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Filets Mignons with Orange Fennel Crust

These elegant filets mignons offer a sophisticated twist on a classic steak dinner, featuring a fragrant crust made from shop-bought breadcrumbs, aromatic fennel seeds, and bright orange zest. The citrus notes perfectly complement the richness of the beef tenderloin, while the mustard base adds a subtle tang and ensures the crunchy topping stays perfectly in place. It is a wonderful way to enjoy a premium cut of meat with a fresh, contemporary flavour profile that feels truly special.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on lean protein and heart-healthy olive oil, providing a satisfying and nutritious main course. Serve these steaks with a side of steamed seasonal greens or a crisp garden salad for a well-balanced, low-carbohydrate meal. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or preparing a weekend treat, this quick roasting method delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Filets Mignons with Orange Fennel Crust

  • 35g fine dry bread crumbs

  • 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds, coarsely chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoons finely grated fresh orange zest

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

  • 4 (1 1/4-inch-thick) filets mignons (beef tenderloin steaks

  • about 200g each)

  • 20ml Dijon mustard

How to make Filets Mignons with Orange Fennel Crust

Put oven rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 260°C.

Stir together bread crumbs, fennel seeds, zest, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper in a small bowl until combined well.

Pat steaks dry, then sprinkle all over with remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy ovenproof skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sear steaks until browned well on bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and turn steaks over with a spatula. Spread top of each steak with 1 teaspoon mustard, then sprinkle evenly with bread crumb mixture. Transfer skillet to oven and roast steaks, without turning over, 5 minutes for medium-rare.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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