Perfect Pan Fried Filet Mignon

Who doesn’t want to impress with perfectly cooked steak every time? I know I do, and this recipe from The New Best Recipe has helped me do just that. Even down to the perfect round shape. We never go out for steak anymore because it’s always better at home!   

INGREDIENTS makes 4 servings

4 center cut filets mignons, 1.5 – 2 inches thick

4 tsp canola, vegetable, or olive oil (not extra-virgin, because it has a low smoke point)

salt and black pepper to taste

kitchen twine (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

• 4 center cut filets mignons, 1.5 – 2 inches thick
• salt and black pepper to taste
• kitchen twine (optional)
• 4 tsp canola, vegetable, or olive oil (not extra-virgin)

1. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator. If your filet mignon is whole, cut it into 1.5 – 2 inch steaks. To ensure that the steaks stay perfectly round, shape them accordingly and then tie the kitchen twine round the steaks, cutting off the extra twine at the knot. Rub each side of the steaks with 1/2 tsp oil and sprinkle the steaks liberally with salt and black pepper on both sides. Set aside.

2. Adjust an oven rack to be in the middle position. Place a rimmed baking sheet on the rack and preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Once the oven has reached temperature, heat a heavy-bottomed large skillet (that can fit the 4 steaks without crowding) over high-heat on the stovetop. DO NOT USE NONSTICK! Cast iron gets the best sear, but stainless works well too.

3. Place the steaks in the skillet and cook without moving them for 3 min, until they get a well browned nice crust. Flip the steaks over using tongs, and sear the other side for another 3 min. You may smoke out your kitchen a bit here, so if you have a very sensitive fire alarm like I do, be prepared. Remove the pan from the heat once the steaks are browned and use tongs to transfer them to the prepared baking sheet in the oven. Keep in the oven until desired doneness:

Rare steaks — 4 – 6 min

Medium-rare steaks — 6 – 8 min

Medium steaks — 8 – 10 min

Past medium — No

Let the steaks rest 5 min before serving.