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Perfect Pan-Seared Filet Mignon Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Butter

pan-seared filet mignon - featured image

A simple yet impressive pan-seared filet mignon topped with a rich garlic herb butter, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 filet mignon steaks, about 6 oz (170 grams) each, 1.5 to 2 inches thick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest if using. Mix well and set aside at room temperature.
  2. Bring steaks to room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until oil shimmers but does not smoke (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Add steaks to the pan without overcrowding. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 4-5 minutes. For thicker cuts, sear edges briefly using tongs.
  6. Lower heat to medium. Spoon half the garlic herb butter over each steak, tilting the pan to pool the butter. Baste steaks repeatedly for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Alternatively, press steak gently to test firmness.
  8. Remove steaks from pan and rest on a warm plate tented loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Serve topped with remaining garlic herb butter immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain high heat for a good sear. Pat steaks dry before searing to avoid steaming. Rest steaks after cooking to retain juices. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil and use garlic-infused oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: filet mignon, pan-seared steak, garlic herb butter, easy steak recipe, quick dinner, steakhouse at home