two steaks, do it in batches to ensure they cook evenly. If you notice too much smoke or if the crust starts to burn, lower the heat slightly to maintain a perfect sear without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

For the Steak

2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Garlic Butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined, then roll it into a log shape using plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.

Season the Steaks

Pat the filet mignon steaks dry with a paper towel. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sear the Steaks

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them to get a nice crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust to your desired doneness.

Add Garlic Butter

In the last minute of cooking, add slices of the garlic butter on top of the steaks and spoon the melted butter over them. Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve

Slice the steaks and serve immediately with additional garlic butter on top.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For a perfect sear, make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the meat. Allow the steaks to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.

Ingredients Spotlight

The garlic butter is a key component of this dish, providing flavor and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in your dish better, while fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add a burst of freshness. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried versions work in a pinch—use about one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.

Garlic plays a dual role here: not only does it infuse the butter with aroma, but it also caramelizes slightly on top of the steak, adding depth to each bite. For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix if you enjoy some heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover cooked filet mignon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, avoid the microwave to maintain the meat's texture; instead, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Cover it with a lid to trap steam, which helps retain moisture during reheating.

The garlic butter can also be made ahead of time. Roll it into a log and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap; it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. This means you can have gourmet butter on hand to elevate any dish, from steaks to vegetables, without the added prep work.

Questions About Recipes

→ What is the best way to cook filet mignon?

Searing in a hot skillet followed by finishing in the oven is ideal for even cooking and a nice crust.

→ How do I know when my filet mignon is done?

Use a meat thermometer; 130°F is medium-rare, while 140°F is medium.

→ Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ What sides pair well with filet mignon?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement filet mignon beautifully.