Step 1

Preheat oven to 400° convection (or 425° conventional). Start with filets about 1 1/2 inch thick of about 8 oz each and trimmed well.

Step 2

Season all sides to taste. Just kosher salt and pepper will be fine. I use my 7:2:2 (see my post on making 7:2:2).

Step 3

In an oven-safe pan (I love my 10-inch cast iron) over medium-high heat melt 1 tablespoon of butter or use oil. When hot, sear both sides of the filets for 2-3 minutes. Sear, flip, sear, and final flip before going to the oven. Get to about the final color you want.

Step 4

Transfer to the preheated oven. Cook to your desired done temperature minus about 3-5 degrees. For me, medium-rare is always about 8-10 minutes to get an internal temp of about 135°- 140°. If you want rare, check the internal temperature when the meat goes into the oven.

Step 5

I suggest checking the internal temperature after 4-5 minutes in the oven to see where you are on the internal temperature. Time can vary some due to the exact temperature of the meat to start, the exact temperature of the oven, the pan used, and the thickness of the meat. Rare may be only a few minutes in the oven so beware if you want rare. DO NOT COOK BY TIME ALONE, YOU MUST CHECK INTERNAL TEMPERATURE. Times are provided to help planning only.

Step 6

Remove from pan and tent lightly with foil on a plate and let rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting. It needs to absorb fluids internally and the temperature will rise a few more degrees during the rest.