Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Shallot Sauce
Tender filet mignon seared to perfection and served with a rich red wine and shallot reduction sauce. This french-inspired father’s day ready in about 25 minutes blends steaks, 6 oz each filet mignon steaks, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 steaks, 6 oz each filet mignon steaks
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 small, finely chopped shallots
- 1/2 cup dry red wine red wine
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp leaves fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 filet mignon steaks dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the steaks and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and sear for another 3 minutes for medium-rare. Remove steaks to a warm plate and tent with foil.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Add 2 finely chopped shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup dry red wine and 1/4 cup beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Spoon the sauce over the rested filets and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Shallot Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Shallot Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Shallot Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Shallot Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Shallot Sauce?
French father’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.