Perfect Pan-Seared Filet Mignon will be the star of your special occasion menu. It's seared in a pan and finished in the oven for melt in your mouth deliciousness that is cooked to perfection every time!

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When it comes to picking the perfect steak, pan seared filet mignon is the best of the best.  At least in my world, it is! 

Give me a gorgeous pink medium-rare filet mignon with a nice hard sear and some Garlic Compound Butter or Filet with Crab Béarnaise Sauce and I am in heaven. 

This recipe will teach you how to make the most delicious, tender, uncomplicated and perfect filet mignon steaks that are worthy of any holiday menu. I'm thinking Valentine's Day dinner, a special birthday dinner, a romantic anniversary dinner, and even Christmas dinner!

How to Make Pan Seared Filet Mignon in a Skillet

Making the perfect pan-seared steak is easier than you think! To cook filet mignon, heat olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet, sear the filets for two minutes per side and finish in a 400 degree oven. After you sear filet mignon, bake it, and then give it a quick rest, you will have the most mouthwatering filet mignon ever! Here's a link to the cast iron skillet I use. See below for detailed recipe instructions.

What is Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon is a cut of beef that is cut from the small end of the beef tenderloin. The tenderloin is a small section of beef that is located near the cow's back. The area where the tenderloin is butchered from gets very little muscle use, giving filet mignon its classic tender texture.

 

How Do I Know When My Steak is Done?

While some people think they can test the doneness of their steak by gently pressing to test the firmness (more power to you if you can), the best way to ensure that your filet mignon is cooked the way you like is to use a meat thermometer. Cooking time will slightly vary depending on the thickness of your steak and temperature when you put it in the pan. Here is an easy guide to ensure your filet mignon is cooked exactly to your temperature preference every time:

• For medium rare, sear for 2 min. per side, then 5 min. in the oven (or to 135 degrees F)
• For medium, sear for 2 min. per side, then 6 min. in the oven (or to 145 degrees F)
• For medium well, sear for 2 min. per side, then 7 min. in the oven (or to 155 degrees F)

Do I Have to Let My Steak Rest After Cooking?

Yes! You should absolutely let your steak rest for at least five minutes before serving. Transfer your steak to a plate and loosely tent it with foil.  This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and not just flow out of the steak when you cut into it.

Should I Serve This Pan Seared Filet Mignon Recipe With a Sauce?

Filet mignon is fantastic without any sauces or toppings, but the addition of one definitely ups the decadence factor, and who am I to argue with that! Try topping your filet mignon with one of these delicious toppers: 

• Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• Red Wine Sauce
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
• Blue Cheese Sauce
• Mixed Herb Gremolata
• Garlic & Herb Butter Bombs

More Steak Recipes

For all of you carnivores out there, here are a few more recipes that feature steak from the archives: 

• Grilled Sirloin Steak Tacos
• Garlic Steak and Cheddar Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• Filet Mignon Steak Sandwich with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
• Grilled Steak and Rice Taco Salad

If you try this pan seared oven finished filet mignon recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!

Perfect Pan-Seared Filet Mignon

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
cook time: 9 MINUTES
total time: 14 MINUTES

Perfect Pan-Seared Filet Mignon will be the star of your special occasion menu. It's seared in a pan and finished in the oven for melt in your mouth deliciousness that is cooked to perfection every time!

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INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 - 2 inch thick filet mignons
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Let your filet mignon rest on the counter for 15 minutes before cooking. Liberally season the steak with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper on both sides.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet) over high heat. Add the olive oil and butter to the pan. When the butter stops foaming, add the steaks to the pan and sear for 2 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until your desired doneness. (Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure it's cooked how you like it! See above for temperature chart.)

NOTES

It's better to take the temperature of your steak BEFORE you think it's done, rather than wait. You can always put it back in the oven, but you can't uncook it if it's done past your liking!

Author: Becky Tarala

Nutrition data should not be considered a guarantee. Please see our full Nutrition Data Disclosure.