How to Cook a Filet Mignon at Home
Cooking steak at home can be an intimidating feat. Even if you’ve mastered the ribeye or T-Bone, a filet mignon is a whole different challenge. Filet mignon is the most tender cut of steak available to purchase. Proper cooking and preparation are required to keep them as tender and moist as possible. Before you start cooking, check out these steps you need to follow.
Find the Right Cooking Surface
When you purchase your filet mignon, you may also need to purchase a new pan. It’s best to use a 12-inch skillet made from cast iron, copper core, or carbon steel when you cook a filet mignon. Cast iron skillets require special maintenance, but the other two options are pricier. It comes down to personal preference and using what you’re comfortable with.
Prepare the Steak
You should never cook filet mignon when it’s cold. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about an hour prior to cooking. While it rests, brushes a layer of canola oil over the steak and top with black pepper. You should skip the salt until right before cooking the steak to avoid drying it out.
Prepare the Pan
Now that you’re armed with the right cooking tools, you need to use them accordingly. Heat them over to 400 degrees, then place the pan inside to preheat. Leave the pan in the oven for 15 minutes. Once the pan is hot you can add some butter, oil, garlic, and shallots to create a flavorful base to cook the steak in.
Searing the Steak
Place the filet mignon into the heated skillet with the buttery garlic mixture. Sear the steak for 3 minutes on each side. Baste the steak with the buttery mixture, turning it once to sear the other side.
Reaching Internal Temperature
Once your steak has been seared, you’ll have to finish cooking. The desired internal temperature will depend on how you want your steak to be cooked. Simply place the pan in the oven with the steak and basting mixture and let it cook, periodically checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Once your filet mignon is finished cooking, it’s time to sit back and enjoy. You may not get it perfect the first time around, but practice makes perfect! After all, that just gives you an excuse to go out and buy more steak!
If you are too tired to cook, why don’t you skip it by going to Trattoria Il Panino located in Boston’s historic North End! Contact us now or make a reservation through our website.