What Temperature to Cook Filet Mignon?
The recommended temperature to cook filet mignon is medium-rare to medium, which is around 135°F to 145°F.
It is important to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature towards the end of the cooking time.
For grilling, pan-frying, or broiling filet mignon, the cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the steak.
For a 1-inch cut, grill for 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare or 12 to 15 minutes for medium.
For a 1½-inch cut, grill for 15 to 19 minutes for medium-rare or 18 to 23 minutes for medium.
Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For pan-frying, cook the filet mignon for 10-13 minutes for medium, turning occasionally.
For broiling, broil the meat for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare or 15-18 minutes for medium, turning once halfway through.
It is important to let the steak come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes before cooking and to let it rest after cooking for the juices to redistribute.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. The ideal internal temperature for a medium-rare filet mignon is approximately 135-140°F (57-60°C), but did you know that this premium cut can be enjoyed even if cooked below medium-rare? Some chefs believe that cooking filet mignon at a lower temperature, around 125°F (52°C), enhances its tenderness and juiciness while preserving its natural flavors.
2. Contrary to popular belief, searing filet mignon before cooking it in the oven does not “seal in” the juices. Instead, searing helps to develop a delicious crust on the surface of the meat, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
3. Did you know that the term “filet mignon” is derived from the French words “filet” (meaning thread or strip) and “mignon” (meaning cute or dainty)? This name highlights the tender and delicate nature of the meat, which is cut from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin.
4. While filet mignon is commonly associated with beef, this delicacy can also be enjoyed from other animals, such as pork and venison. The pork filet mignon, also known as “pork tenderloin,” offers a similar tenderness and subtle flavor, while venison filet mignon provides a unique gamey taste.
5. The famous filet mignon dish “Tournedos Rossini” is named after the renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini. It is said that Rossini adored filet mignon and created this dish, which consists of seared filet mignon served on a crouton, topped with foie gras and truffles, and finished with a rich Madeira sauce.
Best Cooking Methods For Filet Mignon
Cooking filet mignon is an art that requires precision and attention to detail. To ensure the best results, it is best to cook this delicate cut of meat quickly with direct heat using methods such as grilling, pan-frying, or broiling. These methods allow for the perfect balance between tenderness and flavor. It is important to note that long, slow cooking or overcooking filet mignon will result in a dry and less flavorful steak.
- Cook filet mignon quickly with direct heat
- Use methods like grilling, pan-frying, or broiling
- Long, slow cooking or overcooking will make it dry and less flavorful.
“Cooking filet mignon is an art that requires precision and attention to detail.”
Optimal Doneness For Filet Mignon
In general, filet mignon tastes best when cooked to medium-rare to medium doneness. This allows the meat to retain its tenderness, while also developing a rich and flavorful crust on the outside. To ensure your filet mignon is cooked to the desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to test for doneness towards the end of the cooking time.
- Use medium-rare to medium doneness for best taste and tenderness.
- Develop a rich and flavorful crust on the outside.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test for doneness.
Tips For Buying Filet Mignon
When purchasing filet mignon, it is essential to select the highest quality cuts. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect steak:
- Look for steaks with even edges that are about 1 to 2 inches thick.
- The meat should have a good color and appear moist but not wet.
- Check that the edges are evenly trimmed and avoid cuts with tears in the packaging or liquid in the tray.
- Additionally, the meat should feel firm and cold to the touch.
By selecting high-quality cuts, you ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.
Possible Improvements:
To ensure that the steak is of the highest quality, consider the following:
- Choose steaks with even edges, preferably around 1 to 2 inches thick.
- Look for meat with a good color and a moist appearance, but avoid excessively wet cuts.
- Check that the edges of the steak are evenly trimmed and there are no tears in the packaging or liquid in the tray.
- The meat should feel firm and cold to the touch, indicating its freshness.
Remember, selecting high-quality cuts will contribute to a more enjoyable dining experience.
Possible output:
To ensure that the steak is of the highest quality, consider the following:
- Choose steaks with even edges, preferably around 1 to 2 inches thick.
- Look for meat with a good color and a moist appearance, but avoid excessively wet cuts.
- Check that the edges of the steak are evenly trimmed and there are no tears in the packaging or liquid in the tray.
- The meat should feel firm and cold to the touch, indicating its freshness.
Remember, selecting high-quality cuts will contribute to a more enjoyable dining experience.
Grilling Filet Mignon: Direct Heat Method
Grilling filet mignon is a popular cooking method that imparts a delightful smoky flavor to the meat. For a 1-inch cut, grill the steak for 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare or 12 to 15 minutes for medium. If you have a thicker 1½-inch cut, grill it for 15 to 19 minutes for medium-rare or 18 to 23 minutes for medium.
It is important to allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
- Grill a 1-inch cut for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare or 12-15 minutes for medium.
- Grill a 1½-inch cut for 15-19 minutes for medium-rare or 18-23 minutes for medium.
Remember to let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Grilling Filet Mignon: Indirect Heat Method
Grilling filet mignon on an indirect heat grill is an excellent option to achieve delicious results. The indirect heat method requires a longer cooking time but ensures even cooking throughout.
For a 1-inch cut, grill the steak for 16 to 20 minutes for medium-rare or 20 to 24 minutes for medium. If you have a thicker 1½-inch cut, grill it for 22 to 25 minutes for medium-rare or 25 to 28 minutes for medium.
As with the direct heat method, it is crucial to allow the meat to rest before serving.
Pan-Frying And Broiling Filet Mignon
Pan-frying filet mignon is a great alternative for those who do not have access to a grill. To pan-fry a filet mignon steak:
- Use a cast-iron or heavy skillet that fits the meat snugly in one layer.
- Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray and preheat it over medium-high heat.
- Cook the filet mignon for 10-13 minutes for medium, turning occasionally for even browning.
- After cooking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
Broiling is another fantastic cooking method for filet mignon:
- Adjust the broiler rack based on the steak’s thickness and preheat the broiler for 5-10 minutes.
- Place the filet mignon steaks on the unheated rack of the broiler pan and broil for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, or 15-18 minutes for medium.
- Remember to turn the steak once halfway through for even cooking.
- Once the steak is done, remove it from the broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
“In conclusion, cooking filet mignon to perfection requires attention to detail and the use of proper techniques. By following the recommended cooking methods and temperatures, you can ensure that your filet mignon is tender, flavorful, and cooked to your desired doneness.”
- Whether you choose to grill, pan-fry, or broil, always allow the steak to rest before serving.
- Enjoy the delicious flavors of filet mignon cooked to perfection!
- Pan-frying method:
- Use a cast-iron or heavy skillet
- Pat the meat dry
- Lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray
- Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook for 10-13 minutes for medium, turning occasionally
-
Rest the steak for 5 minutes
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Broiling method:
- Adjust broiler rack and preheat for 5-10 minutes
- Place steaks on the unheated rack of the broiler pan
- Broil for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare or 15-18 minutes for medium
- Turn the steak once halfway through
- Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temp should beef filet mignon be cooked to?
Beef filet mignon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F for a perfect medium-rare. At this temperature, the meat retains its tender texture while still developing a juicy and flavorful center. It is important to use a reliable meat thermometer to achieve precise results and ensure a delightful dining experience.
How long and what temperature do you cook filet mignon?
To perfectly cook filet mignon, it is essential to grill it over indirect medium heat. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your preferred doneness. For instance, a 1-inch cut requires around 16 to 20 minutes of grilling for a delicious medium-rare result at 145°F, or 20 to 24 minutes for a medium level of doneness at 160°F. Remember to cover the steak as it cooks to retain its juiciness and enhance the flavors.
What temperature is filet mignon done in Celsius?
To achieve the perfect medium doneness, filet mignon should be cooked to an internal temperature of approximately 62 degrees Celsius. By using a thermometer, you can ensure that the meat reaches this specific temperature without overcooking or undercooking, resulting in a tender and flavorful dining experience.
Do you cook filet mignon on high heat?
When cooking filet mignon, it is recommended to use medium-high heat on the grill. To achieve the perfect sear, aim for a temperature of approximately 450 degrees Fahrenheit on a gas grill or place the filets directly over medium coals on a charcoal grill. This balance of heat allows for a tender and juicy filet mignon with a nicely charred exterior, enhancing the overall flavor of the steak.