Filet Mignon • How to Cook Perfectly
Filet Mignon • How to Cook Perfectly can be achieved using these simple steps to get delicious results just like those from a steakhouse.
Ingredients
- 2 large filet mignon steaks, room temperature
- ground Himalayan sea salt, as needed
- freshly ground black pepper, as needed (I always use mixed peppercorns)
- 2 1/2 tbsp. canola oil or other flavorless oil tips & tricks
- 3 tbsp. butter, room temperature
- 2 large sprigs rosemary or thyme tips & tricks
- 2 large cloves garlic, peeled
Directions
- Let the filets rest on the counter for 30 to 40 minutes prior to grilling before seasoning generously with salt and pepper; set aside. (see Footnote #1)
- Preheat oven to 450ºF
- Place a cast iron pan on medium- high and heat it up, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add oil and as soon as it starts smoking and shimmering, place the well-seasoned filets in the pan. Let them sit, UNDISTURBED, for 2 ½ to 3 minutes. If the filets don’t release from the pan, let them sit a little longer.
- Flip them over and add butter, sprigs of rosemary or thyme and garlic cloves. Spoon the herb butter mixture over the steaks for about 1 minute or so.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 6 ½ to 7 ½ minutes or until desired level of doneness (refer to chart - see Footnote #2).
- When the filets are done, transfer to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving or slicing so the juices have time to redistribute.
Notes
Footnote #1: If you have time, after the filets are well-seasoned, transfer them to the fridge for 24 hours. The next day, remove the steaks and bring them back to room temperature; proceed with the next steps.
Footnote #2:
RARE> 5-6 minutes cook time = 120ºF and the final temperature after resting = 125ºF
MEDIUM RARE> 6-7 minutes cook time = 130ºF and the final temperature after resting = 135ºF
MEDIUM> 7-8 minutes cook time = 140ºF and the final temperature after resting = 145ºF
MEDIUM WELL> 8-9 minutes cook time = 150ºF and the final temperature after resting = 155ºF
WELL DONE> 9-10 minutes cook time = 160ºF and the final temperature after resting = 165ºF