Description
Indulge in the ultimate dining experience with this elegant Filet Mignon with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce recipe. Discover the perfect way to impress your guests tonight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6–8 oz/170-225g each), 1.5-2 inches thick, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) high-heat oil (grapeseed or avocado)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 teaspoon (6g) kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon (2g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons (12g) coarsely crushed black peppercorns
- ¼ cup (60ml) cognac or brandy
- ¾ cup (180ml) beef stock
- ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon (3g) kosher salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Steaks Pat your filet mignon steaks completely dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of a good sear). Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides, pressing the seasonings into the meat. Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Step 2: Sear the Steaks Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add the high-heat oil and swirl to coat. Carefully place the steaks in the pan, allowing at least 1 inch between them. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Resist the urge to move them – patience creates that perfect sear!
- Step 3: Flip and Baste Flip the steaks and add butter, garlic cloves, and thyme sprigs to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-high. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly to pool the butter mixture and spoon it repeatedly over the steaks for 2-3 minutes. This aromatic basting adds incredible flavor while helping cook the sides of the steak.
- Step 4: Check Temperature and Rest For medium-rare (recommended), cook until steaks register 125-130°F (52-54°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes. During this crucial rest, the temperature will rise about 5 degrees, and juices will redistribute throughout the meat.
- Step 5: Make the Peppercorn Sauce While the steaks rest, return the same pan to medium heat, retaining all those flavorful browned bits. Add butter and shallots, cooking until translucent (1-2 minutes). Add crushed peppercorns and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully add cognac (it may flame briefly), scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the browned bits. Reduce by half.
- Step 6: Finish the Sauce Pour in beef stock and reduce by half again (about 3 minutes). Lower heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (3-4 minutes). Season with salt to taste. Serve your **Elegant Filet Mignon with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce** immediately, pouring the warm sauce over the steaks or serving alongside.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg