Cooking a perfect filet mignon steak is the pride of any chef, and now it can be yours too! Whether you’re an aspiring cook or just someone who wants to learn the art of making a juicy, flavorful steak, this blog post will give you all the tips and tricks for cooking filet mignon like a pro.
From choosing the right cut of meat to preparing your ingredients and learning techniques for searing in that savory flavor, we’ll even break down how long you should cook it to perfection. So let’s start our journey towards culinary greatness; read below as we divulge the secrets to creating delicious steaks every time!
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When selecting the perfect cut of meat for your filet mignon, it’s important to understand that not all cuts are created equal. Ideally, you want to select a cut from the beef tenderloin and ensure it is well-marbled with fat. This provides a juicy, succulent texture and an unbeatable flavor.
The key is to look for quality – avoid cuts with overly large pockets of fat or those marred with gristle. Additionally, try to find a cut that is uniform in shape and size; this will ensure even cooking. When in doubt, asking your butcher for their best recommendation also never hurts!
Preparing Your Ingredients Ahead of Time
Preparing your ingredients before you start cooking your filet mignon steak can go a long way in making sure the flavor and texture are just right. First, make sure to generously and evenly season the steak with salt and pepper. The seasoning will help bring out the steak’s natural flavors, so taking your time when applying it is important. You may also want to marinate the steak for a few hours to enhance its flavor. Some popular marinade recipes include balsamic vinegar, red wine, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil.
Learning Techniques for Searing in Flavor
When searing in that delicious flavor, you want to use techniques to maximize your filet mignon. The best method for cooking a perfect steak is the reverse-sear technique which involves preheating your oven to 200°F and then gently searing your steak on a hot pan over medium-high heat for just 2 minutes on each side. Then, transfer the steaks to a baking sheet and cook them in the oven until they reach your desired doneness. This ensures that your steaks are cooked evenly throughout while getting maximum caramelization on the outside.
Another great technique for adding flavor is dry-brining the filet mignon with salt and sugar before cooking it. This helps break down proteins in the steak, making it moister and more tender while helping seasonings stick better and enhancing its flavor. When dry-brining, you want to plan as it takes anywhere from 12 to 36 hours, depending on how thick your steak is!
Cooking Times to Perfection
When cooking a perfect filet mignon steak, the key is to get the timing right. The thickness of the steak will determine how long it needs to cook to perfection. For a 1-inch thick cut, the recommended cooking time is 8 minutes for medium-rare, 10 minutes for medium, and 14 minutes for well-done. If your steak is thicker than an inch, you may need to add a few more minutes of cooking time for each doneness level.
For example, a 1.5-inch steak should be cooked for 12 minutes for medium-rare, 14 minutes for medium-rare, and 18 minutes for well done. To ensure even cooking throughout the steak, it’s important to let the filet mignon rest in between flipping during searing or after being removed from the oven. This allows any heat that accumulated in the middle of the meat to evenly disperse and prevents overcooking or dryness in some parts of the steak.
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