Did you know over 70 million Americans enjoy steak weekly? If you love tender steak, filet mignon cooked in the oven is top-notch. It’s flavorful, buttery, and melts in your mouth. And, with the right steps, you can make it perfect every time.
In this article, we’ll go through the steps to make the best filet mignon. We’ll see how combining stovetop and oven cooking boosts its tenderness and flavor. Say goodbye to unsure cooking methods. And hello to a top-grade meal from your own kitchen!
Why This Filet Mignon Recipe Works
This filet mignon recipe is great because it’s simple but gives great results. It makes the steak juicy and tender with just the right flavors. This brings out the best in the meat.
Perfect balance of flavors
Adding garlic and herbs to the butter makes the steak taste amazing. When you sear it, the steak keeps its moisture. So, every bite is perfect. It’s like making a fancy steak at home.
Easy and quick method
This way of cooking is for those who love good food but want it easy. You can make a top-notch filet mignon fast, without a fuss. This way, you get to enjoy a fantastic steak without being stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredients Needed for Filet Mignon in Oven
Preparing a delicious filet mignon begins with the right ingredients and tools. Choosing your filet mignon and the needed seasonings and cooking aids are key. These steps can greatly improve your cooking adventure.
Choosing the right filet mignon
Pick top-notch filet mignon ingredients first. Aim for cuts that are 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Such thickness ensures the meat cooks through evenly and keeps it moist. There are several quality signs to look for:
- Marbling: Find cuts with even fat streaks throughout, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
- Color: The meat should be a deep, vibrant red, showing freshness and quality.
- Texture: It ought to feel firm and have a smooth surface.
Essential seasonings and tools
The best flavors often come from simple seasonings. Just kosher salt and fresh black pepper will do. Here are the tools you should have ready:
- A cast-iron skillet: It’s ideal for getting a good sear on your steaks.
- A meat thermometer: It helps ensure the meat is cooked perfectly.
- Tongs: They make it easy to flip the filet mignon without stabbing it.
How to Cook the Best Filet Mignon
To cook a perfect filet mignon, know the stovetop-to-oven method. This starts with searing on the stove then finishing in the oven. It makes the steak cook evenly and stay moist. Before cooking, let your steak sit until it’s room temperature. This ensures it cooks equally.
Understanding the stovetop-to-oven method
Using both the stove and oven takes advantage of both methods. First, sear the steak on the stove for a tasty crust. Then, move it to the oven for even cooking inside. Watch the time carefully. It usually takes a few minutes per side on the stove and varies in the oven based on the steak’s size.
Importance of cooking temperature
Keep an eye on the temperature when cooking filet mignon. A meat thermometer helps you cook it just right, whether you like it rare or well-done. Start with the oven at 400°F (204°C) after searing. This way, your steak stays tender and juicy without overcooking.
Step 1: Prepare Tools and Ingredients
Gathering the right tools is key for perfect filet mignon. With everything ready, you can focus on flavor. This makes the whole process easier.
Gather required cooking utensils
Before starting, make sure you have:
- Measuring spoons for accurate seasoning
- A sharp knife for trimming your filet mignon
- Cutting board to create a safe prep surface
- Oven-safe pans suitable for searing and baking
- Meat thermometer to check doneness
Prepping your filet mignon
To prep your steak, start by taking it out of the fridge. This makes sure it cooks evenly.
Then, season with salt and pepper for great flavor. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances both taste and texture.
Step 2: Melt and Infuse Herbed Butter
To make your filet mignon taste even better, start with making herbed butter. Use high-quality butter, since it really makes a difference. Mixing butter with fresh herbs and garlic takes your dish to the next level.
Choosing the right butter
Choosing good butter is key for the best flavored butter. Go for unsalted butter so you can season the dish just right. Brands like Kerrygold or Plugra are great for this. They’re rich and make flavors better. Make sure the butter is soft. It melts and mixes with herbs easier that way.
How to properly infuse herbs and garlic into butter
To infuse butter with herbs, there are many ways. Using rosemary and thyme is a good start. A good method is:
- Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt to the melted butter.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend without burning the garlic.
For deeper flavor, let the mix sit after heating for 15 minutes. This herbed butter will make your filet mignon irresistibly tasty.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Searing your filet mignon is crucial for a well-cooked steak. The right searing techniques take your meal up a notch. They improve the steak’s look and create a perfect crust. This crust keeps the inside moist and full of flavor.
Techniques for perfect searing
For a golden crust, here are key steps to follow:
- Preheat your skillet on medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add a bit of oil that can handle high heat, like canola or avocado oil.
- Place the steaks in the pan without overcrowding for even cooking.
- Don’t move the steaks at first to let the crust form well.
Listen for a sizzle when the steaks hit the pan. That sizzle means you’re getting a great crust.
Why searing is crucial for flavor
Searing is magic because of the Maillard reaction. This happens when meat’s proteins and sugars react to high heat. It gives a great color and boosts flavor. By sealing flavors during searing, juices stay inside the steak. For top results, don’t move the steak too soon. It helps create the rich taste and texture you love.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
After searing your filet mignon, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. The cooking time depends on your steak’s thickness.
Oven temperature and timing
Transfer your steak to a preheated oven from the stovetop. For a perfect filet mignon, here’s what you should do:
- For medium-rare: 4-6 minutes
- For medium: 6-8 minutes
- For medium-well: 8-10 minutes
Adjust these times based on how your oven cooks.
Using a meat thermometer for accuracy
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect steak doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be about 125°F. And 145°F for a medium steak. This step prevents overcooking. For more detailed instructions, visit this guide.
Filet Mignon Cooking Time
Cooking filet mignon right means watching the clock closely. To get the best taste, knowing how long to cook it is important. For a steak about 1.5 inches thick, cook it 4-5 minutes on each side on the stove. Then, it needs 6-8 minutes in a 400°F oven for medium-rare. For a rare steak, cook it 4-6 minutes in the oven. If you like it well-done, keep it in for 10-12 minutes.
Getting your steak just how you like it means knowing these times. It’s also key to take it off the heat when it hits the right inside temp. For medium-rare, that’s 130°F. For well-done, aim for about 160°F. Cook it too long, and it gets tough.
To keep it juicy, let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This step makes sure all the flavors stay in the meat. By following these tips, you’ll get a great filet mignon every time.