Filet Mignon Stack Recipes

Steps:

• Sprinkle the steaks generously with salt on both sides. Press the top and bottoms of the steaks into the peppercorns to crust on each side.
• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy saute pan or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steaks and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cook until the internal temperature is around 125 degrees F for medium-rare. Remove the steaks from the pan and allow them to rest.
• In the same pan the steaks were cooked in, add the shallots along with the remaining tablespoon oil and the green peppercorns and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the shallots are softened and lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, then add the brandy and return the heat to medium. Cook for 1 minute. Add the beef stock and cream, then reduce the liquid by half until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt as needed.
• Turn off the heat. Swirl in the butter and melt, stirring often. Return the steaks to the pan and coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with the parsley and a splash of red wine vinegar to balance the richness of the sauce. Place the steaks on a plate, then spoon the sauce over and serve.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Place the beef on a baking sheet and pat the outside dry with a paper towel. Spread the butter on with your hands. Sprinkle evenly with the salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for exactly 22 minutes for rare and 25 minutes for medium-rare.
• Remove the beef from the oven, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. Remove the strings and slice the filet thickly.

Steps:

• Pat the steaks dry, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Firmly press the seasoning into the meat.
• Heat the oil in a medium stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes. Add the steaks and cook until a golden crust forms, about 2 minutes. Flip with tongs and cook until golden on the second side, about 2 minutes (see Cook's Note). Flip again and cook for 2 minutes. Flip once more and add 4 tablespoons of the butter and the thyme and garlic. Let cook, undisturbed, until the butter stops foaming, 1 to 2 minutes. Tilt the pan slightly so the butter pools and spoon it over the steaks. Continue to cook the steaks, basting constantly, until they are medium rare and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 118 degrees F, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Transfer the steaks to a plate to rest. Discard the garlic, thyme and fat from the skillet, but do not wipe out the browned bits.
• Place the same skillet over medium heat and add the shallots and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon, until softened, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the brandy. Return the skillet to the heat and continue to cook over medium until the skillet is dry, being careful as it may ignite, about 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until the liquid reduces by half, about 3 minutes. Add the beef stock and bring to a boil. Whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• To serve, slice the steak, spoon the sauce over the top and sprinkle with the chives.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Heat a large, well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and brush them lightly with vegetable oil. Combine the fleur de sel and cracked pepper on a plate and roll the steaks in the mixture, pressing lightly to evenly coat all sides.
• When the skillet is ready, add the steaks and sear them evenly on all sides for about 2 minutes per side, for a total of 10 minutes.
• Top each steak with a tablespoon of butter, if using, and place the skillet in the oven. Cook the steaks until they reach 120 degrees F for rare or 125 degrees F for medium-rare on an instant-read thermometer. (To test the steaks, insert the thermometer sideways to be sure you're actually testing the middle of the steak.)
• Remove the steaks to a serving platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Serve hot with Roquefort Chive Sauce on the side.
• Bring the heavy cream to a boil in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook at a low boil, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has become thick and creamy, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the cheese, salt, pepper and chives and whisk rapidly until the cheese melts.
• Yield: 4 servings