Are you craving a delicious steak dinner but don’t want to splurge on an expensive restaurant? With our filet mignon recipe, you can recreate a classic steakhouse experience in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to elevate your cooking skills and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture that you crave. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a fancy weeknight dinner, follow our expert tips and tricks to create the perfect filet mignon right in your very own kitchen.
What Makes Filet Mignon So Special?
Filet mignon is the small, tender tip of the beef tenderloin and is one of the most prized cuts of steak. It’s renowned for its incredible texture and flavor, which is why it comes with a higher price tag. Did you know that filet mignon can also be found as part of another cut called the T-bone steak? The T-bone steak combines filet mignon on one side of the bone and strip steak on the other. Can’t decide? Go for the T-bone and enjoy the best of both worlds!
Achieving the Perfect Sear
To create that crave-worthy crust on your filet mignon, you’ll need a super-hot pan. If you have a cast iron skillet, now is the time to use it for the best sear. If not, make sure your pan is oven-safe because you’ll be starting on the stovetop and finishing in the oven. Opt for a heavy-bottomed skillet that retains heat evenly, preventing sticking. Remember, nonstick skillets are not ideal for cooking steaks or being used in the oven.
The Importance of Oil and Butter
For the ultimate flavor and richness, we recommend using both oil and butter. Start by heating olive oil (or a neutral oil if you prefer) in your skillet. Once the steak is flipped, add a generous knob of butter and constantly baste the steak with it. The combination of oil and butter not only enhances the taste but also adds that classic steakhouse flavor that you love.
Perfecting the Cooking Time
For a medium steak, preheat your skillet to medium-high heat and cook the steak for about 5 minutes per side. After flipping the steak, add the butter and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes. To finish it off, transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven and cook for approximately 5 more minutes. Before transferring to the oven, be sure to check the temperature of your steak. This way, you can gauge how much longer you need to cook it to achieve your desired level of doneness.
The Ideal Temperature
The perfect steak is cooked to your preference, but we recommend not going above 155°F. Here are some temperature guidelines:
- Medium rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-145°F
- Medium well: 145-155°F
Delectable Side Dishes
Complete your filet mignon experience by serving it with mouthwatering side dishes. We suggest pairing it with a classic wedge salad, goat cheese-stuffed rolls, garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, or creamy mashed potatoes. These sides will complement the star of the show and create a well-rounded and memorable dining experience.
Finally, we’d love to hear about your filet mignon cooking adventure! Share your culinary journey with us in the comment section below. And if you’re looking for more amazing recipes and cooking inspiration, visit Ekilove – your go-to destination for all things food and cooking. Happy cooking!
