Introduction

Filet mignon is a tender, flavorful cut of beef that is widely regarded as one of the best steaks available. It’s a popular choice for special occasions and restaurant menus due to its luxurious taste and tender texture. Cooking a perfectly seared and juicy filet mignon can be intimidating for many home cooks, but with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to make a restaurant-quality steak at home.

Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking filet mignon is a simple process that requires attention to detail. The necessary equipment includes a heavy-bottomed skillet, meat thermometer, tongs, and oven mitts. For the best results, you’ll need high-quality filet mignon, kosher salt, black pepper, and clarified butter. Here’s how to cook a mouth-watering steak:

1. Remove the filet mignon from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature. This will help it cook evenly.
2. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season it generously with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat all sides of the steak.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
4. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the clarified butter. Once the butter has melted and starts to sizzle, add the steak to the pan. Use tongs to press down gently on the steak, making sure it makes full contact with the skillet.
5. Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Use the meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the steak has reached 120°F (49°C) for rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, or 135°F (57°C) for medium.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for an additional 3-5 minutes to reach the desired level of doneness. Use the meat thermometer to check for doneness and remove the steak from the oven once it has reached the desired temperature.
7. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5-7 minutes on a cutting board. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak more tender and juicy.
8. Slice and serve the steak with your choice of side dishes.

Additional tips and tricks include using a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, seasoning the steak adequately, and resting the steak before serving.

Quick and Easy Recipe

If you’re short on time, you can still make a delicious filet mignon with this quick and easy recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Season the filet mignon with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a grill pan over high heat.
4. Add the steak to the pan and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side to achieve a nice sear on the outside.
5. Transfer the steak to the preheated oven and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes depending on your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for making a quick and easy steak include using a grill pan to achieve a sear quickly and placing the skillet in the oven to finish cooking the steak while you do other things.

Culinary Tips

Understanding the science behind cooking filet mignon is important for achieving the perfect steak every time. When cooking filet mignon, it’s important to choose a heavy-bottomed skillet that can retain heat well. The best oil to use is clarified butter, which has a higher smoke point than regular butter and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the steak.

The most important factor in achieving the perfect steak is cooking it to the correct temperature. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak is essential. The ideal temperature for filet mignon is between 120°F (49°C) for rare and 135°F (57°C) for medium. Resting the steak is another important step that should not be skipped. Resting the steak for at least 5 minutes will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the steak tender and juicy.

Ingredient Variations

Filet mignon is a versatile cut of beef that can be flavored with a wide variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings. Here are five unique variations of the recipe:

1. Crusted filet mignon: Season the steak with a mixture of Dijon mustard, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic. Press the mixture onto the steak and sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil.
2. Peppercorn filet mignon: Coat the steak with crushed black peppercorns before cooking it in a hot skillet with clarified butter. Serve with a creamy peppercorn sauce.
3. Bourbon-glazed filet mignon: Coat the steak with a mixture of soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Grill or sear the steak until it’s cooked to your preference.
4. Red wine filet mignon: Marinate the steak in a mixture of red wine, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Sear the steak in a hot skillet with clarified butter and roast it in the oven until it’s cooked to your preference.
5. Blue cheese filet mignon: Stuff the steak with crumbled blue cheese and sliced garlic before cooking it to your preference. Serve with a red wine reduction sauce.

Experimenting with different herbs and spices can add new dimensions and flavors to your filet mignon recipe.

Pairing Suggestions

Filet mignon is best paired with red wine, but there are other options, such as dry rose or a nice beer. Here are some pairing suggestions:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: This classic pairing goes perfectly with filet mignon with its full-body and tannins.
2. Pinot Noir: This lighter-bodied red wine is a nice option for those who prefer less tannic wines.
3. Malbec: This bold, fruity red wine is ideal for those who enjoy a more robust flavor profile.
4. Dry Rose: This wine’s acidity pairs well with the steak’s richness, and it’s a unique alternative to red wines.
5. Stout Beer: This beer has a heavy and robust flavor that pairs well with the steak’s rich and bold flavors.

Pairing a good wine or drink with filet mignon is an acquired skill, but always keep the flavors mild and aromatic to ensure that the wine doesn’t clash with the steak’s bold and fresh flavor.

Grilling

Grilling filet mignon requires a bit of preparation, but the results are worth it. Here’s how to make perfectly grilled filet mignon:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
3. Place the steaks on the grill and cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side depending on your desired temperature.
4. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Grilling filet mignon gives the steak a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Keep in mind that the grill should be preheated before placing the steak to avoid cooling the grill too much.

Conclusion

Filet mignon is one of the most luxurious and popular steaks available. Cooking filet mignon is a simple process that requires attention to detail and some culinary know-how. Experimenting with different seasonings and spices can add new flavors to the steak, and finding the right pairing can elevate your dining experience. With this comprehensive guide, cooking filet mignon can seem far less daunting, and anyone can make the perfect steak with the right tips.