Imagine cutting into a perfectly seared, melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, its golden-brown crust giving way to a tender, juicy interior, complemented by a rich, velvety Pinot Noir sauce and earthy mushrooms. This isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms your home kitchen into a five-star restaurant, promising a dining experience that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests utterly impressed.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup Pinot Noir wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Remove filet mignon steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon butter, allowing it to melt and create a hot surface.
- Carefully place steaks in the skillet and sear for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, developing a rich golden-brown crust.
- Remove steaks from skillet and let them rest on a warm plate, tented with aluminum foil to retain heat.
- In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Pour Pinot Noir wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and reduce liquid by half.
- Add remaining butter to create a silky sauce, stirring constantly to incorporate.
- Return steaks to skillet briefly to warm and coat with sauce.
- Plate steaks, top with mushroom sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and optimal tenderness.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the steaks, which helps achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: These retain heat exceptionally well and create the most beautiful, even sear on your steaks.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook steaks in a single layer to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting steaks rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
- Wine Reduction Tip: Choose a Pinot Noir you'd enjoy drinking—the sauce's flavor depends on the wine's quality.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh thyme for garnishing to add a subtle, aromatic touch to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg