Filet Mignon (Foolproof Recipe) - Downshiftology (2024)

FAQs

How to cook filet mignon to absolute perfection? ›

Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to the desired temperature (450 F to 500 F). Place steaks directly on the grill, insert the temperature probes, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the filets reach the desired internal temperature.

Ideally, you should get the temperature to around 450-degrees on a gas grill or set your filets on a grill rack directly over medium coals on a charcoal grill. Doing so will give them that incredible sear you'd get from a pan sear, leaving the outside somewhat crisp and the inside soft and tender.

For the filet mignon:

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch cast iron pan until it begins to shimmer. Put the steaks in the pan, rub-side down and cook until a crust forms, about 3 minutes. Turn the steaks over, lower heat a bit and continue cooking until medium-rare doneness, about 4 minutes longer.

I like to use a combination of oil and butter for cooking the steak. Make sure you use a high-smoke point oil. I like to use Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or Olive Oil. Extra virgin olive oil does not have that high of a smoke point so I do not suggest using it.

Texture: Grilled steak has a slightly charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Health: Grilling allows the fat in the steak to drip away, making it a healthier option than pan searing. Convenience: Grilling is a great option for outdoor cooking and can be done on a gas or charcoal grill.

But the reality is that flipping a steak repeatedly during cooking—as often as every 30 seconds or so—will produce a crust that is just as good (provided you start with meat with a good, dry surface, as you always should), give you a more evenly cooked interior, and cook in about 30% less time to boot!

If you're cooking it for rare or medium rare then leave it uncovered. If you're looking for a medium or well steak then you may wish to lower the heat and cover it after searing to cook the insides more.

Heat a griddle pan until white-hot, season your steaks and pat with olive oil. Grill a 4cm/1½ inch thick steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare. You can keep them on there for longer, turning as you go, until cooked to your liking. Remove from the grill on to a dish and rest for 5 minutes.

Filet mignon is one exception to the full-of-flavor rule. It's not as beefy as other cuts, but it's one of the most tender cuts there is. Therefore, a marinade isn't the best option. However, it can benefit from an au jus or an herb butter placed on top after cooking for just the right amount of flavor.

To appreciate the complex flavor of a well-grilled filet mignon, we suggest keeping it simple with just salt and pepper. Or if you have a favorite steak seasoning, use that instead. Rub the seasoning into the meat and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.

Is it better to broil or bake filet mignon? ›

Broiling steak gives it a quick sear that baking does not. However, if cooking past medium-rare, broiling could crisp the outside of filet mignon too much while not cooking the inside enough.

Cooking Method: Overcooking can cause the steak to lose its moisture, making it dry and chewy. Conversely, undercooking can make certain cuts feel tough. Aging Process: Steaks that are not properly aged can be less tender.

Don't add any liquid, and don't cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until medium-rare to medium (145°F to 160°F). Turn the meat occasionally for even browning. If the meat browns too quickly before the interior is done, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Season steaks with pepper, add to pan, and cook, flipping frequently with tongs until well browned on all sides (including edges, which you can sear by holding steaks sideways with tongs) and the internal temperature has reached 110°F (43°C) for rare or 130°F (54°C) for medium (steak will continue to cook for a bit ...

Preheat one side of the grill to about 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). Season steak generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides. Place steak on the cool side of the preheated grill. Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads about 100 degrees F (37 degrees C), 25 to 30 minutes.

Place the meat on the bed and completely cover it with kosher or coarse sea salt. You can rub it in or just let it sit for approximately **15 minutes (or up to 45 minutes for thicker cuts). The salt breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissue to maximize the tenderness and texture of the steak.