Filet Mignon with Garlic Mushrooms
Highlighted under: Global Taste Adventures
I absolutely adore preparing Filet Mignon with Garlic Mushrooms, especially when I want to impress guests or indulge in a luxurious meal at home. The tender, juicy steak paired with the rich umami flavor of garlic sautéed mushrooms makes for an unforgettable dining experience. This dish marries the elegance of a fine restaurant meal with the comfort of home cooking. Every slice of filet is so flavorful, and the mushrooms add a depth that perfectly complements the beef. It’s a showstopper in any setting!
When I first tried making Filet Mignon with Garlic Mushrooms, I was amazed at how simple yet elegant it turned out. The secret lies in the quality of the beef and the freshness of the garlic. I remember using a high-quality cut of filet mignon, which really enhances the flavor. Sizzling the mushrooms with garlic in butter not only adds taste but also a beautiful aroma that fills the kitchen.
One specific tip that I learned is to let the filet rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and rich. Pairing this dish with a glass of robust red wine elevates the meal even further, making it a truly special occasion treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, tender filet cooked to perfection
- Savory garlic mushrooms that enhance the beef
- An impressive dish that's simple to prepare
Choosing the Perfect Filet Mignon
When selecting filet mignon, look for steaks that are bright red with good marbling—the white fat will melt during cooking, enhancing the flavor and tenderness. A thickness of about 1.5 to 2 inches is ideal, as this allows for a perfect sear while keeping the inside juicy. If you're unsure, ask your butcher for recommendations to ensure you're getting the best cut possible.
While fresh filet mignon is optimal, you can use frozen cuts if needed. Just ensure to thaw them in the fridge overnight for even cooking. Avoid using the microwave for thawing, as it can lead to uneven texture. Remember to bring the steaks to room temperature before cooking for a more consistent doneness.
Enhancing the Garlic Mushrooms
The mushrooms serve not only as a delicious topping but also as a natural companion to the rich filet mignon. Button mushrooms are great for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with cremini or shiitake for deeper flavors. Just ensure they are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking, helping them achieve that golden-brown color that enhances their natural sweetness.
For a twist, add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar into the skillet after the garlic is fragrant. This deglazes the pan, picking up all those flavorful bits and adding an additional layer of taste to the mushrooms. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a touch of heavy cream after cooking the mushrooms until just warm through.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
To impress your guests, serve the filet mignon on a warm plate to maintain the temperature of the dish. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad pairs beautifully with the flavors of the steak and mushrooms. For a more refined touch, a drizzle of truffle oil over the entire dish just before serving can elevate the experience further.
If you have leftovers, wrap the steak tightly in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the wrapped steak in a 250°F oven until warmed through, usually about 20-30 minutes, to prevent it from drying out. The mushrooms can be stored for a similar duration; just reheat them gently in a pan before serving.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 filet mignon steaks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Mushrooms
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Steps
Prepare the Filet Mignon
Season the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steaks and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness.
Make the Garlic Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add butter and melt. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley.
Rest and Serve
Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve the filet mignon topped with the garlic mushrooms and enjoy the rich flavors.
Pro Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the filet mignon in your favorite marinade several hours before cooking. This can enhance the tenderness and infuse extra flavor.
Key Cooking Techniques
Searing the filet mignon at a high temperature is crucial for developing that rich, crusty exterior. Heat your skillet before adding the oil, and wait for it to shimmer to ensure you're achieving the Maillard reaction, which adds depth through browning. If the steak starts to steam instead of sizzle, your pan isn’t hot enough—this can lead to a less flavorful result.
Resting the steak post-cooking is just as vital as the cooking process itself. Allowing the filet to rest for about 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy, mouthwatering bite. Cutting into it too early can lead to loss of those precious juices—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking for a variation, consider using ribeye steaks instead of filet mignon. While not as tender, they offer a burst of flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—the ribeye may require a couple of extra minutes per side due to its thickness and marbling.
For those avoiding butter, you can substitute with ghee or a high-quality plant-based butter. This maintains the rich flavor profile while catering to dairy-free diets. Olive oil can still be used for both the steak and mushrooms, but I recommend finishing with a pat of plant-based butter for a similar creamy finish without dairy.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe easily scales up for gatherings! Simply increase the number of steaks while maintaining the same ratio of garlic mushrooms per serving. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to sear the steaks in batches if needed, as overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than browning. Alternatively, consider using two skillets if available to expedite the process.
When hosting larger groups, putting the garlic mushrooms on a separate platter can allow guests to serve themselves. This enhances the dining experience and lets your guests customize their plates, pairing just the right amount of mushrooms with each slice of steak.
Questions About Recipes
→ What is the best way to cook filet mignon?
The best way to cook filet mignon is to sear it in a hot pan for maximum flavor and then finish it in the oven or continue to cook on the stovetop to your desired doneness.
→ How can I tell if my filet mignon is cooked to the right temperature?
Use a meat thermometer. Medium-rare is usually around 130°F, while medium is closer to 140°F.
→ Can I use other mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute button mushrooms with cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
→ What side dishes pair well with filet mignon?
Filet mignon pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Filet Mignon with Garlic Mushrooms
I absolutely adore preparing Filet Mignon with Garlic Mushrooms, especially when I want to impress guests or indulge in a luxurious meal at home. The tender, juicy steak paired with the rich umami flavor of garlic sautéed mushrooms makes for an unforgettable dining experience. This dish marries the elegance of a fine restaurant meal with the comfort of home cooking. Every slice of filet is so flavorful, and the mushrooms add a depth that perfectly complements the beef. It’s a showstopper in any setting!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Global Taste Adventures
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Steak
- 2 filet mignon steaks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Mushrooms
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Season the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steaks and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness.
In the same skillet, add butter and melt. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley.
Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve the filet mignon topped with the garlic mushrooms and enjoy the rich flavors.
Extra Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the filet mignon in your favorite marinade several hours before cooking. This can enhance the tenderness and infuse extra flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 50g