Fillet Mignon is the Rolls Royce of steak cuts and is the go-to choice for meat lovers who crave the ultimate indulgence. Served in high-end restaurants, Fillet Mignon, also known as beef tenderloin steak, is expensive, and hence, a dish typically reserved for special occasions. However, you don’t need to visit a fancy dining spot to devour this succulent steak. With a few simple cooking techniques, you can easily prepare a perfect Fillet Mignon in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will share tips for cooking the ultimate Fillet Mignon every time to impress your guests or simply to treat yourself!
The Cut of Meat
If you are a beef lover, choosing the right cut of meat is essential to making a delicious and tender dish. While there are a variety of cuts to choose from, Filet Mignon is the most popular and widely recognized cut of beef.
The Basics of Filet Mignon
Filet Mignon is a boneless cut of beef from the tenderloin area, located in the middle of the cow’s back. This is a muscle that is not used much, which makes the meat very tender.
Filet Mignon is a lean cut of meat with a mild flavor and fine texture. It is also a versatile cut of meat, suitable for grilling, pan-searing, and broiling.
Why Filet Mignon is the Best Choice for a Tender and Flavorful Dish
Filet Mignon is the best cut of beef for a tender and flavorful dish. The meat is extremely tender and buttery since it is made up of the least worked muscle in the cow’s body. It is also lean, with very little fat and marbling. This makes Filet Mignon a healthier option than some of the other cuts of beef.
Additionally, Filet Mignon is a versatile cut of meat that can be the star of any dish. The mild flavor of the meat makes it a great choice for pairing with bold or delicate flavors, depending on your taste preferences.
Choosing the Right Temperature
Filet Mignon is a tender cut of steak that deserves to be cooked to perfection. One way to ensure that you get the best flavor and texture out of your meat is by choosing the right cooking temperature. Here are some tips on how to pick the perfect temperature for your Filet Mignon.
Medium Rare
Most steak enthusiasts agree that medium-rare is the best temperature to cook Filet Mignon. At this temperature, the steak will have a warm red center and a slightly seared crust. To achieve medium-rare, cook the steak at 130-135°F for 6-8 minutes on each side.
Rare
For those who prefer their steak on the rare side, cook your filet at 120-125°F for 5-7 minutes on each side. At this temperature, the steak will have a cool red center with a lightly seared crust.
Medium-Well
If you like your steak with less pink, cook your Filet Mignon at 145-150°F for 10-12 minutes on each side. At this temperature, the steak will be well-done with only a slight hint of pink in the center.
Preparing the Meat
Before cooking a Filet Mignon, it is essential to prepare the meat. Follow these tips to ensure that your steak is tender and flavorful:
Choose High-Quality Meat
When selecting a Filet Mignon, choose a cut that is well-marbled with fat. This fat will add flavor and tenderness to the meat. Look for meat that is bright red in color with no discoloration.
Season the Meat
Season the Filet Mignon with salt and pepper just before cooking. Salt draws out moisture from the meat, so it is essential to season it right before cooking to avoid drying out the meat.
Let the Meat Rest
Before cooking your Filet Mignon, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
Trim the Meat
Remove any excess fat or silver skin from the Filet Mignon before cooking. This will help the steak cook evenly and prevent it from curling up during cooking.
Tenderize the Meat
If you want an even more tender Filet Mignon, you can tenderize the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet. This will break down the muscle fibers and help the meat cook more evenly.
Cooking Techniques
Filet mignon is a popular steak cut from the tenderloin of the beef that is well-known for its tenderness and buttery flavor. However, this flavorful steak demands proper cooking techniques to bring out its full potential. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to cook Filet Mignon, including pan-searing, grilling, and oven-broiling.
Pan-searing Filet Mignon
Pan-searing is a go-to method for cooking filet mignon. It is an ideal way to achieve a crispy crust while keeping the center moist and tender.
- Season the steak with salt and black pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat gently and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat a skillet over high heat. Coat the skillet lightly with oil when hot.
- Place the steak in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes to sear the meat’s bottom side. Flip the steak and cook for another 3-4 minutes to sear the other side. Use tongs to hold the steak in a vertical position to sear the edges.
- Lower the heat and add a tablespoon of butter and some garlic and thyme to the skillet. Scoop the melted butter over the steak as it cooks for 1-2 minutes more per side until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to determine the steak’s internal temperature. Take the steak out of the skillet, rest it for 5-10 minutes before slicing, and serve hot.
Grilling Filet Mignon
Grilling is another fantastic way to cook filet mignon. It imparts a smoky aroma and a charred, juicy crust to the meat.
- Season the steak with salt and black pepper or any other rub and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Heat the grill to high heat (around 450°F).
- Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and place the filet mignon on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until it develops grill marks, then flip the steak and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness.
- Once the steak reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Oven-broiling Filet Mignon
The oven-broiling technique is ideal for cooking the thickest filet mignon cuts. It cooks the meat quickly and, when done correctly, can give the steak a crunchy crust.
- Season the steak with salt and black pepper or any other rub and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the broiler. Coat the baking dish with aluminum foil and place the steak on it.
- Broil the steak for around 5-6 minutes, flip it over and continue broiling it for another 5-6 minutes or until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Once done, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
What’s better than a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon? One paired with delicious sides and sauces that complement its rich and tender flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:
1. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish to accompany your steaming hot Filet Mignon. Consider seasoning vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and Brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting them in the oven.
2. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a Filet Mignon. The creamy texture and buttery flavor of the mashed potatoes complement the tender flavor of the meat. Try adding some garlic or chives to the mashed potatoes to give them a little extra flavor.
3. Red wine sauce
A delicious red wine sauce is the perfect finishing touch for your Filet Mignon. To make this sauce, cook a shallot in a pan with butter until soft, then add red wine and beef broth. Let the sauce reduce by half, then add salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of butter to finish it off.
4. Mushroom sauce
If you’re a mushroom lover, a mushroom sauce is an excellent choice for your Filet Mignon. In a pan, cook sliced mushrooms with garlic and butter until they’re tender. Add beef broth and a tablespoon of cream, and let the mixture reduce until it thickens. Serve the mushroom sauce over your steak.
5. Caesar salad
For a lighter side dish, consider a Caesar salad to pair with your Filet Mignon. The tangy flavors of the dressing complement the rich flavor of the steak. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese for some added texture and flavor.
With these serving suggestions, your Filet Mignon will be a delicious and complete meal that will impress any dinner guest. Bon Appétit!
FAQs
If you’re new to cooking Filet Mignon, you likely have some questions. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cooking this cut of meat:
1. How long should I cook a Filet Mignon?
The length of time you should cook a Filet Mignon for depends on several factors, such as the thickness of the cut and your preferred level of doneness. As a general guide, a 1-inch Filet Mignon should be cooked for around 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the steak reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
2. Should I season my Filet Mignon?
Yes! While Filet Mignon is a delicious cut of meat on its own, seasoning it with salt and pepper before cooking will enhance its natural flavor. Some people also like to add garlic, herbs, or other seasonings to their steaks.
3. How do I know when my Filet Mignon is done?
The most reliable way to know when your Filet Mignon is cooked to your liking is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. However, if you don’t have a meat thermometer, there are a few other ways to test for doneness. For example, you can use the touch test: a rare steak will feel very soft when pressed with tongs, a medium-rare steak will feel slightly firmer, and a well-done steak will feel very firm.
4. Should I rest my Filet Mignon before cutting into it?
Yes! Allowing your steak to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Aim to let your Filet Mignon rest for around 5 minutes before slicing into it.
5. What should I serve with Filet Mignon?
Filet Mignon is a versatile cut of meat that goes well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. You can also pair it with a sauce, such as a red wine reduction or a creamy mushroom sauce, to elevate the dish.
6. How can I ensure my Filet Mignon turns out perfect every time?
Consistency is key when it comes to cooking Filet Mignon, so here are a few tips to help you achieve delicious steaks every time:
- Choose high-quality meat: Look for Filet Mignon that is bright in color and has good marbling (the fat streaks running through the meat).
- Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking: This will help ensure the steak cooks evenly throughout.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to know when your steak has reached your desired level of doneness.
- Season your steak: Don’t be afraid to use generous amounts of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of your Filet Mignon.
- Rest your steak: Allow your Filet Mignon to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it to ensure a tender, juicy steak.
- Experiment with sauces and sides: While Filet Mignon is delicious on its own, you can elevate the dish by experimenting with different sauces and sides to find your perfect pairing.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope you enjoyed learning how to cook the perfect filet mignon every time. Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Remember, the key to a perfectly cooked filet mignon is a hot pan, a good sear, and a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired temperature. Don’t forget to let your steak rest before cutting into it to let the juices redistribute. Happy cooking!
