Cast Iron Filets Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 Good Ranchers center-cut filets
• Olive oil
• Sea salt or kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves (optional)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary) (optional)

Instructions:

Preparation: 

• Begin by taking the center-cut beef tenderloin filets out of the packaging. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps promote better caramelization when searing. Let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for a while to air dry slightly.

Seasoning the Filets:

• Once the filets have air-dried for a bit, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over each steak. Use your hands to rub the oil evenly onto both sides of the filets.
• Generously season each filet with sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The filets can handle a good amount of seasoning, so don't be shy!

 Preheating the Cast Iron Pan:

• Place a large cast iron skillet or pan over high heat. Allow the pan to preheat for a few minutes until it's smoking hot. This ensures a beautiful sear on the filets.

 Searing the Filets:

• Carefully place the seasoned beef tenderloin filets in the hot cast iron pan. You should hear a sizzling sound as soon as the filets make contact with the surface.
• Let the filets sear undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Avoid moving or flipping the filets too often to allow proper caramelization.

 Adding Flavor (Optional):

• If desired, add a few cloves of garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the filets to baste them.

 Finishing in the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the filets are seared on both sides, transfer the cast iron pan to the preheated oven.
• Allow the filets to cook in the oven for 3-4 minutes to reach the desired level of doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F (49-52°C) for medium-rare.

 Resting and Serving:

• Once the filets are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a plate or cutting board.
• Let the filets rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.
• Optionally, garnish the filets with additional melted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs before serving.
• Slice the beef tenderloin filets against the grain and serve them hot. Pair them with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.