Romantic Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce

Name: Romantic Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 filet mignon steaks; Salt and black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup red wine; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 shallot, minced; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely adore preparing this Romantic Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce for special occasions. The rich, tender steak paired with a velvety sauce is not only a showstopper but also incredibly simple to whip up. Each bite melts in my mouth and is bursting with flavor. I love serving this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of fresh green beans, making it the perfect centerpiece for a romantic dinner. Trust me, your loved one will be thoroughly impressed.

Created by

Mia Jefferson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T21:37:18.901Z

When I first attempted to create this Romantic Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce, I was blown away by how the flavors meld together so beautifully. I used a good quality red wine, which enhances the sauce's depth and richness. It’s essential to let the sauce simmer so that the alcohol cooks off while intensifying the flavors. This tip has elevated many of my meals, ensuring that every bite is packed with taste.

After perfecting this recipe over several tries, I’ve learned that resting the steak after cooking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is succulent and tender. I love how this dish feels indulgent yet is still approachable for a home cook. You'll absolutely impress your partner with this meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender, juicy filet mignon cooked to perfection
Rich red wine sauce elevating the dish's flavors
Perfect for a romantic evening or date night

      

Perfecting the Filet Mignon

Achieving the perfect filet mignon is all about timing and technique. When seasoning the steak, don’t be shy with salt and black pepper; this is crucial for enhancing the meat’s natural flavors. Letting the steaks sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking helps them cook more evenly. You should aim for a thick cut, ideally around 1.5 to 2 inches, which allows for a beautifully crusted exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside.

When cooking, use a high-quality cast-iron skillet for better heat retention. Preheat the skillet until it’s very hot but not smoking before you add the olive oil. The goal is to achieve a nice sear within 3-4 minutes per side. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, invest in an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 130°F (55°C). Remember, letting the steak rest briefly allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent.

Crafting the Red Wine Sauce

The red wine sauce not only elevates the dish but also complements the filet mignon beautifully. Choose a quality red wine you would enjoy drinking, as it greatly influences the sauce’s final flavor. Look for a wine with bold flavors, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. When sautéing the minced shallot, aim for a translucent texture, which should take about 1-2 minutes over medium heat. This step builds a savory base for your sauce.

Reducing the wine and broth mixture until it thickens is essential for depth of flavor. Simmer it until the liquid has reduced by half—this process concentrates the flavors significantly, giving your sauce a rich character. If you find the sauce too thin, incorporating a cornstarch slurry can help achieve that desired velvety consistency quickly. Just be cautious: too much cornstarch can alter the sauce’s flavor, so add it gradually.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful experience:

Ingredients for Filet Mignon

2 filet mignon steaks
Salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Ingredients for Red Wine Sauce

1 cup red wine
1/2 cup beef broth
1 shallot, minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your romantic meal:

Prepare the Steaks

Season the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Cook the Steaks

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Add butter to the skillet in the last minute of cooking and baste the steaks with the melted butter.

Make the Red Wine Sauce

Add the thyme and let it simmer until reduced by half. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce.

Serve

Slice the filet mignon and plate it. Drizzle the red wine sauce over the top and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Plate beautifully for an impressive presentation!

Pro Tips

Use high-quality red wine for the best flavor in the sauce. Letting the sauce simmer longer on low heat will enhance its richness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this filet mignon with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of fresh green beans for a well-rounded meal. To elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or microgreens. I love to add a dollop of horseradish cream on the side for an extra kick; the spicy notes balance the richness of the meat and sauce perfectly.

For an attractive plate, slice the filet mignon just before serving and fan the pieces out. Drizzle the red wine sauce artfully over the top. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to enhance color contrast on the plate.

Make-Ahead Tips

While steak is best cooked fresh, you can prep elements in advance. The red wine sauce can be made a day ahead; just let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it if it thickens too much in the fridge.

If you're entertaining, you can season the filet mignon and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as the meat absorbs the seasoning. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can substitute with ribeye or sirloin, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is it necessary to rest the meat?

Yes, resting the meat allows juices to redistribute, making it more tender.

→ What can I serve with filet mignon?

Creamy mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a simple salad pairs wonderfully with it.

→ How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer; medium-rare is around 130°F (54°C).