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Perfect Filet Mignon Dinner Recipe Easy Romantic Anniversary Meal Ideas

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A quick and easy filet mignon recipe perfect for romantic dinners and special occasions, featuring a buttery herb butter finish and simple sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 filet mignon steaks (6 oz or 170 g each, 1.52 inches thick)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, smashed
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon mild-flavored extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional: 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • Baby potatoes (about 12 oz or 340 g), halved
  • 8 asparagus spears

Instructions

  1. Bring steaks to room temperature by removing from fridge and letting sit covered on the counter for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with smashed garlic cloves and fresh thyme leaves. Mix until fragrant and set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place steaks in pan and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown crust forms. Flip and sear other side for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add herb butter, smashed garlic, and thyme sprigs to pan. Tilt skillet and baste melted butter over steaks repeatedly for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Roast steaks until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium, about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness.
  7. Remove steaks from oven and transfer to warm plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. While steaks rest, roast or pan-sear sides: toss baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden; sauté asparagus in olive oil with a pinch of salt for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  9. Serve filet mignon topped with a dollop of leftover herb butter from the pan. Arrange sides alongside and drizzle any pan juices over the steak.

Notes

Pat steaks dry before seasoning for a better sear. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Rest steaks after cooking to keep them juicy. You can substitute butter with ghee or plant-based alternatives for dairy-free options. Optional shallots add sweetness to pan sauce. Roasting sides alongside steak saves time.

Nutrition

Keywords: filet mignon, steak dinner, romantic dinner, anniversary meal, easy steak recipe, herb butter, pan-seared steak