Perfect Sear & Bake Filet Mignon 🥩🔥

🥄 Ingredients:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
• 1 tbsp high-heat oil (avocado or tallow) 
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional) 🧄
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional) 🌿
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper 🧂

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. ⏳ Take Steaks Out & Preheat Oven

   • Remove steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes for even cooking.
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F 🔥.

2. 🧂 Season the Steaks

   • Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
   • Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.

3. 🔥 Sear the Filets

   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
   • Add steaks and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
   • Tilt the pan and spoon the hot oil over the steaks as they sear.

4. 🧄 Add Butter & Aromatics (Optional, but Recommended!)

   • Reduce heat to medium, then add butter, garlic, and rosemary/thyme.
   • Spoon melted butter over steaks for about 30 seconds.

5. 🍽️ Transfer to Oven & Bake at 400°F

   • Move the skillet (or put on baking sheet) directly into the preheated oven and bake:
     • 6-7 minutes for medium-rare 
     • 8 minutes for medium 
     • 9 minutes for medium-well 

6. Rest & Serve

   • Remove from oven and let rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
   • Spoon pan juices over the steaks for extra flavor.

🧄 Quick Sauce Ideas:

1. 🧈 Garlic Butter Sauce (Super Easy!)

   • Melt 2 tbsp butter in a small pan over low heat.
   • Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds.
   • Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 🍋 and pour over the steaks.

2. 🌶️ Creamy Peppercorn Sauce

   • After removing steaks, add ¼ cup beef broth to the skillet.
   • Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 tsp cracked black pepper.
   • Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

This meal is restaurant-quality with minimal effort! 🍽️✨