Filet Mignon, a piece of meat taken from the tenderest part of the beef tenderloin, has become a delicacy in the hearts of countless food lovers with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate flavor. This article will take you into the world of making this classic delicacy and teach you how to easily replicate steakhouse-level filet mignon at home with simple but precise steps.
1. The charm of filet mignon
Filet mignon comes from the small end of the tenderloin of the cow. Because of its extremely tender meat and low fat content, it has become the “tender darling” among beef. “Mignon” in French means “cute” and “petite”, which aptly describes the delicacy and softness of this piece of meat. Its biggest feature is that it has almost no fascia, and the meat is soft after cooking, almost melting in the mouth.
2. Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Fillet steak | 4 pieces, about 6 ounces each | Choose thick and evenly cut steaks |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | For frying to help form a golden crust |
| Kosher salt | Appropriate amount | For full seasoning |
| Cracked black pepper | Appropriate amount | Add a spicy taste |
| Dried Italian spices | 1 teaspoon | Rich flavor layers |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup (sliced) | For frying and sauce |
| Fresh rosemary | 2-3 sprigs | Enhance herbal aroma |
| Fresh thyme | 2-3 sprigs | Add a fresh aroma |
| Whole garlic | 3 cloves | Pat and fry with steak to release aroma |
3. Detailed production steps
1. Steak rewarming and preheating
Take the steak out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes to even out the temperature of the meat and avoid it being cooked on the outside and raw on the inside when cooking. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F (about 204°C).
2. Seasoning and cooking
- Sprinkle both sides of the steak with coarse salt, black pepper, and dried Italian spices, pressing gently to ensure the seasoning adheres.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. When the oil is slightly smoking, add the steak and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until the surface is golden and crispy.
3. Add butter and herbs
During the cooking process, add butter, rosemary, thyme, and garlic cloves. Use a spoon to pour the melted butter on the surface of the steak to inject a rich garlic herb flavor into the meat.
4. Oven cooking
Transfer the skillet and steak to the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 5 minutes according to personal preference. It is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature to achieve the ideal doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Internal Temperature (Celsius) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125 | 49-52 |
| Medium Rare | 130-135 | 54-57 |
| Medium Rare | 140-145 | 60-63 |
5. Rest and Serve
Take out the steak, cover it loosely with tin foil, and rest it for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to return to the meat, ensuring that it is juicy when cut. Then cut the slices in the opposite direction of the meat grain for a more tender taste.
4. Cooking Tips
- Precise temperature control: Using an instant-read thermometer is the key to ensuring that the steak reaches the ideal doneness, avoiding overcooking or uneven cooking.
- Butter glaze: Continuously basting with butter during frying can make the steak surface form an attractive luster and rich flavor layers.
- Herb combination: The combination of rosemary and thyme is classic and harmonious, which can enhance the aroma of the steak. You can also replace or add other herbs according to your preference.
- Cutting tips: Slicing against the grain can maximize tenderness, making every bite soft and juicy.
5. Pairing suggestions
Fillet steak has a delicate flavor and is suitable for pairing with rich or refreshing side dishes, such as:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or garlic-fried green beans
- Fresh mixed vegetable salad
- Red wine mushroom sauce or classic steak sauce
Although fillet steak is known for its “tenderness”, it can show its rich layers and deep flavor when cooked properly. Careful seasoning and precise heat control make this classic steak easy to achieve at home and become a shining pearl on the table. Whether it is a holiday celebration or a weekday dinner, it can bring an unforgettable taste experience.
