A Filet Mignon, often regarded as the king of steaks, is prized for its unparalleled tenderness and rich flavour. Cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin, this steak boasts a fine-grained texture that melts in your mouth, making it a favourite among steak enthusiasts. Here’s why filet mignon is considered the best steak and some recommendations for side dishes and sauces to elevate your dining experience. In this post we give amazing options but have chosen Filet Mignon with a Red Wine Reduction.
Why Filet Mignon is the Best Steak
Unmatched Tenderness
Filet mignon comes from a muscle that does very little work, resulting in a steak that is incredibly tender. Its soft texture is perfect for those who prefer their steak to be melt-in-the-mouth rather than chewy.
Superior Flavour
While some argue that filet mignon lacks the intense beefy flavour found in other cuts, its subtle taste is actually a canvas for culinary flavours. It absorbs marinades and pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces, enhancing its delicate flavour without overwhelming it.
Perfect for Special Occasions
The luxurious nature of filet mignon makes it a popular choice for special occasions and fine dining. Its smaller portion size is also a testament to its quality over quantity, ensuring a rich and satisfying meal without overindulgence.
Ideal Side Dishes for Filet Mignon
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the tenderness of filet mignon. The smooth texture and robust garlic flavour create a harmonious balance with the steak’s delicate taste.
Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
The slight bitterness of asparagus, paired with the rich and creamy hollandaise sauce, offers a delightful contrast to the mild flavour of filet mignon. This combination is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to your plate.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy depth to filet mignon. Cooked in butter and garlic, they add a savoury element that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a healthier option, roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic choice. Their caramelized exterior and tender interior provide a satisfying crunch and a slight sweetness that pairs well with the steak.
Sauces to Elevate Your Filet Mignon
Red Wine Reduction
A red wine reduction sauce is a sophisticated choice that adds a layer of complexity to filet mignon. The rich, tangy flavours of the red wine, reduced with shallots and beef stock, complement the steak beautifully.
Béarnaise Sauce
Béarnaise sauce, with its creamy texture and hints of tarragon and shallots, is a classic pairing for filet mignon. Its richness enhances the mild flavour of the steak, making each bite a luxurious experience.
Peppercorn Sauce
Peppercorn sauce, with its bold and slightly spicy flavour, adds a punch to filet mignon. Made with heavy cream, beef stock, and crushed peppercorns, it provides a perfect balance of creaminess and heat.
Garlic Herb Butter
A simple yet delicious option is garlic herb butter. The melted butter, infused with fresh herbs and garlic, adds a luscious finish to the filet mignon, enhancing its natural flavours without overpowering them.
A filet mignon stands out as the best steak due to its exceptional tenderness and versatility in flavour. Paired with the right side dishes and sauces, it becomes a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a gourmet meal at home, filet mignon is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palate.
This recipe includes Filet Mignon with a Red Wine Reduction, garlic Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus in a Hollandaise Sauce. Basically an all round perfect display of good quality ingredients paired perfectly.
Filet Mignon with a Red Wine Reduction
This recipe provides a gourmet dining experience at home, showcasing why filet mignon is the best steak and how it can be perfectly complemented with thoughtful sides and a rich sauce.
Servings 2 People
Calories 911kcal
Ingredients
Filet Mignon Ingredients:
- 2 large filet mignon steaks 6-ounce each
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Red Wine Reduction Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup red wine choose a good quality dry red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided in half
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Filet Mignon
- Season the Steaks: Generously season the filet mignon steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.2 large filet mignon steaks, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Sear the Steaks: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until a brown crust forms.2 tbsp olive oil
- Add Butter and Herbs: Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steaks continuously for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.2 tbsp butter, 2 cloves garlic, 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Finish Cooking: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) to finish cooking to your desired level of doneness (approximately 5-7 minutes for medium-rare). Remove the steaks from the oven, cover with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Making the Red Wine Reduction Sauce
- Sauté the Shallots: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.1 large shallot, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Reduce the Wine: Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 10-15 minutes.1 cup red wine, 1/2 cup beef broth
- Finish the Sauce: Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.2 tbsp unsalted butter, salt, pepper
Serving
- Plate the Filet Mignon: Place the rested filet mignon on each plate. Drizzle with the red wine reduction sauce. Add the sides of your choice.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and enjoy your luxurious meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 911kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 74g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 32g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 768mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 5mg
View Comments (11)
Made this at the weekend and a big success. She wasn't expecting it. I didn’t tell her how easy it was to cook.
Surprised my wife with this for date night. Easy, Fast, tasty, impressive and romantic. In the good books now.
Nothing beats a medium rare filet but needed more or the reduction or better still a sauce. Loved the flavours though.
The reduction is packed with flavour and is perfect with the steak.
Served with new potatoes and asparagus as a practice run for next weekend. Most definitely serving this as it was perfect in every way.
Made this for date night and it was superb. The steak was butter soft and the sauce was so packed with flavour.
Served with mash potatoes and it was delicious. Thank you.
A simple recipe that always packs a punch.
A recipe that is so easy to follow but ends with something spectacular.
Not often we have time to treat ourselves with 5 children but cooked this for my husband. We both loved it and definitely having again.