Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction: A Valentine's Day Recipe

Skip the crowded restaurants this Valentine's Day and create an unforgettable dining experience at home. This pan-seared filet mignon with red wine reduction delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple techniques—and pairs beautifully with exceptional wines from our collection.

Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction

Serves: 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Steaks:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each, 1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons high-heat oil (grapeseed or avocado)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

For the Red Wine Reduction:

• 1 cup red wine (use a wine you'd enjoy drinking—see pairing suggestions below)
• 1 cup beef or veal stock
• 2 shallots, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons butter, cold
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Steaks:

1. Remove steaks from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature
2. Pat completely dry with paper towels
3. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Make the Red Wine Reduction:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine wine, stock, and shallots
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high
3. Simmer until reduced by two-thirds (about 15-20 minutes)—it should coat the back of a spoon
4. Strain out shallots, return sauce to pan
5. Whisk in cold butter one tablespoon at a time until glossy
6. Add thyme, season with salt and pepper, keep warm on lowest heat

Cook the Steaks:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Heat a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet over high heat until smoking
3. Add oil, swirl to coat
4. Carefully place steaks in pan—they should sizzle immediately
5. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms
6. Flip steaks, add butter, thyme, and garlic to pan
7. Transfer entire skillet to oven
8. Roast 5-7 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F)
9. Remove from oven, baste steaks with butter
10. Transfer to a plate, tent loosely with foil, rest 5-10 minutes

Plate and Serve:

• Place steaks on warmed plates
• Spoon red wine reduction over and around the steaks
• Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs

Suggested Sides:

• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Sautéed wild mushrooms
• Grilled asparagus with lemon
• Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan

The Perfect Wine Pairings

The beauty of filet mignon is its tender, buttery texture and mild flavor—it's a canvas for both the wine reduction and your wine pairing. Here are our top recommendations:

Classic Pinot Noir Pairing:

The 2018 Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Pinot Noir is our top choice for this dish. This South African beauty offers silky tannins, bright cherry and earth notes, and elegant structure that won't overpower the delicate filet. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the butter while complementing the red wine reduction beautifully.

For a domestic option, try the 2019 Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir or the 2021 Chosen Family Willamette Valley Pinot Noir—both deliver the classic Pinot profile of red fruit, earth, and refined tannins.

Bold Cabernet Sauvignon:

If you prefer a fuller-bodied wine, the 2018 Phil Long Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve brings structured tannins and dark fruit that stand up to the richness of the dish while harmonizing with the wine reduction.

French Elegance:

For a sophisticated European pairing, consider the 2020 Garenne Sancerre Rouge—a Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley with mineral-driven complexity—or the 2016 Catherine Le Goeuil Cairanne, a Rhône blend with spice and depth.

Use Your Pairing Wine in the Sauce:

Here's a pro tip: use the same wine in your reduction that you'll be serving with dinner. If you're opening a bottle of the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge Pinot Noir, reserve one cup for the sauce. This creates a harmonious flavor bridge between the dish and the wine.

Complete Your Valentine's Menu

Start with Bubbles:

Begin your evening with the Jules Lorén Blanc de Blanc Brut Cuvée Réserve or the NV Villiera Tradition BRUT Rosé as an aperitif while you cook together.

End with Something Sweet:

After your filet mignon, finish the evening with the NV Cocchi Brachetto D'Acqui Sweet Sparkling Wine paired with chocolate-covered strawberries or dark chocolate truffles. This lightly sweet, aromatic sparkling red is the ultimate romantic nightcap.

For more romantic dinner inspiration, check out our guide to Wine Pairing for At-Home Date Night: 5 Romantic Menus.

Make It a Complete Experience

Looking to elevate your wine knowledge while you celebrate? Our Virtual Tasting Experiences offer guided wine education from the comfort of home—perfect for couples who want to deepen their appreciation together.

And if you loved discovering these pairings, The Wine Concierge Wine Club delivers curated selections from diverse winemakers around the world, ensuring you always have the perfect bottle for special moments.

Remember: Free shipping on 6 bottles or more—stock up on everything you need for Valentine's Day and beyond!

Pro Tips for Success:

• Invest in a good meat thermometer—it's the secret to perfect doneness
• Don't skip the resting period; it allows juices to redistribute
• Save leftover reduction for topping burgers, pork chops, or roasted vegetables
• Double the recipe and freeze extra reduction in ice cube trays for future use