How to Cook Filet Mignon in a Cast Iron Skillet

Skip the pricey steakhouse, and instead learn how to cook filet mignon in a cast iron skillet! You'll love the garlic herbed butter on top.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, French

Keyword how to cook filet mignon, pan seared filet mignon

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Resting Time 5 minutes

Total Time 31 minutes

Servings - 4 people

Calories 519kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Preheat oven to 425° F. In a small bowl, combine butter, chives, parsley, rosemary and garlic. Set aside.
Allow the steaks to sit on the counter and come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Liberally season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until barely smoking. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, then place the pan in the oven for about 3 more minutes, or until the steak reaches the desired temperature -- about 125-130° F for rare (a cool red center), 135° F for medium-rare (a warm red center), or 145° F for medium (a warm pink center).
Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes, then top with a dollop of the garlic herb butter and serve.

Cook about 2-4 steaks, depending on how many people you plan to serve. If you're only cooking two steaks, you can cut the butter, garlic and herbs in half -- you won't need as much as called for in the recipe.
When cooking 4 steaks, you'll need to use a large enough cast iron skillet that you can comfortably fit all 4 without crowding. If your skillet isn't big enough, just cook the steaks in two separate batches.
Don't be shy with the kosher salt. You need enough to coat the meat on both sides, which will help the filet mignon develop a nice seared crust in the pan.
Sear the steaks in vegetable oil (rather than butter or olive oil), because the vegetable oil has a higher smoke point. You can add that great butter for flavor at the end!
The total cooking time will vary depending on the size, thickness, and temperature of your filet mignon when you cook it. As a result, a meat thermometer is the best way to know when your meat has reached its ideal temperature.
Check the temperature of your meat before you transfer the skillet to the oven. If the filet mignon is within about 5-10 degrees of your desired temperature, you may need even less than 3 minutes in the oven. If your steak isn't done after 3 minutes, check every minute or so to avoid over-cooking.