Beef tenderloin filet mignon is a luxurious and tender cut of beef that is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. The tenderloin is a long, slender cut that comes from the loin of the cow, and filet mignon refers specifically to the portion of the tenderloin that is cut into steaks.

To cook beef tenderloin filet mignon, it is important to start with high-quality meat. Look for well-marbled cuts that are evenly sized and about 1 to 2 inches thick. Before cooking, allow the steaks to come to room temperature, which will help them cook more evenly.

One popular method for cooking beef tenderloin filet mignon is to sear it on the stovetop and then finish it in the oven. Start by heating a skillet over high heat and adding a small amount of oil. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, and then carefully place them in the hot skillet. Sear for about two minutes on each side, or until a nice crust forms.

For medium-rare steaks, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the desired doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 135°F (57°C). For medium, cook for 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve the filet mignon with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables, and enjoy!

Preparing the Beef Tenderloin

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Before cooking beef tenderloin filet mignon, it is important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a tender and flavorful result. Follow these steps to prepare the beef tenderloin:

1. Trim the Beef Tenderloin

Start by trimming the beef tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the fat and connective tissue from the surface of the meat. This will help the beef cook more evenly and prevent any chewy or tough bits.

2. Season the Beef Tenderloin

Next, season the beef tenderloin with your desired spices and seasonings. A simple combination of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works well, but you can also experiment with other flavors like rosemary or thyme. Rub the seasoning onto the surface of the meat, making sure to cover all sides.

3. Let the Beef Tenderloin Rest

After seasoning, allow the beef tenderloin to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the meat come to the desired temperature more evenly and will result in a more tender steak.

4. Preheat the Oven

While the beef tenderloin is resting, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating the oven will ensure that it is hot enough to sear the outside of the meat, creating a flavorful crust.

5. Sear the Beef Tenderloin

In a hot skillet or oven-safe pan, sear the beef tenderloin on all sides until browned. This step will help to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the meat. Searing can take about 2-3 minutes per side.

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6. Transfer to the Oven

Once the beef tenderloin is seared, transfer it to the preheated oven and let it finish cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness, but a good rule of thumb is to cook for about 15-20 minutes for medium-rare.

7. Rest and Slice

After cooking, remove the beef tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Once rested, slice the beef tenderloin into individual filet mignon steaks and serve.

Trim the Tenderloin

Before cooking beef tenderloin filet mignon, it is important to trim the tenderloin properly. Trimming involves removing any excess fat and silver skin from the meat. This helps to improve the texture and flavor of the filet mignon.

Step 1: Remove Excess Fat

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut away any visible fat from the tenderloin. Fat can add flavor to meat, but too much can make it greasy and chewy. Trim off any large chunks of fat, leaving a thin layer for added flavor.

Step 2: Remove Silver Skin

Silver skin is the tough, silvery connective tissue that covers part of the tenderloin. It does not break down during cooking and can be unpleasant to eat. To remove silver skin, slide the tip of a sharp knife under it and carefully slice it away from the meat, using a gentle sawing motion.

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Once the tenderloin is trimmed, it is ready to be seasoned and cooked to perfection.

Season the Tenderloin

Before cooking the beef tenderloin filet mignon, it is important to season it properly for maximum flavor. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Take the tenderloin out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  3. Generously season all sides of the tenderloin with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also use additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs for extra flavor.
  4. For more intense flavor, you can marinate the tenderloin in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight.
  5. Make sure to rub the seasonings into the meat, covering all sides evenly.

By properly seasoning the tenderloin, you will enhance its natural flavors and create a delicious crust when searing it.

Cooking the Beef Tenderloin

Once you have prepared the beef tenderloin filet mignon, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve a delicious and tender result.

1. Preheat the Oven

Before cooking the beef tenderloin, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will help to sear the outside of the meat and lock in the juices.

2. Sear the Beef

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter, and sear the filet mignon for about 2 minutes on each side. This will create a crispy and flavorful crust.

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3. Transfer to the Oven

Once the filet mignon is seared, transfer it to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Place it in the preheated oven and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.

For rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C). For medium-rare, cook until it reaches 135°F (57°C). And for medium, cook until it reaches 145°F (63°C).

4. Let it Rest

After cooking, remove the beef tenderloin from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.

Once the beef tenderloin has rested, it is ready to be served. Slice it into thick, juicy pieces and enjoy!

Preheat the Oven

Before you start cooking the beef tenderloin filet mignon, it’s important to preheat the oven to the right temperature. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and to the perfect level of doneness.

First, set the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) and allow it to heat up for at least 15 minutes. This temperature is ideal for cooking filet mignon as it will create a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

While the oven is preheating, take this time to prepare the tenderloin. Pat it dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add any other desired seasonings or marinades at this time.

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the seasoned beef tenderloin filet mignon on a roasting pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can also sear the filets in a hot skillet before transferring them to the oven.

Now that the oven is preheated and the filets are ready, it’s time to cook the beef tenderloin filet mignon to perfection. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the filets and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, cook the filets for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, 10-12 minutes for medium, and 12-14 minutes for medium-well. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit (57-60 degrees Celsius) for medium-rare, 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit (60-63 degrees Celsius) for medium, or 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit (63-65 degrees Celsius) for medium-well.

Once the filets are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the filets to reach their optimal tenderness.

Now that you’ve preheated the oven, seasoned the filets, and cooked them to perfection, you can enjoy your delicious beef tenderloin filet mignon! Serve them with your favorite sides and sauces for a complete and satisfying meal.

Sear the Tenderloin

To achieve a delicious crust on the outside of the beef tenderloin filet mignon, it’s important to sear it before cooking it further. Follow these steps to sear the tenderloin:

  1. Remove the beef tenderloin filet mignon from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  3. While the skillet is heating, season the tenderloin generously with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings.
  4. Drizzle some cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, into the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
  5. Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the tenderloin in the skillet using tongs.
  6. Sear the tenderloin for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a dark brown crust forms.
  7. For even searing, you can press the tenderloin down gently with a spatula.
  8. Once the desired crust is achieved, remove the tenderloin from the skillet and transfer it to a preheated oven to finish cooking.
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Searing the tenderloin not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the juices, resulting in a juicy and tender filet mignon. Make sure to monitor the cooking process closely, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloin and the desired level of doneness.

Q&A

What is beef tenderloin filet mignon?

Beef tenderloin filet mignon is a cut of beef from the tenderloin section of a cow. It is known for being one of the most tender and flavorful cuts of beef.

How do I cook beef tenderloin filet mignon?

To cook beef tenderloin filet mignon, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, season the steak with salt and pepper and sear it in a hot skillet with some olive oil. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook the steak for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Can I grill beef tenderloin filet mignon?

Yes, you can grill beef tenderloin filet mignon. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and season the steak with salt and pepper. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the steak from the grill when it reaches your desired level of doneness.

What is the best way to season beef tenderloin filet mignon?

The best way to season beef tenderloin filet mignon is to keep it simple. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the natural flavors of the meat. You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

How should I serve beef tenderloin filet mignon?

Beef tenderloin filet mignon can be served by itself as a main dish or accompanied by various side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. You can also serve it with a sauce like peppercorn sauce or mushroom sauce for added flavor.

What is beef tenderloin filet mignon?

Beef tenderloin filet mignon is a cut of beef that comes from the small end of the tenderloin. It is known for being extremely tender and flavorful.

How do I choose a good beef tenderloin filet mignon?

When choosing a beef tenderloin filet mignon, look for a cut that is bright red in color and has minimal fat marbling. The meat should feel firm and have a smooth texture.