Here’s a classic Filet Mignon with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce recipe—elegant, rich, and perfect for a special dinner. The peppercorn sauce adds a luxurious, slightly spicy creaminess that pairs beautifully with the tender filet.
🥩 Filet Mignon with Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
⭐ Serves: 2
⏱ Total Time: ~30 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
For the Filet Mignon
- 2 filet mignon steaks (6–8 oz each, 1.5–2 inches thick)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1–2 tbsp butter
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)
For the Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns, coarsely crushed (or more to taste)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped (or ½ small onion)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brandy or cognac (optional, for deglazing)
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
🔪 Instructions
1. Prepare the steaks
- Remove steaks from the fridge 30–45 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Pat dry and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the filet
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over high heat until shimmering.
- Add steaks and sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness).
- During the last minute of cooking, add butter, thyme, and smashed garlic. Spoon melted butter over the steaks.
- Remove steaks to a plate and tent with foil to rest 5–10 minutes.
3. Make the peppercorn sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter.
- Sauté shallots 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Add crushed peppercorns and stir for 30 seconds to bloom the flavor.
- Optional: Carefully add brandy/cognac and let it reduce 1–2 minutes (flambé if desired, be cautious!).
- Add beef broth and simmer until slightly reduced (~3 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust salt.
4. Serve
- Place filet mignon on plates and pour creamy peppercorn sauce over or alongside.
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or asparagus.
✨ Tips & Variations
- Peppercorns: Use a mix of black, white, and green for a more complex flavor.
- Wine swap: Replace brandy with ¼ cup dry white wine for a milder sauce.
- Garlic & herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce for extra aroma.
- Cooking temps:
- Rare: 120–125°F
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 140–145°F
I can also make a version with pan-seared filet plus oven finish, which is foolproof for thicker steaks, and it keeps them perfectly tender.
Do you want me to write that version?