Filet mignon, the epitome of steakhouse luxury, is surprisingly simple to cook at home. This guide will show you exactly How To Cook Filet Mignon to juicy, tender perfection, making it ideal for romantic dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave an exquisite meal. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a simple date night, mastering filet mignon will impress your loved ones and elevate your culinary skills.
Essential Ingredients for Cooking Filet Mignon
Before you begin, gather these simple yet crucial ingredients. For exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Filet Mignon Steaks: The star of the show! Choose steaks that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick for optimal cooking. Note that filet mignon sizes can vary; European cuts are typically smaller (3-4 ounces), while US cuts are often larger (6-8 ounces). For smaller portions, seek out “Petite Filet Mignon.” This recipe works perfectly for all sizes; you’ll just adjust cooking time.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Generous seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavor of the beef.
- Cooking Oil: Opt for a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like canola or vegetable oil for searing. This helps create a beautiful crust without burning.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor during the oven-baking and basting process.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Whole garlic cloves infuse the butter with aromatic goodness. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: Rosemary complements beef beautifully, adding a subtle herbal note. Fresh rosemary is preferable, but dried can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried rosemary).
Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing Your Filet Mignon
Selecting high-quality filet mignon is the first step towards a successful dish. Look for steaks that are:
- Well-marbled: While filet mignon is naturally lean, some marbling (flecks of fat within the muscle) will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Bright red in color: A vibrant red color indicates freshness.
- Firm to the touch: The steak should feel firm, not mushy.
- Of uniform thickness: Steaks of even thickness will cook more evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Filet Mignon to Perfection
Follow these simple steps to cook filet mignon that rivals any steakhouse.
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Prepare the Filet Mignon: Take your filet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking. This crucial step allows the steaks to come to room temperature, which promotes even cooking and juicier results. Unwrap the steaks, place them on a plate, and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat on your stovetop and let it get screaming hot. This is essential for achieving a perfect sear. Add the cooking oil to the hot skillet – it should shimmer almost immediately. Carefully place the seasoned filet mignon steaks in the hot skillet. Sear the steaks undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side for 6-8 ounce steaks, or 1-2 minutes per side for petite 4-ounce steaks. The goal is to develop a rich, brown crust on each side. Resist the urge to move the steaks around; let them sear properly. They are ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and have a deeply browned crust.
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Butter Baste and Oven Finish: Immediately remove the skillet from the stovetop heat. Add the butter, garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet around the steaks. The butter will melt quickly and start to sizzle. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the filet mignons with the melted butter, garlic, and rosemary mixture. This basting step adds flavor and keeps the steaks moist during oven baking.
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Oven Bake to Desired Doneness: Transfer the cast-iron skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 2-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steaks. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results (see temperature guide below). For 6-8 ounce steaks, as a general guideline:
- Rare: 2 minutes
- Medium-Rare: 3-4 minutes
- Medium: 5 minutes
- Medium-Well: 6-7 minutes
- Well-Done: 8 minutes
Remember, smaller petite filet mignons will cook faster. It’s always better to slightly undercook and check the internal temperature.
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Rest and Serve: Once the filet mignons reach your desired internal temperature (see chart below), remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the steaks to a clean plate and tent them loosely with aluminum foil. Let the filet mignon rest for 5-10 minutes. Do not skip the resting step! Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Serve the filet mignon immediately, spooning the flavorful garlic butter from the pan over the steaks.
Expert Tips for Perfect Filet Mignon Every Time
- Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: As mentioned, this is not just a suggestion – it’s crucial for even cooking and tenderness.
- Hot Sear, Moderate Oven: The initial high-heat sear creates a flavorful crust. Finishing in a moderate oven (360°F/180°C) gently cooks the inside without overcooking the exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking more than two filet mignons, sear them in batches to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and can lead to steaming instead of searing.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Investing in a meat thermometer is the best way to guarantee perfectly cooked steak to your preferred doneness. Digital thermometers provide quick and accurate readings. Insert the probe into the side of the steak to get the most accurate internal temperature.
- Resting is Non-Negotiable: Resist the temptation to cut into the steak immediately. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, making for a significantly more tender and juicy steak.
- Consider Air Fryer Finishing: For an alternative to oven baking, you can finish searing filet mignon in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to its highest setting while searing. Then, air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes, followed by resting in the switched-off air fryer (basket almost closed) for 1-3 minutes more until your desired internal temperature is reached.
- Slice Against the Grain: When slicing filet mignon, always cut against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers). This makes the steak more tender and easier to chew.
Filet Mignon Internal Temperature Guide for Desired Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your filet mignon is cooked to your exact preference. Here’s a guide to internal temperatures:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C) – Red center with red juices
- Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C) – Deep pink center with reddish juices (Recommended for optimal tenderness and flavor)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C) – Light pink center with clear juices
- Medium-Well: 150°F (66°C) – Slightly pink center with clear juices
- Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) – Cooked through with no pink
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for beef for safe consumption, followed by a 3-minute rest. However, for optimal filet mignon tenderness, medium-rare to medium is generally preferred.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is a versatile steak that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some classic and delicious serving ideas:
- Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, classic steak fries, or dauphinoise potatoes are all fantastic choices.
- Vegetables: Asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed spinach, grilled broccolini, or garlic green beans provide a healthy and flavorful contrast.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme or a rich mushroom sauce enhance the earthy notes of the beef.
- Sauces: While filet mignon is delicious on its own, consider serving it with a classic Béarnaise sauce, red wine reduction, or a vibrant chimichurri for added complexity.
More Romantic Dinner Recipes
Looking for more impressive date night or special occasion recipes? Explore these delicious options:
[Link to other date night recipes on how.edu.vn if available]
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Perfect Filet Mignon Recipe
This is the perfect method for cooking filet mignon at home – simple, flavorful, and incredibly juicy. Ideal for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or any special dinner!
Recipe by [Your Name/how.edu.vn]
[Star rating – 4.97 from 79 votes] (if applicable)
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Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
- 2 Filet Mignon Steaks (see notes for size recommendations)
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste, season generously!)
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 5 cloves Garlic (peeled)
- 4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
Instructions
- Prep: Remove filet steaks from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before cooking. Unwrap, season with salt and pepper, and let sit on a plate at room temperature. Do not skip this step for best results.
- Sear: Heat oven to 360°F (180°C). Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat for 3-5 minutes until very hot. Carefully add oil (watch out for splatters). Sear the filet mignon for 2-3 minutes per side (1-2 minutes for Petite Filet Mignons) until a nice brown crust forms. Immediately remove skillet from heat.
- Finish: Carefully add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the skillet. Place skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 2-8 minutes, depending on desired doneness (see notes for internal temperatures; remove skillet from oven once internal temperature is 5-10°F below desired temperature).
- Rest: Remove steak from skillet and place on a plate. Tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes (do not skip resting). Serve immediately with garlic cloves and butter from the skillet.
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Recipe Notes
Filet Mignon Size: Filet mignon sizes vary. European cuts are 3-4 ounces, US cuts are 6-8 ounces. “Petite Filet Mignon” is available in the US for smaller portions. Cooking method is the same for all sizes, but cooking time will vary.
Meat Thermometer: Highly recommended for accurate cooking. Use an oven-safe thermometer to monitor internal temperature while baking. Insert probe from the side for cleaner presentation.
Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat air fryer to highest setting. Air fry seared filet mignon at 360°F (180°C) for 2-3 minutes, then rest in switched-off air fryer for 1-3 minutes more until desired internal temperature is reached. For pan sauce, use skillet with searing juices and add butter, garlic, rosemary on stovetop over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Slicing: Always slice filet mignon against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Internal Temperature Guide:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
USDA recommended minimum internal temperature for beef is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. [See Full Chart](link to USDA safe temperature chart).
Nutrition information is an estimate.
More Recipe Information
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
