Pan-Seared Filet Mignon Recipe with Herb Butter

Ingredients

• 4 10-ounce thick tenderloin beef filets (roughly 1.5– 2 inches thick)
• salt and pepper to taste
• vegetable or canola oil (can use 2 tbsp butter but it has a lower smoke point)
• GARLIC & HERB BUTTER
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

Method

1. For the herb butter: Soften the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until malleable, 10-15 seconds. Stir in herbs and garlic until fully mixed. Spoon the butter onto tin foil doing your best to reshape it to resemble a stick of butter. Place in refrigerator for about 10 minutes and remove 5 minutes before adding to the filet.
2. For the filets: Preheat the oven to 415°F. Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking, this is to bring the steak to room temperature and ensure your cooking times are more accurate. Season all sides liberally with salt and pepper. This can be done while your steak comes to room temp.
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to an oven-safe cast iron skillet and turn the heat up high, allowing the skillet to become very hot. Twirl the pan to distribute oil as it heats. Once the oil starts to smoke, place the filets face down and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the filets and sear for an additional 2 minutes. This will give your filets a nice seared edge.
4. Transfer your skillet directly to the oven. [WARNING] skillet may be hot, handle it with oven mitts. For rare, bake for 4 minutes. Medium rare, 5-6 minutes. Medium, 6-7 minutes. Medium well, 8-9 minutes. Remember, depending on the size of the steak, the more or less time it will take. This recipe is ideal for an 8-10 ounce portion, roughly 1.5-2 inches thick.
5. Remove filets from the skillet and set them on a plate, lightly cover with foil, and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This is important to bring your steak to its final serving temperature.
6. Top with a slice of garlic and herb butter and serve.