How to Cook Fillet Steak

We get asked for cooking advice almost every time we sell a fillet steak. And to be fair, it makes sense. When you have splashed out on one of the most impressive, not to mention expensive, steaks, you want to make sure you do it justice.

The good news is that cooking fillet steak does not need to be complicated. There are no secret tricks or fancy restaurant-only methods. It mostly comes down to good steak, a hot pan, careful timing and a proper rest at the end.

Fillet steak is naturally tender and lean, so the aim is to cook it gently enough to keep it juicy, but hot enough to get a good sear on the outside.

What is fillet steak?

Fillet steak is cut from the tenderloin, one of the most tender muscles on the animal. Because this muscle does very little work, fillet steak is extremely soft and fine-textured.

It is also much leaner than steaks such as ribeye, which means it does not have the same fat and marbling to protect it during cooking. That is why fillet steak needs a little care. Overcook it, and you can lose some of what makes it special.

If you want rich fat and big beefy flavour, ribeye may be more your thing. If you want tenderness, elegance and a proper special-occasion steak, fillet is hard to beat.

How to prepare fillet steak before cooking

First things first: remove your fillet steak from the packaging and take it out of the fridge around 1 hour before cooking.

Throwing a fridge-cold steak into a hot pan can lead to uneven cooking. You want the steak to cook evenly from edge to centre, especially with a thicker cut like fillet.

Pat the steak dry with kitchen paper before cooking. A dry surface helps the steak sear properly. If the outside is wet, it will steam before it browns, and we do not want that.

How to season fillet steak

Keep the seasoning simple. Fillet steak does not need much messing about.

Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper just before cooking. Do not leave the salt sitting on the steak for ages before it goes into the pan, as it can start to draw moisture from the surface.

You can rub the steak with a little oil before cooking, or add a small amount of oil to the pan. The main thing is not to drown it. You want steak, not deep-fried beef.

How to cook fillet steak in a pan

1. Get the pan hot. Use a heavy frying pan, skillet or cast iron pan if you have one. Heat it properly before the steak goes in.
2. Season just before cooking. Add sea salt and black pepper right before the steak hits the pan.
3. Sear the steak. Place the fillet steak into the hot pan and leave it alone until it is time to turn. Do not keep moving it around.
4. Turn once if you can. Turn the steak halfway through the cooking time to build a good sear on both sides.
5. Sear the edges. If the steak is thick, use tongs to hold it on its side and quickly sear the edges too.
6. Rest before serving. Remove the steak from the pan, place it on a warm plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for around 5 minutes.

Resting is not optional. It lets the meat relax and helps the juices redistribute through the steak. We know it is hard when you are hungry, but it is worth it.

Fillet steak cooking times

For an average fillet steak around 2 to 3cm thick, use the timings below as a guide.

These timings are a guide only. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, the heat of your pan and how long the steak has been out of the fridge.

If you want the most accurate result, use a meat thermometer. For fillet steak, many people aim for around 52°C to 54°C for rare, 55°C to 57°C for medium rare, and 60°C to 63°C for medium, allowing for the temperature to rise slightly as the steak rests.

Should you cook fillet steak with butter?

You can finish fillet steak with butter, but do not add it too early over a very high heat or it can burn.

A good method is to sear the steak first, then add a knob of butter near the end of cooking. You can baste the steak with the melted butter for extra flavour.

If you want to add garlic or herbs, add them with the butter near the end rather than at the beginning.

Can you cook fillet steak in the oven?

Yes, especially if your fillet steak is thick.

For a thicker fillet, you can sear it in a hot pan first, then finish it gently in the oven. This helps you get a good crust on the outside without overcooking the middle.

If you want a broader steak guide, read our article on how to cook steak in the oven.

What sauce goes with fillet steak?

Fillet steak works well with classic steak sauces because it is so lean and tender. Peppercorn sauce, blue cheese sauce, garlic butter, red wine sauce and béarnaise all work beautifully.

For a simple steak-night option, try our simple peppercorn sauce. It is rich, creamy and made for steak.

What to serve with fillet steak

Fillet steak is special enough to keep the sides simple.

Chips, roast potatoes, mash, greens, mushrooms, salad, onion rings or a good sauce are all great options. If you are cooking for a proper steak night, a good sauce and crispy potatoes will do most of the heavy lifting.

If you are still choosing your steak, you may also like our guide to sirloin vs ribeye.

FAQs about how to cook fillet steak

How long do you cook fillet steak?

For a fillet steak around 2 to 3cm thick, cook for around 3 to 4 minutes per side for rare, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium, or 6 to 7 minutes per side for well done.

Is fillet steak better rare or medium rare?

Fillet steak is often best served rare to medium rare because it is very lean and tender. Cooking it too far can make it less juicy.

Do you cook fillet steak on high heat?

Yes, start with a hot pan so you can sear the outside properly. For thicker fillet steaks, you can sear first and then finish more gently.

Should you oil fillet steak before cooking?

You can lightly oil the steak before cooking, or add a small amount of oil to the pan. Avoid using too much oil, as you want the steak to sear rather than fry heavily.

Do you need to rest fillet steak?

Yes, always rest fillet steak for around 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the meat relax and keeps the steak juicier when you cut into it.

Can you cook fillet steak well done?

You can cook fillet steak well done, but because it is very lean, it is easy to dry it out. If you prefer well done steak, cook it carefully and allow it to rest before serving.