Filet mignon is a pricey cut of beef, so if you’re cooking it at home, you want to make sure that you do it right. One of the best ways to prepare it is first pan-searing it on the stove before finishing your filet mignon in the oven.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the best way to cook filet mignon at home, using your stovetop and oven. We’ll even offer you step-by-step instructions so you can confidently whip up a delicious piece of meat.
Why is filet mignon special?
First off, what is it that makes filet mignon so unique (and expensive)? For starters, it’s an incredibly tender cut of beef that practically melts in your mouth. That’s because it comes from within the cow’s rib cage, where it doesn’t get tough because the animal isn’t continually using that muscle.
When dining out, you will notice filet mignon on the menu at steakhouses and upscale restaurants. However, it’s also easy to find at your local butcher shop, grocery store, or specialty online meat retailers.
Of course, preparing filet mignon in oven at home will save you some cash when compared to eating at a restaurant. However, it will still cost you a decent amount to make a couple of these steaks in your kitchen. That’s why it’s essential to follow the right recipe.
Preparing filet mignon in oven at home
With that said, let’s discuss the best way to cook filet mignon at home. Before you start cooking, you’ll want to take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it get to room temperature (approximately 30 minutes). Doing this will help your filet mignon cook more evenly. If you’d like, you can also prepare a filet mignon marinade (although this isn’t essential).
Preheat your oven to 450˚F. As you wait for the oven to warm up, season both sides of your steaks with salt and pepper. Add some olive oil to a cast-iron or oven-proof stainless steel pan, allowing it to heat up for about five minutes.
When the oil is hot, place your filet mignon in the pan. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, taking care not to move the meat while it’s in the pan. Then with tongs, flip your steaks over and add three tablespoons of butter and a couple of sprigs of rosemary. Continuously spoon the butter on top of your steaks for another 3-4 minutes.
Finally, put your filet mignon in oven for 5-8 minutes, depending on how you like your steak. If you like it rare, stick to the lower end of that scale. For a medium doneness, keep it in the oven for a bit longer.
When you remove the filet mignon in oven, place the steaks on a cutting board and cover with foil. Let them rest for five minutes before you slice them.
Once you’ve mastered this simple recipe, you’ll be cooking filet mignon in the oven all the time. Not only will you save money by making it at home, but you’ll also impress all of your friends and family with your deliciously tender filet mignon.
For more cooking tips and suggestions, check out the Tastessence blog.