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Perfect Foolproof Filet Mignon Recipe No Thermometer Needed Easy

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A simple and reliable method to cook perfect filet mignon steaks without a thermometer, using sensory cues like touch, sound, and sight for a juicy, tender result.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 filet mignon steaks, about 6 ounces (170g) each, trimmed of excess fat, 1.5 to 2 inches thick
  • Kosher salt or sea salt, for seasoning
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, coarse grind
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter (or ghee/olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 whole garlic cloves, smashed
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) high-smoke point oil (canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Bring steaks to room temperature by letting them sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
  2. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and just starts to smoke (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Gently lay the steaks away from you into the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side without moving them, until edges turn golden brown.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, smashed garlic, and thyme or rosemary. Once butter melts, tilt the pan and baste steaks repeatedly with a spoon.
  6. Check doneness by touch: soft and squishy = rare; springy with some resistance = medium-rare; firm but still has some give = medium. Aim for medium-rare by pressing the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb.
  7. Transfer steaks to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-7 minutes to let juices redistribute before serving.

Notes

For dairy-free, substitute butter with ghee or olive oil. Use the finger test to check doneness instead of a thermometer. Rest steaks for 5-7 minutes after cooking to retain juices. If unsure, slightly undercook and finish cooking as needed. Optional oven finish at 400°F for 3-5 minutes for thicker steaks.

Nutrition

Keywords: filet mignon, steak, no thermometer, easy steak recipe, pan-seared steak, butter basted steak, medium-rare steak, foolproof steak

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/perfect-foolproof-filet-mignon-recipe-no-thermometer-needed-easy/