Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce

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filet mignon topped with béarnaise sauce
photo by HarshLight licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

This filet mignon with béarnaise sauce recipe is a deliciously indulgent meal that will surely be a hit among your guests. This luxurious steak dish is packed full of flavor and makes the perfect main course for any special occasion. The tender filet mignon is cooked to perfection and paired with an herby homemade béarnaise sauce, making it a delectable choice that everyone will love.

What Is Béarnaise Sauce?


Béarnaise sauce is a classic French sauce that dates back to the 19th century. It is made from clarified melted butter, egg yolks, dry white wine or vinegar, and herbs such as fresh (or chopped) tarragon and chervil. This creamy, rich, and buttery sauce is a perfect accompaniment for most kinds of steaks.

What is the best way to cook the filet mignon?

When cooked correctly, filet mignon can be an incredibly flavorful and tender cut of beef. The best way to cook this exquisite steak is to pan-fry it in hot cast iron with a small amount of oil. By searing the steak on high heat first and then allowing it to finish cooking over low heat, you can produce the perfect filet mignon that is both juicy and delicious. Here are the steps for achieving filet mignon with bearnaise sauce perfection:

Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce Recipe

This filet mignon with béarnaise sauce recipe is perfect for a special occasion or date night. The steak is cooked to perfection, and the creamy sauce adds an extra layer of flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself to a romantic dinner for two or hosting a dinner party, this dish will make an impressive addition to your meal! Here’s everything you need to know about making filet mignon with béarnaise sauce.

Ingredients

For the Filet:

  • 1 Filet Mignon Steak
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

For the Sauce:

  • 3 Tablespoons of Butter
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
  • 2 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
  • 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Instructions

For the Filet:

  1. Heat a large skillet on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Pat the filet mignon dry, and season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Add the oil to the hot skillet and wait until it is shimmering before adding in the steak.
  4. Allow the steak to cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium rare.
  5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

For the Sauce:

  1. While the steak is resting, turn down the heat to medium-low temperature and add butter to the small saucepan used to cook the steak.
  2. Once melted, add minced garlic and thyme sprigs and sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  3. To finish, pour in the cream and stir it continuously until thickened (approx 1-2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove from heat once finished, and serve warm atop your filet mignon!

Recipe Tips and Notes

  • For best results, use a high-smoke point oil like avocado or peanut oil when cooking the steak.
  • If using fresh herbs, you may want to double the amount suggested for the flavor to shine through.
  • Once you’re more confident, you might want to consider using more premium cuts like Wagyu filet mignon.
  • When making the sauce, be sure not to overcook it as it can become bitter if heated too long.
  • After cooking filet mignon, serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Conclusion

This filet mignon with creamy garlic sauce is a delicious dinner option that requires very few ingredients and can be cooked in under 30 minutes. The rich, buttery sauce adds some extra flavor to the steak and makes this dish even more special! Try this recipe today and wow your family with a simple but fancy meal.

filet mignon with bearnaise sauce served on platter with beans

Filet Mignon with Béarnaise Sauce

Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

For the Filet:

  • 1 Filet Mignon Steak
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

For the Filet:

  • Heat a large skillet on high heat for 2-3 minutes
  • Pat the filet mignon dry, and season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides
  • Add the oil to the hot skillet and wait until it is shimmering before adding in the steak
  • Allow the steak to cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium rare
  • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm

For the Sauce:

  • While the steak is resting, turn down the heat to medium-low temperature and add butter to the small saucepan used to cook the steak
  • Once melted, add minced garlic and thyme sprigs and sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until fragrant
  • To finish, pour in the cream and stir it continuously until thickened (approx 1-2 minutes).
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove from heat once finished, and serve warm atop your filet mignon!

Notes

  • For best results, use a high-smoke point oil like avocado or peanut oil when cooking the steak.
  • If using fresh herbs, you may want to double the amount suggested for the flavor to shine through.
  • Once you’re more confident, you might want to consider using more premium cuts like Wagyu filet mignon.
  • When making the sauce, be sure not to overcook it as it can become bitter if heated too long.
  • After cooking filet mignon, serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
*photo by HarshLight licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0