Learning how to cook filet mignon perfectly is an art. From seasoning to internal temperature to resting the filet mignon, there's an art to cooking it. Learning the art can give you one of the most delicious meals. You'll be able to cook filet mignon perfectly for friends and family and leave them wanting more of it.
Filet mignon has French origins and was originally termed “filet mignon” in 1906. Today, filet mignon is the gold standard in steaks. It's one of the most tender meats and expensive because it only makes a small percentage of the cow. It's a rarity. However, you can still find it at your local grocery store or butcher shop.
This guide explores everything you need about filet mignon and how to cook it perfectly. You'll learn the different ways to cook filet mignon, from pan searing to grilling. You'll also learn the different meals it goes with to give you some ideas for eating filet mignon with other dishes.
How to Find the Perfect Filet Mignon
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While filet mignon is found in local grocery stores and butcher shops, it doesn't mean they will all be great. Identifying the right filet mignon before purchasing it is critical to getting the best filet mignon.
Here are a few ways to spot the perfect filet mignon before purchasing one:
- Modest marbling on the meat.
- No silver skin.
- Bright red color.
- Well-trimmed.
- The filet mignon has the same thickness.
Seasoning The Steak
The next step after purchasing your filet mignon is to season the steak. This gives it a salty and peppery taste after it's cooked. You can also create your rub or seasoning on the filet mignon.
You should remove this steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking. This ensures that your filet is cooked evenly because the temperature of the steak is even. You also want to pat it down with a paper towel. Then, generously put your seasoning on the steak.
You can also dry brine your filet mignon overnight. This is when you put the filet mignon on a wire rack after it's been seasoned. You then place the steaks in the fridge overnight. You can also place it in the fridge for a few hours.
Two Different Ways: Oven and Grill
When it comes to the oven method, you want to first sear your filet mignon on a grill for two minutes on each side before putting it in the oven at 415 degrees. You should also add a few tablespoons of oil or butter to the skillet when searing the filet mignon.
After the steak is in the oven at 415 degrees, you want to cook it for as long as you want it cooked. Cook it for 5-6 minutes if you enjoy filet mignon rare to medium rare. You should cook it for longer, like 9-10 minutes if you want a steak to be medium to medium done.
You can also follow the same guidelines for grilling a filet mignon. The only difference is that you grill it at 500 degrees, flipping the filet mignon every few minutes. You should also constantly check the internal temperature to ensure the meat meets your desired temperature.
The Resting Period
After the filet mignon is cooked, you want to let it rest for 10-20 minutes. This allows the meat muscles to relax, and it's not as chewy.
One of the options, after it's rested, is to top it off with garlic butter or typical butter. This gives it a creamy taste that makes it tastier. However, you want to avoid letting it rest for too long because it will cool the meat too much when eating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes when cooking filet mignon is skimping out on the seasoning. Doing this prevents the taste from shining through.
Another common mistake is always touching the filet mignon when it's cooking. You want to avoid doing this so it's evenly cooked. Avoiding these mistakes can ultimately ensure a better experience when you cook filet mignon on the grill or the stove.
How to Cook Filet Mignon: The Steps to Perfection
Learning how to cook filet mignon perfectly takes practice. Following the guidelines in this article can give you confidence to get started. You learn to cook filet mignon without burning it or overseasoning it properly.
Overall, this article offers the insight you need to perfectly cook your filet mignon. You'll learn how to cook the perfect cut of steak to create the ideal meal.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Chatham172/Shutterstock.com.