Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter

This pan-seared filet mignon recipe pairs a browned crust with garlic herb butter for a steakhouse-style dinner at home. Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 Steak Seasoning & Meat Tenderizer brings savory flavor, while a hot skillet and a short butter baste keep the method straightforward.

Rooted in a five-generation family food tradition in St. Donatus, Iowa, Kalmes Foods brings restaurant-proven flavor to your kitchen. Serve these steaks for date night, a celebration, or a dinner worth slowing down for.

Recipe at a glance

• Servings: 2
• Hands-on prep: About 10 minutes
• Cooking: Allow about 15 minutes; actual time depends on steak thickness, pan heat, and doneness
• Rest after cooking: 5 minutes
• Equipment: Heavy skillet, tongs, and a meat thermometer

Allow extra time for any seasoning rest directed on your product label. Cooking times are guides, not a substitute for checking the steaks with a thermometer.

Ingredients

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6–8 oz each, about 1½ inches thick)
• 2 tsp Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 Steak Seasoning & Meat Tenderizer, or to taste and according to label directions
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary

How to pan-sear filet mignon

1. Pat dry and season. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Distribute the Kalmes seasoning evenly over the tops, bottoms, and edges. Follow the product label for seasoning and resting directions.
2. Heat the skillet. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. It should shimmer; reduce the heat if the oil smokes heavily.
3. Sear the steaks. Place the steaks in the skillet, leaving space between them. Sear undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes per side to develop a browned crust. These times establish the sear, not necessarily full doneness.
4. Add garlic herb butter. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, and herbs. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for 1–2 minutes. Lower the heat if the butter or garlic starts to burn.
5. Check and finish cooking. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of each steak. Continue cooking as needed, reducing the heat to avoid burning the crust. Follow safe cooking guidance on the meat packaging; do not judge doneness by crust color alone.
6. Rest and serve. Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the garlic herb butter spooned over the top.

Optional oven finish

For thicker steaks, an oven finish lets you continue cooking after the crust develops. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sear the steaks for about 2 minutes per side in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Begin checking after 4–6 minutes and continue as needed, using a thermometer rather than time alone. Use oven mitts when handling the skillet: the handle stays hot after it leaves the oven.

Tips for a better sear

• Start with a dry surface. Patting away excess moisture helps the steaks brown.
• Leave room in the pan. Use a skillet large enough to hold both steaks without crowding.
• Let the crust develop. Avoid moving the steaks constantly during the initial sear.
• Use unsalted butter. Let the Kalmes seasoning lead, then taste before adding extra salt.
• Keep an eye on the aromatics. Garlic and herbs should flavor the butter without scorching.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron is a good choice for holding heat, but another heavy skillet can work. If you plan to finish the steaks in the oven, make sure the entire skillet, including the handle, is oven-safe.

Can I use rosemary instead of thyme?

Yes. Use 2–3 sprigs of either fresh herb with the smashed garlic and butter.

What should I serve with filet mignon?

Try roasted garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, or keep it classic with a wedge salad. Spoon the garlic herb butter over the steaks just before serving.

Bring Kalmes flavor to steak night

Make the seasoning your starting point for this dinner and your next cookout. Shop Kalmes Famous 2-in-1 Steak Seasoning & Meat Tenderizer for restaurant-proven flavor at home.