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Perfect Medium-Rare Filet Mignon Recipe Easy Cast Iron Searing Tips

medium-rare filet mignon - featured image

A straightforward and rewarding recipe for perfectly cooked medium-rare filet mignon using cast iron searing, delivering a juicy, tender steak with a delicious crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 filet mignon steaks, about 6 ounces (170g) each, 1.5 to 2 inches thick
  • Kosher salt or sea salt, to season generously
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed but left whole
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon high-smoke point oil (such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil)

Instructions

  1. Bring the steaks to room temperature by removing them from the fridge and letting them sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes until it is smoking hot.
  3. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of high-smoke point oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
  5. Place the steaks in the pan, laying them away from you to avoid splatters. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  6. Flip the steaks and add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and thyme or rosemary sprigs to the pan.
  7. Tilt the pan slightly and baste the steaks continuously with melted butter for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
  9. Transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5-7 minutes to let juices redistribute.
  10. Serve whole or sliced against the grain with your favorite sides.

Notes

Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Use a hot cast iron skillet for a perfect crust. Rest steaks after cooking to keep them juicy. For steaks thicker than 2 inches, finish in a 400°F oven for 3-5 minutes after searing. Avoid non-stick pans as they don’t get hot enough for a good sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: filet mignon, medium-rare steak, cast iron searing, easy steak recipe, steak dinner, quick steak, tender steak