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Perfect Date Night Filet Mignon Dinner for Two

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An easy and impressive filet mignon dinner for two featuring pan-seared steaks with a buttery herb sauce and creamy garlic mashed potatoes, perfect for a romantic evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 filet mignon steaks, about 6 oz (170 g) each, 1.5 to 2 inches thick, USDA Choice or Prime
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 lb (450 g) yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter for mashed potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. About 30 minutes before cooking, remove filet mignon from fridge and pat dry. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  2. Peel and cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place in a medium pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the filet mignon steaks in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for about 3 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter, smashed garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan. Tilt the skillet and baste the steaks continuously with the melted butter and herbs for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer: 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Remove steaks from skillet and loosely tent with foil. Rest for 5-7 minutes.
  7. While steaks rest, mash the drained potatoes with salted butter and warm milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives.
  8. Plate the filet mignon alongside the garlic mashed potatoes. Spoon some leftover herb butter from the pan over the steaks before serving.

Notes

Ensure skillet is very hot before searing to get a good crust. Pat steaks dry to avoid moisture interfering with browning. Rest steaks after cooking to retain juices. Warm milk or cream before adding to mashed potatoes for smooth texture. Use a meat thermometer for best doneness results. Can substitute cauliflower mash for low-carb option. Butter and herbs can be swapped for different flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: filet mignon, steak dinner, date night recipe, pan-seared steak, garlic mashed potatoes, easy dinner, romantic meal

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-date-night-filet-mignon-dinner-for-two-easy-recipe-guide/