How to Pan-Sear the Perfect Filet Mignon?

Welcome to the world of cooking the perfect filet mignon! If you're a steak lover, you know there's nothing quite like biting into a perfectly cooked filet with a crispy seared crust and a juicy, tender center. And while there are many ways to cook a filet, one of the best methods is to pan-sear it on the stove and then finish it in the oven. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve that perfect steakhouse-quality filet right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this simple yet elegant cooking technique.

But before we begin, let's go over a few things to keep in mind.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Filet Mignon

First, it's crucial to let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This will help make sure the inside of the steak cooks evenly with the outside. It's recommended to take the steaks out of the refrigerator at least 45 minutes to an hour before cooking.

When searing the steaks in the pan, it's important to keep an eye on your butter and move it around to prevent burning. Additionally, using an accurate thermometer to check the temperature of the steak is crucial for a perfectly cooked steak. Also be sure to purchase steaks that are the same size and thickness, as this will help them all cook evenly.

Once you've seared the steaks, pull them out of the oven a few degrees before they reach their final temperature and allow them to rest in the pan for at least 5 minutes before serving. If you accidentally overcook the steak, let it to rest outside of the hot pan to prevent further cooking.

When cooking filet mignon, the best type of pan to use is either cast iron or high-quality stainless steel, and make sure the pan is oven safe. While cast iron and high-quality stainless steel are generally recommended for cooking filet mignon in a pan sear, there are other types of pans that can work as well. For example, copper pans can be a good choice as they conduct heat well and are also oven safe. Non-stick pans can also work, but again, be sure to use one that's oven safe and can handle high temperatures.

Pan-Seared Oven Finished Filet Mignon Recipe

For this recipe, you'll need kosher salt, ground black pepper, unsalted butter, 2 cloves of garlic, paprika, soy sauce, dijon mustard, honey, and of course, your filet mignon steaks.

1. Start by taking the steaks out of the refrigerator about an hour before you want to cook. Then, coat both sides with salt and pepper. While the steaks come to room temperature, preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Next, in an oven-safe stainless steel or cast iron pan, add the butter, garlic, paprika, soy sauce, dijon, and honey.
3. Heat the butter, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be as hot as possible without burning the butter. Allow the butter to melt, swirling frequently to prevent burning. 
4. Once the butter is ready, it's time to sear the steaks. Add both steaks to the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, constantly spooning the hot butter over the steaks. Only turn the steaks once they are nicely browned. Make sure you don't let the butter burn - keep it moving. Then, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and transfer the pan to the hot oven. 
5. Finish cooking the steaks in a hot oven for 5-15 minutes, depending on your desired doneness and the starting internal temperatures of the steaks. Remove the steaks from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 115-120°F for rare, 125-130°F for medium-rare, and 130-135°F for medium. Allow the steaks to rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes. This will help the temperature to rise another 5 degrees and ensure your steaks are cooked to perfection.

Side Dish Recommendations:

Now that you have the filet mignon pan-sear recipe down pat, here's a few great side dishes that pair well with it.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are a perfect complement to filet mignon. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that goes well with filet mignon. Add some garlic or Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavors.
3. Grilled or Sautéed Mushrooms: Sautéed or grilled mushrooms are a delicious and earthy side dish that complements the rich flavor of filet mignon.
4. Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, either in wedges or chunks, are a simple and satisfying side dish that pairs well with filet mignon. Season with herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for added flavor.
5. Green Beans: Simple steamed or blanched green beans are a fresh and healthy side dish that provides a nice contrast to the richness of filet mignon. Add some butter or garlic for extra flavor.

Where to Buy the Best Filet Mignon?

If you're looking for the best filet mignon available for purchase, look no further than WagyuMan! We offer filet mignon cuts from Japan wagyu beef, known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness. You won't find a more premium cut of meat anywhere else.