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 (6-8 oz each); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 cup red wine; 1/2 cup beef stock; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Romantic Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce for special occasions. The rich flavors combined with the tenderness of the filet create a dish that feels both indulgent and sophisticated. I've perfected this recipe over several dinners, ensuring the sauce complements the steak beautifully without overpowering its natural essence. Whether it's an anniversary or a cozy date night at home, this meal brings an elegant restaurant experience right to my table, guaranteed to impress everyone involved.

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-01-13T21:16:17.590Z

During one memorable evening, I decided to prepare this romantic dish for my partner as a surprise. I marinated the filet mignon overnight with herbs and olive oil, letting the flavors mingle. The next day, I seared the steaks to achieve that perfect crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The red wine sauce was a delightful addition, made richer by adding a touch of homemade beef stock and fresh rosemary.

What makes this recipe truly shine is the balancing act between cooking the filet to the ideal doneness and the sauce's depth. I always recommend using a good quality red wine; it can elevate the flavor profile dramatically. This dish is sure to create lasting memories, and I can’t wait for you to try it at home!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy and tender filet mignon cooked to perfection
Rich and velvety red wine sauce that brings everything together
Perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration

      

Cooking Tips for Filet Mignon

Achieving the perfect sear on your filet mignon is crucial for both flavor and texture. To do this, make sure your pan is preheated properly—medium-high heat is ideal. For a good crust, allow the steaks to sit undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping. If you find that your steaks are sticking to the pan, it may not be hot enough; a sizzling sound when the meat hits the pan is a good sign.

Using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of cooking your steaks. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Remove the steaks from the pan a few degrees shy of your target because residual heat will continue cooking them as they rest. Letting the steaks rest for five minutes before serving helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is juicy.

Perfecting the Red Wine Sauce

The red wine sauce is what truly elevates this dish and complements the filet mignon perfectly. After cooking the shallots, be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan vigorously to incorporate all those tasty browned bits, known as fond. This adds depth to the sauce. When adding the red wine, allow it to reduce completely to concentrate the flavors, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.

Butter is the finishing touch to this sauce, lending it a velvety richness. It’s important to add the butter off heat; swirling it in will create a glossy finish that looks almost too good to serve. If the sauce is too salty after seasoning, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant touch, serve the filet mignon alongside a creamy potato purée or roasted asparagus, which adds color and complements the richness of the steak. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also enhance the meal by cutting through the richness. Consider placing the sauce in a small sauceboat so your guests can add more if they desire.

If you have leftovers, thinly slice the steak and use it in a gourmet sandwich the next day or toss it into a salad. Store any leftover red wine sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to impress your loved one with a delightful meal.

For the Filet Mignon

2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

For the Red Wine Sauce

1 cup red wine
1/2 cup beef stock
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Once you have these ingredients ready, you can start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious romantic dinner.

Prepare the Steaks

Season each filet mignon generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is reached.

Make the Red Wine Sauce

In the same pan after removing the steaks, add the chopped shallots and cook until translucent. Then, pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Add the beef stock and reduce by half.

Stir in the butter and rosemary, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve

Place the filet mignon on a plate and drizzle with the red wine sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Romantic Filet Mignon with Red Wine Sauce!

Pro Tips

For adding an extra touch of luxury, consider serving this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus. Always let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices.

Ingredient Substitutions

If filet mignon isn't available or is outside your budget, consider substituting with top sirloin or ribeye steaks, which can also yield delicious results, especially when properly seasoned and cooked. The key is to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the cut and desired doneness. For a leaner option, opt for a tender chicken breast seasoned well and cooked on the same pan to absorb some of that red wine flavor.

For those looking for lower-sodium options, homemade beef stock can replace store-bought stock. Just simmer beef bones with onions, herbs, and spices for several hours. Additionally, if a non-alcoholic option is desired, use a mixture of grape juice with a dash of vinegar to mimic the acidity of red wine in your sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Should you find yourself with any leftover filet mignon, it's best to let it cool completely before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out, and consume within three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat covered with a lid to keep moisture in, or in the microwave at reduced power in short intervals.

Red wine sauce can be strained and stored separately for even better preservation. It can last up to a week in the refrigerator or be frozen for longer storage. When ready to use, reheat over low heat and consider adding a splash of fresh wine or broth to freshen the flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, but keep in mind that cooking times and tenderness might vary. Ribeye or sirloin are good alternatives.

→ What type of red wine should I use?

A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works best for the sauce.

→ Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

It's best to make the sauce fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients and cook it just before serving.

→ How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer! Aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.