Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
Introduction
Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter is a simple yet elegant steak dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner. The tender, juicy filet is elevated by a flavorful homemade garlic herb butter that melts beautifully over the top. This recipe brings restaurant-quality steak right to your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 ounces each)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing the softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and thyme until well combined. Roll the mixture into a log shape using parchment paper and refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
- Step 2: Bring the filet mignon steaks to room temperature and season them generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the filets for 3-4 minutes per side to achieve a medium-rare doneness.
- Step 4: During the last minute of cooking, add dollops of the garlic herb butter on top of each steak to melt and infuse flavor.
- Step 5: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest under foil for five minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra rich flavor, use European-style butter with higher fat content for the garlic herb butter.
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable—use about one-third the amount.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the steak.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Storage
If you have leftover steaks, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or skillet to avoid overcooking. Leftover garlic herb butter can be stored wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Yes, while filet mignon is ideal for tenderness, you can use ribeye or sirloin steaks. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and cut.
How do I know when the filet is cooked to medium-rare?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. The steak will continue to cook slightly while resting.
PrintFilet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
A deliciously tender and flavorful Filet Mignon seared to perfection, topped with a savory garlic herb butter that enhances the meat’s natural richness. This elegant steak recipe is perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dinner, combining simple ingredients with classic technique for outstanding results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6–8 ounces each)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Make the garlic herb butter: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh thyme until fully combined. Shape the butter into a compact log using parchment paper, then refrigerate it for at least one hour to firm up and allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the filet mignon: Remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Heat the skillet and sear the steaks: Warm the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the filets and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, aiming for a medium-rare doneness. This forms a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Add garlic herb butter: In the last minute of cooking, place dollops of the prepared garlic herb butter on top of each steak, allowing it to melt and infuse the meat with aromatic herbs and garlic.
- Rest the steaks: Remove the skillet from heat, transfer the filets to a plate, and tent loosely with foil. Let them rest for five minutes to redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
Notes
- Letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking helps cook the meat evenly.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best results as it retains heat well and creates a great sear.
- The garlic herb butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust cooking time if you prefer your steak more or less done.
- Resting the steak after cooking is crucial for juicy results.
Keywords: Filet Mignon, Garlic Herb Butter, Steak, Pan-Seared Steak, Easy Steak Recipe, Cast Iron Skillet

