Jul 14 2026

Prime Filet Recipe

Time1h
Serves1

8 ounces, char grilled yukon gold mashed potatoes, char vegetables.

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Ingredients

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Prime Filet

Method

Prime Filet

  1. 1

    Bring to room temperature

    Remove the 8-oz filet from the refrigerator and let sit, loosely covered, for 30–45 minutes so it comes to room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season

    Season all sides of the filet generously with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasonings into the meat.

  3. 3

    Preheat grill or skillet

    Preheat a grill or heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot (grill grates should be smoking hot; skillet should smoke lightly). Brush the filet with 1 tbsp neutral oil to prevent sticking.

  4. 4

    Sear and char

    Place the filet on the hot grill or skillet. Sear without moving for 2½–3 minutes to develop a deep crust. Flip and sear the other side for 2½–3 minutes. For a 1½–2 inch thick 8-oz filet, this produces medium-rare; adjust time ±1 minute per side for desired doneness.

  5. 5

    Finish with butter and aromatics

    When the filet is nearly at target temperature (about 120°F for medium-rare), add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, the 2 thyme sprigs and the 2 smashed garlic cloves to the pan or a small foil packet on the grill. If using a skillet, tip the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter and aromatics over the filet for 30–60 seconds to baste and flavor.

  6. 6

    Rest

    Remove the filet to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5–8 minutes so juices redistribute (internal temp will rise about 5°F).

  7. 7

    Slice and serve

    If desired, slice the filet across the grain into medallions or serve whole. Spoon any reserved pan juices or butter over the top before plating.

Char-Grilled Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (8 oz portion)

  1. 8

    Cook potatoes

    Place the 12 oz cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender, 12–15 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

  2. 9

    Mash

    Return the drained potatoes to the warm pot off the heat for 1 minute to dry. Heat 1 cup whole milk with 2 tbsp butter until warm (do not boil). Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer, gradually adding the warm milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in 2 tbsp sour cream. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

  3. 10

    Char for smoky finish

    Heat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Lightly brush the surface of the prepared mashed potatoes (or an individual shallow heatproof ring/container) with 1 tsp olive oil. Spread an 8-oz portion of mashed potatoes into a shallow, even layer about 1–1½ inches thick. Place directly on the hottest part of the grill grate or in the hot skillet and let sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop char marks. Using a spatula, flip or rotate to char the opposite side for 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

  4. 11

    Plate

    Spoon or unmold the char-grilled mashed potatoes onto the plate beside the rested filet.

Char Vegetables

  1. 12

    Prep vegetables

    Toss the sliced zucchini, quartered red bell pepper and trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.

  2. 13

    Char on high heat

    Place vegetables on a very hot grill or in a hot cast-iron skillet in a single layer. Cook zucchini 2–3 minutes per side until nicely charred and tender. Cook red peppers 3–4 minutes per side until blistered and slightly blackened. Cook asparagus 2–3 minutes, turning to char all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

  3. 14

    Finish and season

    Transfer charred vegetables to a warm bowl. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed and squeeze a lemon wedge over the vegetables for brightness.

  4. 15

    Serve

    Arrange the char vegetables next to the sliced filet and char-grilled mashed potatoes on the plate.

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