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Tenderloin Steak with Herb Butter Recipe

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This Tenderloin Steak Recipe with Herb Butter features the most tender cut of beef, the filet mignon, cooked to perfection by searing in a cast iron skillet and finishing in the oven. Enhanced with a flavorful homemade thyme herb butter, this dish delivers juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak every time, ideal for a delicious American main course.

  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

For Cooking Steaks

  • 4 6-ounce beef tenderloin steaks
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

Thyme Herb Butter

  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make Herb Butter: Mix the room temperature butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh thyme together until well combined. Spread a strip of the mixture about the diameter of a quarter on a piece of wax paper. Roll it up tightly and twist the ends to form a log. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to firm up before using.
  2. Prepare Steaks: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Pat steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve a nice crust. Season both sides very generously with kosher salt and black pepper, pressing the seasonings into the meat if needed.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
  4. Heat Skillet and Sear Steaks: Place a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet. Once hot and melted, add the steaks and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until a rich brown crust forms. Spoon the melted butter and oil over the steaks as they cook to enhance flavor and moisture.
  5. Check Temperature and Oven Cook: Insert an oven-safe thermometer into a steak, setting an alarm at your desired doneness temperature (accounting that the temperature will rise 3-5 degrees as steaks rest). Place the skillet with the steaks into the oven and bake for 6-10 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, referring to the cooking chart for guidance.
  6. Finish with Herb Butter and Rest: Remove steaks from the oven once the temperature reaches the target doneness minus resting rise. Top each steak with slices of the chilled herb butter. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Steak Size: Use steaks that are uniform in thickness and diameter for even cooking. Ideal size is about 6 ounces, roughly 4 inches diameter and 2 inches thick.
  • Room Temperature Steaks: Allow steaks to reach room temperature before cooking to avoid overcooking the outside before the inside is done.
  • Equipment Needed: A heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, is essential to achieve a great crust. An oven-safe thermometer allows precise temperature monitoring without removing steaks from the oven. If unavailable, use an instant-read thermometer.
  • Steak Temperature Guide: Rare: 120-125°F (~4 minutes in oven); Medium Rare: 130-135°F (~5-6 minutes); Medium: 140-145°F (~6-7 minutes); Medium Well: 150-155°F (~8-9 minutes); Well Done: 160°F (~10 minutes).
  • Resting Steaks: Remove the steaks 3-5 degrees before desired temperature; resting under foil prevents overcooking and ensures juicy tender results.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American