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October 27, 2024
Cooking a filet to the perfect degree of doneness can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re aiming for a medium rare finish. A filet mignon, also known as a beef tenderloin, is a prized cut of meat that is tender and juicy. It is typically cooked quickly over high heat to achieve a medium rare result. However, the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness.
For a medium rare filet, a general guideline is to cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This will result in a nicely seared exterior and a pink, juicy center. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your cooking method and the thickness of the filet. To ensure that your filet is cooked to perfection, it is always recommended to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach around 130-135°F (54-57°C) for a medium rare finish.
Before cooking your filet, it is important to let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly throughout. To do this, simply take the filet out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While the filet is resting, you can season it with salt and pepper or any other desired spices to enhance the flavor.
Pro tip: To achieve an even more flavorful and tender filet, you can also consider marinating it for a few hours or overnight. This will help to break down the muscle fibers and infuse the steak with delicious flavors. Just be sure not to over-marinate, as the acid in the marinade can start to “cook” the meat and make it tough.
Once your filet is ready to be cooked, preheat your grill or skillet on high heat. Place the filet on the hot surface and let it sear for about 2 minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Then, reduce the heat to medium-high and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Remember to flip the steak only once to ensure even cooking.
After cooking, remove the filet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will help to lock in the flavors and keep the steak moist. Once rested, serve your perfectly cooked medium rare filet with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
How to Cook Filet for Medium Rare
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let your filet steak come to room temperature.
Step 2: Season the filet steak generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend.
Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Place the filet steak in the hot skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a brown crust forms.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet with the seared steak into the preheated oven. Cook for about 4-6 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the filet steak rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to finish cooking.
Step 7: Slice the filet steak against the grain and serve it immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked medium rare filet!
Preparing the filet
Before you start cooking your filet, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure that it turns out perfectly.
Step 1: Remove the filet from the refrigerator
Take the filet out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly.
Step 2: Season the filet
Season the filet generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the filet. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.
Seasoning the filet
Before cooking your filet, it is important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some seasoning options to consider:
Salt and pepper
The simplest and most common way to season a filet is with a combination of salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the filet with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring that each side is evenly coated.
Garlic and herbs
For an extra burst of flavor, you can incorporate minced garlic and herbs into the seasoning. Mix together minced garlic, chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture onto the filet, making sure to cover all sides.
Marinade
If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can marinate the filet before cooking. Combine ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a resealable plastic bag or container. Place the filet in the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Regardless of the seasoning method you choose, make sure to let the filet sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. For best results, pat the filet dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the seasoning adhere better.
Preheating the oven
Before cooking your filet, it is important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This will ensure that the filet cooks evenly and to the desired level of doneness.
Step 1: Set the temperature
Check the recipe or cooking instructions for the recommended oven temperature. For cooking filet for medium rare, the oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Allow time to preheat
Preheating the oven can take some time, so make sure to allow enough time for it to reach the desired temperature. This can vary depending on your oven, but it generally takes about 10-15 minutes.
Some ovens have a preheat indicator that shows when the oven has reached the set temperature. If your oven has this feature, wait for the indicator to light up before placing the filet inside.
If your oven doesn’t have a preheat indicator, you can use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. Place the thermometer inside the oven and wait for it to reach the desired temperature before proceeding.
Cooking the filet
To cook a filet to medium rare perfection, follow these steps:
1. Preparing the filet
Start by taking the filet out of the fridge and allowing it to come to room temperature, usually for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.
While waiting for the filet to come to room temperature, season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add any other desired seasonings or marinades at this stage.
2. Searing the filet
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until it starts to smoke. Make sure the pan is hot before searing the filet.
Place the filet onto the hot pan, and let it sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will give the filet a nice crust and lock in the juices.
3. Finishing in the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Transfer the seared filet onto a baking sheet or oven-safe pan, and place it in the preheated oven. Cook the filet for an additional 4-6 minutes, depending on its thickness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium rare. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the filet without touching the bone.
Remember that the filet will continue to cook and rise in temperature for a few minutes after coming out of the oven, so it’s important to remove it a few degrees below the desired doneness.
Remove the filet from the oven, and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Once the resting time is up, slice the filet against the grain into thick, juicy portions and serve immediately.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked filet, medium rare!
Checking the doneness
One of the most important steps in cooking a filet to the perfect medium rare is checking the doneness. Here are a few methods you can use to determine if your filet is cooked to your desired level:
1. Using a meat thermometer
One of the most reliable ways to check the doneness of a filet is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the filet, making sure not to touch the bone if there is one. For a medium-rare filet, the internal temperature should read between 130°F and 135°F (54°C to 57°C).
2. Touch test
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the touch test to determine the level of doneness. Gently press the center of the filet with your index finger. The meat should feel slightly firm and spring back when you touch it. For a medium-rare filet, it should have a slight amount of give, but not be too soft or too firm.
3. Visual cues
Another way to check for doneness is by visually inspecting the filet. A medium-rare filet will have a warm pink center with a thin band of light pink surrounding it. The exterior of the filet should be seared and browned.
Remember that these methods are only general guidelines, and the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the filet and the heat of your grill or stovetop. It’s always a good idea to use a combination of these methods to ensure the perfect medium-rare filet.
Q&A
How long should I cook a filet mignon to achieve medium-rare doneness?
To cook a filet mignon to medium-rare, you should cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. It is best to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
What is the cooking time for a medium-rare filet mignon?
The cooking time for a medium-rare filet mignon can vary depending on the thickness of the steak. Generally, it takes about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat to achieve a medium-rare doneness. However, it is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) is reached.
Is there a specific cooking time for cooking a filet mignon to medium-rare?
While there is no specific cooking time for cooking a filet mignon to medium-rare, it generally takes about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat. However, the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness can affect the cooking time. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
Can you provide me with a guideline on how long to cook a filet mignon for medium-rare?
For medium-rare filet mignon, you can cook it for approximately 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, so it is important to monitor the internal temperature. A meat thermometer can help ensure it reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C) for the desired doneness.
What is the recommended cooking time for a medium-rare filet mignon?
To achieve a medium-rare filet mignon, it is recommended to cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat. However, the thickness of the steak and personal preference can affect the cooking time. It is advisable to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C).
How long should I cook a filet for medium rare?
To cook a filet to medium rare, you should grill it for about 4-5 minutes per side.
What is the recommended cooking time for a medium rare filet?
A medium rare filet should be cooked for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side to achieve the desired level of doneness.