Penn Jillette’s Las Vegas Steak

On New Year’s Eve, I made this steak based on the description that Penn Jillette gave on an episode of Penn’s Sunday School. I surprised even myself when it came out so perfect and delicious! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did.

Photo of raw steak

Penn Jillette's Las Vegas Steak

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Total Time 17 mins
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs filet mignon or beef tenderloin steak
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp freshly cracked pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided

Instructions
 

  • preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • mix the brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl (make sure to taste it, as it should be delicious when the ratio is right)
  • coat the steak thoroughly in olive oil (massage it into the meat)
  • coat the steak with the brown sugar mixture
  • heat a large oven safe saute pan until just before it starts to smoke
  • add the remaining olive oil into the hot pan to coat
  • fold the steak onto the hot pan and let sear for 1 minute (fold away from you to avoid splashing)
  • flip the steak and let cook for 1 more minute
  • move the entire pan into the oven and cook until done (about 10 minutes)
  • remove steak from pan and serve