MADE WITH DUNDORE & HEISTER BEEF TENDERLOIN FILET

Try our simple step-by-step guide to creating an amazing filet for 2 finished with a reverse-sear and a silky pan sauce! 

When Valentine’s Day calls for something special, the details matter.

This Filet for Two, finished with a reverse-sear and a silky pan sauce, is all about intentional cooking and quiet indulgence. 

Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or skipping the crowded reservations, this dish delivers steakhouse-level flavor at home.

Elegant, deeply satisfying, and meant to be shared, it’s a Valentine’s dinner that feels personal, unrushed, and unforgettable.

INGREDIENTS

STEAKS
_ 2 D&H Center Cut Beef Filets, ~3 inches thick
_ Kosher salt + black pepper
_ 1–2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado/canola)
_ 2 tbsp butter
_ 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
_ 2 sprigs rosemary or thyme (optional)

QUICK PAN SAUCE
( optional, but worth it! )
_ 1/2 cup red wine or beef broth
_ 1 tsp Dijon (optional)
_ 1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
_ 1–2 tbsp cold butter (to finish)

EQUIPMENT
Oven + cast iron (or heavy) skillet, instant-read thermometer (highly recommended)

PREPARATION

COOKING THE STEAKS

1) Season
Pat steaks dry. Season generously with salt + pepper on all sides.
(If you can, salt them 30–60 min ahead in the fridge—nice boost, not required.)

2) Slow cook (the “easy mode” part)'
Heat oven to 250°F (120°C).
Set steaks on a rack over a sheet pan (or directly on a pan). Bake until internal temp is:
115°F for medium-rare finish
120°F for medium finish

3) Rest briefly
Pull steaks and rest 10 minutes while your skillet heats.

4) Sear hard + baste
Heat skillet on high until very hot. Add oil.
Sear steaks 60–90 seconds per side, plus 30 seconds on edges.
Lower heat to medium. Add butter + garlic + herbs. Tilt pan and spoon-baste steaks 30–60 seconds.

5) Final temp + rest
Remove steaks at:
125–130°F for medium-rare
135–140°F for medium
Rest 5–10 min.

MAKING THE PAN SAUCE

Optional 3-minute pan sauce (same skillet)

Pour off excess fat (leave browned bits).

Add wine/broth and scrape the pan.

Simmer 2–4 min until slightly reduced.

Whisk in Dijon/honey if using, then turn off heat and whisk in cold butter to make it glossy. Spoon over steaks.

“Valentine’s plate” suggestions (easy + classy)

Roasted asparagus: 425°F, olive oil, salt, pepper, 8–12 min + lemon

Garlic mashed potatoes (or crispy smashed potatoes if you want crunchy)

Finish steaks with flaky salt and a tiny squeeze of lemon (surprisingly good