Restaurant Style Filet Mignon Recipe 445

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pat dry the filets mignons with paper towels. Brush the filets lightly all over with the oil. Combine the fleur de sel and cracked pepper on a plate and roll the filets on all sides in the mixture, pressing lightly to help the salt and pepper adhere. The steaks should be evenly coated with the salt and pepper.
• When the pan is extremely hot, add the steaks and sear evenly on all sides (top, bottom, and sides) for about 2 minutes per side. (Be sure the cooking area is well ventilated.) You'll probably need about 3 turns to sear the sides and about 10 minutes total.
• Remove the pan from the heat and arrange all the filets flat in the pan. Top each with a tablespoon of butter, then place the pan in the oven. Cook the filets for 8 to 12 minutes to 120 degrees for rare and 125 degrees for medium-rare. Remove the steaks to a platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

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:

• Take 1/2 stick of butter, softened, and mix well with the peeled, chopped garlic, the chopped herbs, and the lemon zest. Form into a log and refrigerate. Generously season the filet's with salt and pepper, approximately 1 teaspoon of seasoning per side. Heat the remainder of the butter (1/2 stick) and the olive oil in a cast iron skillet to a screaming hot temperature. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Sear the filets in a screaming hot pan for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice brown crust has formed. While the steak is searing, continue to spoon the residual butter in the pan on top of the meat while it's cooking. Once both sides are seared, place in the center of the oven for about 6-8 minutes, depending upon how thick your steak is. In the last minute of cooking, take the log of compound butter and slice a nice thick piece to place on top. Your steak will be ready when it is approximately 135 degrees in the center, or when you push lightly on the top center of the steak and it gently and slowly bounces back. (Note, this is medium rare kids. Some people don't like to eat cows while they are mooing, so clearly you can cook longer if your afraid of the pink.)