Olivia Carter
Filet mignon is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that is often considered a luxury. While many people prefer to grill filet mignon, cooking it on a skillet is another delicious option that can be done indoors. Using a skillet allows you to control the cooking temperature more precisely and achieve a perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
To cook filet mignon on the skillet, you will need a thick cut of filet mignon, a skillet, some oil, salt, and pepper. It is important to choose a good quality cut of filet mignon as it will greatly affect the taste and texture of the final dish. Look for a piece that is at least 1.5 inches thick to ensure a juicy and tender steak.
Before cooking, it is important to let the filet mignon come to room temperature. This allows for more even cooking and prevents the steak from drying out. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the filet mignon in the skillet and cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid using a fork as it can pierce the meat and let the juices escape.
Once the filet mignon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful steak. You can serve the filet mignon on its own or pair it with a sauce of your choice, such as a red wine reduction or a creamy peppercorn sauce.
Now that you know how to cook filet mignon on the skillet, you can impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Just remember to choose a good quality cut of beef, let it come to room temperature, season it well, and cook it to your desired level of doneness. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking filet mignon on the skillet.
Tips for Cooking Filet Mignon on Skillet
1. Choose the right skillet: To cook filet mignon perfectly, it’s important to use a heavy-bottomed skillet. A cast-iron skillet is an excellent option as it provides even heat distribution.
2. Preheat the skillet: Preheating the skillet ensures that the filet mignon seals in the juices and develops a flavorful crust. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Season the filet mignon: Before cooking, season the filet mignon generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder or dried herbs according to your taste preferences.
4. Use a high smoke point oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or avocado oil, for cooking the filet mignon. Avoid using butter as it can easily burn at high temperatures.
5. Sear the filet mignon: Place the seasoned filet mignon in the preheated skillet and cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the filet mignon rest: Once cooked, remove the filet mignon from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a tender and juicy steak.
7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the cooked filet mignon with your favorite side dishes or sauces. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a rich red wine sauce.
8. Practice and experiment: Cooking filet mignon on a skillet takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if it’s not perfect the first time. Try different cooking times, temperatures, and seasonings until you find your preferred method.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked filet mignon on a skillet that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking filet mignon on the skillet, choosing the right cut of meat is essential. Filet mignon is known for its tenderness and for being one of the most expensive cuts of beef. It is a small, lean cut that comes from the tenderloin of the cow.
When selecting filet mignon, look for steaks that are bright red in color with some marbling throughout. The marbling will provide flavor and help keep the steak juicy during cooking. Avoid steaks that are discolored or have excessive fat on the edges.
Another important factor to consider is the thickness of the steak. Aim for steaks that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and allows for a nice sear on the outside while maintaining a medium-rare or medium doneness on the inside.
Remember that filet mignon is a delicate cut, so it is best to avoid overcooking it. The goal is to achieve a tender and juicy steak with a slightly pink center. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired doneness.
By choosing the right cut of filet mignon, you’ll be setting yourself up for a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases the natural flavors of this premium beef. So take your time to select the perfect steak before you start cooking!
Seasoning the Filet Mignon
Seasoning your filet mignon is an important step to enhance its flavor. Here are a few options for seasoning your steak:
1. Salt and Pepper
Start by seasoning your filet mignon with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the meat and enhances its taste.
2. Herbs and Garlic
If you want to add more flavor to your filet mignon, you can use a combination of herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano along with freshly minced garlic. Gently press the herbs and garlic onto the steak to make sure they adhere well.
Pro tip: Let the seasoned filet mignon sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the seasoning.
Remember, filet mignon is a tender cut of meat, so it doesn’t require heavy seasoning. Keep it simple and let the natural flavors shine through!
Preheating the Skillet
Before cooking your filet mignon, it’s crucial to properly preheat the skillet. Preheating ensures that the cooking surface is hot enough to sear the meat and create a delicious crust. To get started, follow these steps:
- Place a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet, on the stovetop. Using a skillet that retains heat well is essential for achieving a perfect sear on your filet mignon.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and allow the skillet to heat up for about 5 minutes. Heating the skillet slowly ensures even distribution of heat and prevents hot spots.
- While the skillet is preheating, season your filet mignon with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can also add your favorite herbs or spices to the seasoning.
Note: It’s important not to overcrowd the skillet. If you’re cooking multiple filet mignon steaks, make sure there is enough space between them to allow for proper searing. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Testing the Heat
To check if the skillet is hot enough, you can perform a simple water test. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the skillet’s surface. If the water droplets sizzle and evaporate almost instantly, the skillet is ready for cooking. If the water merely sits and slowly evaporates, the skillet needs more time to heat up.
Adding Oil
Once the skillet is adequately preheated, it’s time to add some oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Avoid using butter or oil with low smoke points, as they can burn and alter the taste of the meat.
Add about a tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet and swirl it around to evenly coat the surface. This will prevent the filet mignon from sticking to the skillet and help in achieving that perfect sear.
By following these steps to preheat your skillet, you’ll create the ideal cooking environment for your filet mignon, resulting in a beautifully seared and flavorful steak.
Getting the Perfect Sear
To get that perfect sear on your filet mignon, follow these steps:
1. Bring the steak to room temperature: Take the filet mignon out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and help the steak sear more effectively.
2. Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the filet mignon dry. This will remove any excess moisture, allowing the steak to sear properly and develop a nice crust.
3. Preheat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and let it preheat for a few minutes. You want the skillet to be hot before adding the steak.
4. Season the steak: Rub the filet mignon with a generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optionally, you can also season it with garlic powder, thyme, or other herbs and spices.
5. Add oil to the skillet: Pour a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, into the preheated skillet. Swirl the pan to coat it evenly with oil.
6. Sear the steak: Carefully place the filet mignon onto the hot skillet. Allow it to sear undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until a crust forms on the bottom side. Use tongs to flip the steak and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
7. Finish cooking in the oven: If you prefer your filet mignon cooked to medium-rare or medium, transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and continue cooking for 4-6 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
8. Let it rest: Once the filet mignon is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender and juicy steak.
9. Serve and enjoy: Slice the filet mignon against the grain and serve it hot. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes or sauces for a delicious and elegant meal.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect sear on your filet mignon, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak that will impress anyone at the dinner table.
Checking for Doneness
When cooking filet mignon on the skillet, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods you can use to check for doneness:
1. Touch Test
The touch test is a popular method to check the doneness of filet mignon. Use the pad of your thumb to touch the meat, and compare its firmness to different parts of your hand:
| Touch | Doneness |
|---|---|
| Soft and squishy | Rare |
| Some resistance with a little give | Medium rare |
| Firm with slight resistance | Medium |
| Firm with no give | Well done |
2. Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the filet mignon without touching the bone. Here are the suggested temperatures for different levels of doneness:
| Doneness | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125°F (49-52°C) |
| Medium rare | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Medium | 140-145°F (60-63°C) |
| Medium well | 150-155°F (65-69°C) |
| Well done | 160°F (71°C) and above |
Using these methods, you can ensure your filet mignon is cooked to perfection, whether you prefer it rare or well done. Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and for a tender, juicy result.
Letting the Filet Mignon Rest
Once you have cooked the filet mignon to your desired doneness, it is important to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
To let the filet mignon rest, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
During this resting period, the internal temperature of the filet mignon will continue to rise slightly, so keep that in mind when cooking to your desired level of doneness. The residual heat will also help to finish cooking the steak and ensure it is evenly cooked throughout.
Resist the temptation to cut into the filet mignon right away. Cutting into the steak too soon will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier and less flavorful steak. Allow the filet mignon to rest undisturbed so that it can reach its optimal texture and taste.
After the resting period, your filet mignon is ready to be served. Slice it against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness, and enjoy it while it is still hot. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and sauces for a truly indulgent and delicious meal.
FAQ
What is filet mignon?
Filet mignon is a tender cut of beef that comes from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin.
How can I cook filet mignon on a skillet?
To cook filet mignon on a skillet, start by preheating the skillet and adding some oil. Then, season the filet mignon with salt and pepper and place it in the skillet. Cook the filet mignon on each side for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare or longer for desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
What temperature should filet mignon be cooked to?
Filet mignon can be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, or 160°F (71°C) for well done.
Can I use butter to cook filet mignon?
Yes, you can use butter to cook filet mignon. Adding a small amount of butter to the skillet can enhance the flavor of the steak.
How should I season filet mignon?
Filet mignon can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper for a classic flavor. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to add more depth of flavor.
