How To Reverse Sear Filet Mignon
Who says you can’t enjoy a perfectly cooked steak at home? Learn how to reverse sear filet mignon -- a foolproof method for cooking tender and juicy steaks — and we guarantee it will turn out perfect every time. Gluten-free, Dairy-free.
Prep5 minutes mins
Cook25 minutes mins
Room Temp Resting Time15 minutes mins
Total45 minutes mins
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: chef-tested dinner, elevated beef recipe, filet mignon cast iron, how to cook filet mignon in oven, restaurant-worthy dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 498kcal
- 4 filet mignon about 6-8 oz each
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Neutral oil such as grapeseed, canola oil, or vegetable oil
- Flaky sea salt optional, for serving
Bring the steaks to room temperature. Pat steaks dry with a paper towel, then place them on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 225°F.
Season the steaks. Sprinkle each steak liberally on all sides with Kosher salt. About 2-3 tsp per filet. It looks like a lot, but meat can handle a good amount of salt. Season on all sides with (a smaller amount of) freshly ground black pepper, as much as you like.
Cook the steaks. Place the filets into a preheated oven and cook according to desired doneness. We recommend 25 minutes for medium rare, with an internal temperature of 115°F. If you prefer rare, check after 20 minutes. If you prefer steak more cooked, check it after 30 minutes.
Heat a cast iron skillet. Allow the filets to rest while you heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. When it begins to smoke, about 5 minutes later, add 1 Tbsp neutral oil.
Sear the steaks. Place steaks in the hot skillet, then cook for about 2 minutes total, flipping the steaks every 15-20 seconds until a crust has formed.
Allow the meat to rest. Let the steaks sit for 5-10 minutes to rest, then slice and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Make ahead: You can season the filet mignon with kosher salt up to 24 hours in advance. Store uncovered in the fridge to dry brine — this helps enhance flavor and promotes a better sear. Bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days.
- To gently reheat, place the steak in a low oven (around 250°F) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, or reheat slices briefly in a skillet with a bit of butter. Skip the microwave to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing instructions: Cooked filet mignon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving: 1filet | Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 1828mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 4mg