Ready to elevate your cooking filet mignon game? Dive into these pro tips and techniques that promise to revolutionize the way you cook this luxurious cut. Let’s get sizzling!
Marinate Magic
Ever wondered how to take your cooking filet mignon from just alright to absolutely spectacular? Well, the secret lies in the marination magic.
If you want to transform the flavor profile entirely, marination is the answer. Let your filet mignon soak in a blend of your favorite herbs and spices.
Think of marination as the pre-game show before the main event. It sets the stage for flavors to deepen and develop, imbuing each forkful with taste.
Sear with Skill
When cooking filet mignon, a hot pan is crucial. The heat might set off your smoke alarm, but it’s all in the name of that coveted golden-brown crust.
Still, you don’t want to rush the sear. Patience is your ally here. Let the steak sizzle uninterrupted until it naturally releases from the pan.
That’s when you’ll know it’s time to flip the steak. After searing your filet mignon to that perfect exterior, let it rest a bit.
Butter Basting
Ever wondered why restaurant steaks taste so luxurious? The secret lies in butter basting. This technique, especially when cooking filet mignon, elevates the steak from good to unforgettable.
As the butter, rich in milk solids and fat, gently cooks the meat, it leads to a beautifully tender and moist steak. Every bite becomes juicy.
This is what’ll get you that golden crust. Butter basting turns your steak into a work of art. When you cook like this, you’re crafting a masterpiece.
Resting Ritual
As we mentioned earlier, you need to let your steak rest. This might seem like a delay to dinner, but this key pause allows the juices to redistribute.
This isn’t wasted time — it’s an investment in your steak. Those few minutes of rest make all the difference, locking in the richness and depth of taste.
Cutting into a steak too soon after cooking interrupts the reabsorption of juices. Giving it a proper rest ensures that every slice is moist and flavorful.
Herb Harmony
Cooking filet mignon can transform an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience. The key? Fresh herbs. They add a burst of flavor that complements the meat’s richness.
Who doesn’t love aroma of rosemary and thyme? These herbs infuse the meat with mouth-watering flavors, adding a touch of elegance to your plating aesthetic.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen herb when cooking filet mignon. Whether it’s basil or sage, the right herb can totally transform your meal.
Temperature Tips
Cooking filet mignon to that perfect level of doneness might seem like an impossible task. However, with a few temperature tips, you’ll feel like a seasoned chef.
When it comes to cooking filet mignon, each level of doneness has its temperature. Rare, medium, or well-done, each has its sweet spot on the thermometer.
For example, according to the Chicago Steak Company, the best internal temperature for a rare steak is about 125 degrees Fahrenheit. For well done, it’s over 155 degrees.
Salt Secrets
When it comes to cooking filet mignon, timing is everything. Sprinkling salt too early can be the difference between a good steak and a great one.
You might assume that it’s the amount of salt what matters, but it’s all timing. If your filet mignon tastes pretty “meh,” this may be why.
As with marinating, you want to salt your meat before you even start cooking it. And we don’t mean immediately before — we mean a day prior.
Wine Reduction
A splash of wine reduction sauce can make or break your steak. This addition melds rich flavors into the meat, promising a mouthwatering experience.
A carefully crafted wine reduction gives you a deep, velvety sauce. So, how can you perfect it? The key lies in letting it simmer.
When you let the wine gently reduce, it enhances the flavors, marrying them beautifully with the meat’s juices. This makes for a sauce that’s nothing short of divine.
Smoking Strategy
This technique introduces a new flavor profile to your steak. Cooking filet mignon with a hint of smoke adds a subtle smokiness, elevating it beyond the traditional sear.
Imagine the tenderness of filet mignon meeting the rustic charm of smokiness. The key is to balance the smoke so it complements, not overpowers, the steak’s natural flavors.
Make sure to choose the right wood. Different woods impart different flavors, so selecting one that pairs well with the delicate taste of filet mignon is crucial.
Grill Mastery
When grilling, you want to sear the outside while keeping the inside tender. A high heat and a watchful eye are your best friends here.
Grilling filet mignon involves timing, temperature, and technique. To achieve that restaurant-quality crust with a smoky flavor, don’t shy away from using a bit of high-smoke-point oil.
How do you know which oils have a high smoke point? We’ll give you some pointers. Avocado oil and canola oil are generally good for this.
Sous Vide Success
Sous vide is the culinary secret that’ll make your steak reach perfection. This method cooks your steak evenly, eliminating guesswork and delivering restaurant-quality results.
Sous vide, which means “under vacuum” in French, precisely controls the cooking temperature. It ensures that your filet mignon is flawlessly cooked from edge to edge.
It specifically refers to a cooking process that involves vacuum-sealing your meat. After it’s sealed, you cook it in water. This lets you control the temperature.
Pan Choice
When cooking filet mignon, the pan you choose is a crucial ingredient! Other pans work fine, but cast iron is a favorite for its even heat distribution.
Size matters, too! Opt for a pan that comfortably fits your filet mignon without crowding. Too small, and you’ll steam rather than sear your steak.
Don’t forget about preheating your pan. A hot pan is key to locking in those flavors and juices, making your filet mignon unforgettable.
Herb Butter Boost
Butter basting and herbs are both great components of cooking filet mignon. Why not use both? Every single bite is rich and aromatic.
Be specific about what kinds of herbs you use. Rosemary and thyme are both great options. You could even throw some garlic in there.
Adding that dollop of homemade herb butter is gives your steak a magic touch. It creates a fantastic blend of textures and flavors in your mouth.
Cast Iron Cooking
Cooking filet mignon in a cast iron skillet is another way to go. This skillet specializes in heat retention and distribution, ensuring that your steak gets cooked evenly.
When cooking filet mignon in a cast iron, you’ll get a perfect sear. The skillet’s surface creates that coveted crust, full of flavor. It’s like edible magic.
When it comes to cooking filet mignon, cast iron skillets are in a league of their own. The high heat capability makes it your best ally for achieving that perfect filet.
Thyme Time
When cooking filet mignon, infusing it with thyme creates a whole new experience. This herb introduces an earthy backbone to your meal, making it memorable.
Thyme’s subtle flavor complements the tender meat wells. Unlike some herbs, thyme enhances, rather than overpowers, filet mignon, bringing out its inherent richness.
It’s a simple touch that transforms a good dish into a great one. Using thyme as decoration can also make the dish look gourmet.
Garlic Glow-Up
Garlic is a kitchen staple for Italian grandmothers for a reason. It’s the perfect way to give your filet mignon the glow-up it needs.
Here’s the scoop: crushing a clove and letting it simmer in the pan with butter creates a downright divine sauce. It’s a simple trick, but it works.
You really just can’t go wrong with garlic. It’s a basic level of cooking, and one you won’t want to do without every again.
Reverse Sear Revelation
Have you ever tried cooking filet mignon using the reverse sear method? This technique involves slow-cooking the steak first, then searing it off for that ideal finish.
Cooking filet mignon might seem daunting, but the reverse sear method simplifies it. By bringing the steak up to temperature, you’re in control, reducing the risk of overcooking.
Why choose the reverse sear? It’s all about flavor and texture. This method allows for a more even distribution of heat, creating an unbeatable texture.
Dry-Aging Drama
Dry-aging is a process that intensifies both the flavor and tenderness of the meat. It’s like giving your steak a luxury spa treatment, sans cucumber slices.
The magic of dry-aging lies in the breakdown of the meat’s connective tissue. This results in a tenderness that can make your filet mignon cut like butter.
As moisture evaporates from the muscle, the beef flavor becomes more concentrated. Cooking filet mignon that has gone through this process will leave you with a delicious steak.
Compound Creativity
Cooking filet mignon is about the flavor journey. Enter the world of compound butters and rubs, your new secret weapons to elevate this luxurious cut.
Why settle for simple when you can amplify your filet mignon with a flavor-packed rub? Think about blending smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar.
Start with butter, then raid your spice drawer or herb garden. Use lavender and honey for a sweet twist, or a fiery chipotle and lime for spice.
Creamy Crust
Ever dreamed of cooking filet mignon that rivals your favorite steakhouse? The secret to that creamy, buttery crust begins with a high-quality cut and the right technique.
The key to achieving that perfect crust lies in the pre-sear preparation. Letting the steak come to room temperature and patting it dry ensures a perfect sear.
Once you’ve mastered the sear, finishing your filet mignon in a hot oven with butter will elevate it to new heights. This method locks in flavor.
Charcoal Charm
Cooking filet mignon over charcoal infuses each bite with a signature smoky charm. This method adds a rustic, nuanced flavor that gas grills can’t match.
The charcoal’s glow and the sizzle of the steak create a delicious meal. It also forges an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate indoors.
Unlike other cooking methods, charcoal grilling requires a bit of finesse to achieve that ideal crust without overcooking the tender interior. It’s a skill worth mastering.
Precision Cutting
Nailing the precision cutting of your filet mignon will help you achieve that perfectly even cook. Every slice you make influences how flavors are retained during cooking.
Before these steaks even hit the pan, they should be properly sliced. Cooking filet mignon starts long before the heat is on, with careful trimming.
But don’t let precision cutting intimidate you. With a sharp knife and a bit of practice, you’ll be slicing filet mignon like a pro.
Matching Sides
One of the best sides for steak is buttery garlic mashed potatoes. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, elevating the meal to new heights.
But don’t skimp on the veggies! Vegetables play a crucial role. A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans add that splash of color and crunch.
For those who love a good starch, consider creamy risotto or potato gratin as sides. These sides soak up the flavors and add a luxurious texture.
Wine Pairings
When cooking filet mignon, the rich flavors and texture beg for a wine that can stand up to the task. So, what are the best wine pairings?
Not all wines are created equal when it comes to pairing with filet mignon. A full-bodied red, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the tenderness of the meat.
A Pinot Noir, with its lighter body and fruity notes, can also add an intriguing contrast to the dish. It highlights its subtle flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Clean Finish
Keeping your kitchen spotless might sound like basic Cooking 101, but it’s a must when it comes to cooking filet mignon. You definitely don’t want any cross-contamination.
If your filet mignon tastes off, it may be because of your prep area’s cleanliness (or lack thereof). A clean prep surface is key to perfect flavor.
To do this, make sure to clean your kitchen before and after cooking. Wipe down surfaces with anti-bacterial cleaning solution and wash your hands.
Use a Broiler
So, we’ve talked at length about grilling, smoking, pan searing, and sous vide. But there’s yet another cooking method we still haven’t discussed: broiling.
How exactly does broiling work? Your oven’s broiler is located at the very top. To broil, place your steaks on the top rack.
You may have to adjust the racks to bring your food closer to the broiler. The temperature depends on how well-done you want your steak to be.
Serve (Almost) Immediately
We know, we know. We’ve gone on and on about letting your filet mignon sit before serving. And we still stand by that!
However, you don’t want to let it sit for hours on end. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices, but not for any longer than that.
Serving your filet mignon soon after cooking makes it taste that much juicier. When eating leftovers, it’s best to repurpose it instead of eating as is.
Adjust for Thickness
Filet mignon is known for its thickness. A thinly cut filet mignon just isn’t a filet mignon at all. Still, that doesn’t mean that there’s no variety.
Generally, you’ll want your filet mignon to be two inches thick. You can eyeball it, but you should make sure it’s the right width before cutting.
You can make it a little thinner, though only by an inch, max. Any more than that, and you’re overdoing it. Thicker filets need to be cooked longer.
Season After Searing
This may seem contradictory to our earlier point. Didn’t we just say that you should always season before cooking? Well, yes. But there are exceptions.
What we’re referring to is using seasoning as decoration, or as garnish. As you can see above, herbs like thyme or rosemary work great for this purpose.
Capers, chili flakes, and coarse salt are all good options, though don’t overdo it with the salt. You can also glaze your steak with balsamic.
Flip Only Once
A big part of cooking filet mignon is its rapidity. While the prep and cleaning might extend the process as a whole, the cooking itself is relatively short.
Because of this, there’s a limited amount of times you can flip the steak. You only spend a few minutes on each side, and flip it only once.
If you flip it more than once, you have a higher chance of drying out the meat. As a beginner, we suggest sticking to flipping only once.
Conclusion
And there you have it — 30 insider techniques to cooking filet mignon like a seasoned chef. From choosing the perfect cut to mastering the sear, each tip is designed to enhance the flavor and texture of your filet mignon, ensuring a mouth-watering experience every time. Remember, cooking is an art, but with these tricks up your sleeve, you’re well on your way to becoming a filet mignon maestro. So, fire up the grill (or stove!), grab your apron, and let’s make every meal a gourmet delight. Happy cooking!
Questions & Answers:
Question: How long should you cook filet mignon on each side?
Answer: As you’d probably expect, this depends on your preferred level of doneness. If you’re cooking it medium, then 5 minutes per side will do. If you want well-done, then cook them 10 minutes per side.
Question: Is it better to grill or pan fry filet mignon?
Answer: As always, it all comes down to your preferences. Both methods will give you a delicious filet mignon. However, grilling may be just a little better, mainly because it’s easier to control the temperature (and you’ll get those nice grill marks).