When it comes to cooking fillet mignon, timing is everything. This tender and flavorful cut of beef is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, but overcooking can result in a dry and tough steak. Finding the perfect balance between rare and well-done is the key to achieving that juicy and succulent fillet mignon.
The cooking time for fillet mignon depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick fillet mignon, a good rule of thumb is to cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer a medium doneness, cook it for an additional minute per side. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your grill, stove, or oven, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.
It’s also worth noting that the fillet mignon continues to cook slightly after it’s taken off the heat, so it’s best to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak. If you prefer a rare fillet mignon, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two per side, and if you prefer a well-done steak, increase the cooking time accordingly.
Best Cooking Times for Fillet Mignon
Fillet mignon, also known as beef tenderloin, is a tender and flavorful cut of meat that is often considered a luxury. To fully enjoy this premium cut, it’s important to cook it to perfection. Here are some guidelines for the best cooking times for fillet mignon:
Rare: For a rare fillet mignon, cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side. The meat should be seared on the outside but still very pink in the center.
Medium Rare: If you prefer a medium rare fillet mignon, cook it for about 6-7 minutes per side. The meat should be seared on the outside and red in the center.
Medium: Cook the fillet mignon for around 8-9 minutes per side to achieve a medium doneness. The meat should be browned on the outside and pink in the center.
Medium Well: For a medium well fillet mignon, cook it for approximately 10-11 minutes per side. The meat should be browned on the outside with a hint of pink in the center.
Well Done: If you prefer a well done fillet mignon, cook it for about 12-13 minutes per side. The meat should be browned throughout and no hint of pink should remain.
It’s important to note that these cooking times are just guidelines and may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet mignon and your preferred level of doneness. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired temperature.
Remember, fillet mignon is a premium cut of meat and deserves to be cooked with care. With these cooking times, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked fillet mignon every time.
Oven Roasting Fillet Mignon
Roasting fillet mignon in the oven is a great way to achieve a tender and juicy steak with a delicious crust. Here is a simple guide to help you cook the perfect fillet mignon:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help sear the steak and lock in the juices.
2. Take your fillet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the steaks to cook more evenly.
3. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which could prevent the sear and result in steamed meat.
4. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add your preferred spices or a steak rub for additional flavor.
5. Heat a skillet or oven-safe pan over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sear the fillet mignon steaks for about 2 minutes on each side until a nice brown crust forms.
6. Once the steaks are seared, transfer them to the preheated oven. Place them on a baking sheet or directly in a roasting pan.
7. Cook the fillet mignon in the oven for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
8. Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak.
9. Slice the fillet mignon steaks against the grain and serve them immediately. You can garnish them with fresh herbs or a sauce of your choice.
Now you can enjoy a perfectly cooked fillet mignon that will impress your family and friends!
Grilling Fillet Mignon
Grilling fillet mignon is a popular way to cook this tender and flavorful cut of beef. The high heat of the grill helps to sear the outside of the meat, while locking in the juices and creating a delicious crust.
Here are some steps to follow when grilling fillet mignon:
- Preheat your grill to high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Season the fillet mignon with salt and pepper, or your favorite dry rub. You can also marinate the meat for added flavor.
- Place the fillet mignon on the grill, positioning it diagonally for the classic grill marks. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness.
- While grilling, avoid pressing down on the meat with a spatula, as this can cause the juices to escape.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fillet mignon. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read 135°F (57°C), for medium 145°F (63°C), and for medium-well 160°F (71°C).
- Once the fillet mignon reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender steak.
Grilled fillet mignon is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal. Enjoy!
Pan-Seared Fillet Mignon
Fillet mignon is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that is often served as a special occasion dish. It is traditionally cooked by searing it in a hot pan and then finishing it in the oven.
To cook pan-seared fillet mignon, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 fillet mignon steaks
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the fillet mignon steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat and add the olive oil.
- When the oil is hot, carefully place the fillet mignon steaks in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden brown crust forms.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue cooking the fillet mignon steaks for about 6-8 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
Level of Doneness | Internal Temperature |
---|---|
Rare | 120°F (49°C) |
Medium Rare | 130°F (54°C) |
Medium | 140°F (60°C) |
Medium Well | 150°F (65°C) |
Well Done | 160°F (71°C) |
Note: The internal temperature of the fillet mignon steaks will continue to rise by a few degrees after removing them from the oven due to carryover cooking.
Once the fillet mignon steaks have reached the desired level of doneness, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and ensures a more tender and flavorful steak.
Serve the pan-seared fillet mignon steaks with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables, for a delicious and elegant meal.
Broiling Fillet Mignon
Broiling is a fast and easy cooking method for fillet mignon. The high heat helps to sear the outside of the steak, creating a flavorful crust, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to broil fillet mignon:
1. Preheat your broiler. Set the oven rack about 6 inches away from the heat source.
2. Season the fillet mignon with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. You can also brush it with a little olive oil to enhance the flavor and prevent sticking.
3. Place the fillet mignon on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with foil. Make sure to leave some space between the steaks so that they can cook evenly.
4. Broil the fillet mignon for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Remember to flip the steaks halfway through cooking.
5. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks. The ideal temperature for medium-rare fillet mignon is around 135-140°F (57-60°C).
6. Once the fillet mignon reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the broiler and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak even more tender.
7. Serve the broiled fillet mignon with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Broiling is a quick and convenient way to cook fillet mignon, but it’s important to keep an eye on the steak to prevent overcooking. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and the temperature of your broiler, so use the recommended times as a guideline and adjust as needed.
Q&A
How do I cook fillet mignon to perfection?
To cook fillet mignon to perfection, start by seasoning the meat with salt and pepper. Then, heat a skillet with some oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the fillet mignon for about 2-3 minutes on each side to get a nice brown crust. Next, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and cook the fillet mignon for about 5-7 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.
What is the cooking time for medium-rare fillet mignon?
To achieve a medium-rare doneness for fillet mignon, you should cook it in a preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet mignon. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read around 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Can I cook fillet mignon on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook fillet mignon on the stovetop. Start by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add some oil or butter to the skillet and then sear the fillet mignon for about 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Afterwards, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven to finish cooking the fillet mignon to your desired level of doneness.
How long should I cook fillet mignon for medium doneness?
If you prefer your fillet mignon cooked to medium doneness, you should cook it in a preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. This cooking time will give you a slightly pink center with a warm pink and brown exterior. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches around 140-145°F (60-63°C).
What is the recommended cooking time for well-done fillet mignon?
If you like your fillet mignon well-done, you should cook it in a preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. This cooking time will result in a fully cooked fillet mignon with no pinkness in the center. To ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches around 160°F (71°C).
How long should I cook a fillet mignon?
The cooking time for fillet mignon will depend on how you want your steak to be cooked. For rare, cook the fillet mignon for about 3-4 minutes per side. For medium-rare, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. For medium, cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
What is the recommended cooking time for fillet mignon?
The recommended cooking time for fillet mignon will vary depending on the method of cooking and the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, you can cook a 1-inch thick fillet mignon steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer a different level of doneness, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your liking.