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September 16, 2024
Filet mignon is a cut of beef that is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It is often considered a luxury cut and is a popular choice for special occasions or romantic dinners. While it can be cooked in various ways, cooking filet mignon in a pan to a perfect medium rare is a great option that allows you to enjoy the meat’s natural flavors.
To cook filet mignon in a pan medium rare, you will need a few basic ingredients and some simple cooking techniques. First, make sure your filet mignon steaks are at room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and help to preserve the tenderness of the meat.
To add flavor to the filet mignon, season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary. Be sure to press the seasoning into the steaks to ensure it sticks.
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned filet mignon steaks in the pan. Sear the steaks for about 2-3 minutes on each side to create a nice crust.
For a medium rare doneness, cook the filet mignon for about 4-5 minutes per side. This will result in a juicy and slightly pink center. However, it’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and personal preference. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 135°F (57°C) for medium rare.
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Once the filet mignon reaches the desired doneness, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step is crucial to ensure the meat remains tender and juicy.
Finally, you can serve your perfectly cooked filet mignon with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cooking filet mignon in a pan medium rare may seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique and a few helpful tips, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. So, next time you’re craving a delicious steak, grab some filet mignon and give this method a try!
The Basics of Cooking Filet Mignon
If you want to enjoy a tender and juicy steak, filet mignon is an excellent choice. Cooking filet mignon can be done in various ways, but pan-searing it to a medium-rare temperature brings out its rich flavors and maintains its mouthwatering tenderness. Here are the basic steps to cook filet mignon in a skillet.
What You’ll Need:
- Filet mignon steaks (1 to 2 inches thick)
- Vegetable oil or clarified butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: garlic, rosemary, or other seasonings
- A heavy skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or a spatula
- A meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Take the filet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. If desired, add additional seasonings like garlic or rosemary.
- Heat a heavy skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or clarified butter to the pan and swirl it around to coat the surface.
- Gently place the steaks in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
- For accurate doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks. Medium-rare is around 135°F (57°C).
- Once the steaks reach the desired temperature, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board or a plate. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the filet mignon steaks as they are or with your favorite sauce or side dishes.
By following these basic steps, you can cook filet mignon to perfection in a pan. The result will be a mouthwatering steak with a tender and juicy center. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Pan for Filet Mignon
When it comes to cooking filet mignon in a pan, choosing the right pan is essential. The right pan will not only help you achieve a perfectly seared exterior, but also ensure that the meat cooks evenly. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a pan for filet mignon:
- Material: Opt for a heavy-bottomed pan, such as stainless steel or cast iron. These materials distribute heat evenly and retain it well, allowing for a consistent cooking temperature.
- Size: Choose a pan that is large enough to comfortably fit the filet mignon without overcrowding it. Overcrowding the pan can prevent the meat from forming a nice crust.
- Shape: A pan with straight sides is preferable as it allows for easy flipping and movement of the filet mignon.
- Non-stick: While non-stick pans may seem convenient, they are not ideal for achieving a proper sear on the filet mignon. A stainless steel or cast iron pan will allow the meat to develop a flavorful crust.
By choosing the right pan, you’ll be well on your way to cooking a delicious filet mignon with a perfectly seared exterior and a tender, medium-rare center.
Prep and Season Your Filet Mignon
Before you start cooking your filet mignon, it’s important to properly prepare and season the meat. Follow these steps for a delicious and flavorful result:
1. Remove the Filet Mignon from the Fridge
Take the filet mignon out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly.
2. Pat the Filet Mignon Dry
Using a paper towel, gently pat the filet mignon dry. Removing any excess moisture will help achieve a nice sear.
3. Season the Filet Mignon
Generously season both sides of the filet mignon with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs or spices of your choice to enhance the flavor. Rub the seasonings into the meat using your hands.
Note: It’s important to keep the seasoning simple to let the natural taste of the filet mignon shine through.
Now that your filet mignon is properly prepped and seasoned, it’s time to start cooking!
Cooking Filet Mignon to Medium Rare
Filet mignon is a tender and delicious cut of beef that is often enjoyed cooked to medium rare. Here is how you can cook filet mignon to medium rare perfection on a stovetop pan:
Ingredients:
- 2 filet mignon steaks
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Remove the filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.
- Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Heat a stovetop pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up until it starts to shimmer.
- Carefully place the filet mignon steaks into the hot pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them. This will create a nice crust.
- Flip the steaks using tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter, garlic cloves, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pan.
- Use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter, garlic, and thyme for about 1 minute. This will enhance the flavor.
- Check the internal temperature of the steaks using a meat thermometer. For medium rare, the thermometer should read about 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the filet mignon steaks against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy!
With these simple steps, you can cook filet mignon to medium rare perfection in a stovetop pan. The result will be a tender and juicy steak with a delicious crust.
Searing Filet Mignon in a Pan
Filet mignon is a popular cut of beef known for its tenderness and rich flavor. One of the best ways to cook filet mignon is by searing it in a pan. This cooking method creates a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the center juicy and tender. Here’s how you can sear filet mignon to a perfect medium rare:
1. Choose a high-quality filet mignon: Select a well-marbled piece of filet mignon from your local butcher or grocery store. Look for a steak that is about 1-2 inches thick.
2. Preheat your pan: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot enough to sear the steak.
3. Season the steak: Generously season both sides of the filet mignon with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary, if desired.
4. Add oil to the pan: Drizzle a small amount of oil into the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Use an oil with a high smoke point such as canola or vegetable oil.
5. Sear the steak: Carefully place the filet mignon in the hot pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the steak over and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6. Check for doneness: To achieve a medium rare doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. It should register around 135°F (57°C). Remember that the steak will continue to cook as it rests, so you can remove it from the pan a few degrees below the desired temperature.
7. Rest the steak: Transfer the seared filet mignon to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for a more flavorful result.
8. Serve and enjoy: Slice the filet mignon against the grain into thick, juicy slices. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
By following these simple steps, you can sear filet mignon in a pan to a perfect medium rare. This cooking method brings out the best flavors in the steak and is sure to impress your family and friends.
FAQ
What is filet mignon?
Filet mignon is a tender and flavourful cut of beef that is taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
How do I cook filet mignon in a pan?
To cook filet mignon in a pan, start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Preheat a skillet on high heat and add a little oil to the pan. Sear the steak on each side for about 2-3 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Should I marinate filet mignon before cooking?
While you can marinate filet mignon before cooking to add extra flavour, it is not necessary due to the cut’s natural tenderness and rich taste. However, if you choose to marinate, keep it simple with a marinade that complements the beef without overpowering it.
What is the best temperature to cook filet mignon to medium rare?
The best temperature to cook filet mignon to medium rare is around 135°F (57°C). This will result in a steak that is pink in the center and juicy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
Can I cook filet mignon to medium doneness without a pan?
Yes, you can cook filet mignon to medium doneness without a pan. Another popular method is grilling the steak over high heat for a few minutes on each side until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Rest the steak for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
What is the best way to cook filet mignon in a pan to achieve a medium rare doneness?
To cook filet mignon to medium rare in a pan, start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F (57-60°C). Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I cook filet mignon in a pan without a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is preferred for cooking filet mignon, you can still achieve good results with other types of pans. Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or non-stick skillet and preheat it over medium-high heat. Follow the same steps of seasoning the steak, adding oil or butter to the pan, and cooking the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to reach your desired level of doneness.