If you have been dreaming of a restaurant-quality steak that melts in your mouth and bursts with rich, savory flavors, the Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is your new best friend. This dish takes simple, tender filet mignon steaks and elevates them with a luscious garlic herb butter, creating an elegant dinner perfect for celebrations or treating yourself after a long day. The magic lies in the buttery, garlicky finish that perfectly complements the juicy, pan-seared beef, making every bite pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with three thick, raw red meat pieces with light fat marbling sits to the left on a white marbled surface. To the upper right of the bowl is a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs. On the right side, arranged in a neat cluster, are five small clear glass containers holding different ingredients: three peeled garlic cloves, two pale yellow butter squares, coarse white salt, and cracked black pepper. In the top right corner, there is a clear glass bottle filled with golden olive oil. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is essential, bringing its own flavor, texture, or aroma that makes the final dish unforgettable and balanced. You don’t need a long list of fancy items, just a handful of well-chosen components that highlight the natural taste of the filet.

Filet Mignon Steaks: Choose 6 to 8-ounce filets for tender, buttery texture that cooks evenly and beautifully.
Salt: A simple but vital seasoning that helps bring out the natural flavor of the steak.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground adds a subtle heat and complexity to the meat.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the steaks, it withstands high heat and adds a mild fruitiness.
Unsalted Butter: The rich base for your garlic herb butter that enhances juiciness and mouthfeel.
Garlic: Minced garlic imparts bold, aromatic flavor that melts into the butter.
Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, herbaceous note balanced against the richness of the butter.
Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (optional): Adds a fragrant layer of earthiness to your garlic butter.
Additional Salt for Butter: Ensures the garlic herb butter amplifies all other flavors perfectly.

How to Make Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Steaks

Start by bringing your filet mignon steaks to room temperature. This simple step helps the meat cook evenly later on. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to get a beautiful sear, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This foundational seasoning enhances the natural beefy flavor without overpowering it.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While the steaks are coming up to temperature, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and your choice of fresh thyme or rosemary. Add a pinch of salt to tie all the flavors together. This butter mix will melt beautifully over your steaks, imparting a fresh, vibrant richness that turns simple into spectacular.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Heat a heavy skillet—cast iron is ideal—over medium-high heat until it’s truly hot. Swirl in olive oil until it shimmers, then add your filets. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes undisturbed to create a gorgeous crust that locks in all the juices. This step builds the flavor base and texture that makes this recipe a winner.

Step 4: Add Garlic Herb Butter and Finish Cooking

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add several spoonfuls of your garlic herb butter to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks continuously. This not only adds incredible flavor but helps the meat cook gently to your desired doneness. Aim for medium-rare with an internal temperature of 135°F or adjust to your taste.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and let them rest for about five minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your filet mignon tender and juicy. Serve each steak topped with a generous dollop of the remaining garlic herb butter for that final touch of indulgence.

How to Serve Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

A close-up view of two thick steaks cooking in a black cast-iron pan filled with rich brown juices. The front steak is topped with a melting dollop of white butter and sprinkled with small green herb pieces, adding a fresh color contrast. The steak’s surface looks textured with a crispy brown sear and slight grill marks. The background shows part of the second steak, out of focus, while the entire scene rests on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh sprigs of parsley or thyme not only add a splash of bright green but also reinforce the herby aroma that complements the garlic butter. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can elevate the texture and flavor, giving each bite a little pop.

Side Dishes

This Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the luscious butter. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch and contrast while keeping your plate colorful and nutritious. For a more indulgent pairing, try garlic butter sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, slice the filet mignon crosswise into medallions and fan them out on the plate, drizzling extra garlic herb butter on top. Serve on a rustic wooden board or elegant white dinnerware to show off the steak’s stunning sear. Add a small ramekin of extra herb butter for dipping to impress your guests and add an interactive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover filet mignon, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This keeps the steak juicy and prevents it from drying out. Plan to enjoy leftovers within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe for longer storage by wrapping individual steaks tightly with plastic wrap and then placing them inside a freezer-safe bag. This double protection helps prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and use within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat without overcooking, warm your steaks gently in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F) or use a quick pan sear followed by a few minutes in a covered skillet with a splash of beef broth to keep moisture. Avoid the microwave, which can make the steak tough and rubbery. Reheat just until warmed through and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use frozen filet mignon steaks for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw frozen filet mignon steaks fully in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and a less tender result.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the garlic butter?

Dried herbs can work in a pinch; just use them sparingly as their flavors are more concentrated. Alternatively, skip them and let the garlic butter shine on its own.

How do I know when the filet mignon is cooked to medium rare?

The safest and most accurate way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer; medium rare is at 135°F. Alternatively, a good sear time is 3-4 minutes per side with additional butter basting at a lower heat.

Is it necessary to let the steaks rest after cooking?

Absolutely. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy, tender steak rather than dry or tough bites.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic herb butter up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated. This makes cooking day even easier and more stress-free.

Final Thoughts

This Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again because it feels so special yet is surprisingly approachable to make at home. The combination of tender, perfectly cooked filet mignon paired with rich, flavorful garlic herb butter is a true crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself—you might just turn it into your signature go-to for date nights, holidays, or whenever you want to celebrate with something downright delicious.