Flawlessly Pan-Seared: Mastering the Art of Cooking the Perfect Filet Mignon

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If you are looking to elevate your cooking skills and impress your dinner guests, then look no further than mastering the art of flawlessly pan-seared filet mignon. This elegant and flavorful cut of beef is a favorite among steak lovers and offers a wide range of possibilities for seasoning and garnishing. But achieving that perfect sear can be a challenge for even the most seasoned home cook.

That's where mastering the technique of pan-searing comes in. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can create a restaurant-quality filet mignon that is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. From properly seasoning your meat to selecting the right oil and temperature, there are a number of factors that go into creating the perfect sear.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to achieve a flawlessly pan-seared filet mignon. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced chef, you'll find tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect result every time. So fire up your skillet, grab your favorite cut of beef, and get ready to amaze your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. Let's get started!


Flawlessly Pan-Seared: Mastering the Art of Cooking the Perfect Filet Mignon

Ingredients:

  • 4 8-ounce filet mignon steaks, 1½ inches thick
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
  • 4 sprigs of thyme
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Take the filets out of the fridge about half an hour before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F for medium-rare or 450°F for medium-well. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat until very hot, then add the olive oil, garlic, and thyme. Stir occasionally to infuse the flavors into the oil for about 1 minute.
  3. Add the steaks to the skillet and cook without moving them until you get a nice sear, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
  4. Use a spoon to baste the steaks in the garlic and thyme infused oil, then add the butter to the skillet and swirl it around until it melts. Spoon the butter over the steaks and transfer the skillet to the oven.
  5. Cook the steaks until they reach your desired internal temperature: 120°F for medium-rare and 135°F for medium. Use a meat thermometer to get an accurate reading, cooking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of the steaks. For medium-rare, it should be around 6-8 minutes, while for medium it could be about 10-12 minutes.
  6. Take the skillet out of the oven and let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.

Nutrition:

This recipe makes for 4 servings, with each serving containing approximately:

  • Calories: 560
  • Protein: 42g
  • Fat: 43g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g

This filet mignon recipe is easy to make and doesn't require many ingredients, but it does take some technique to achieve the perfect sear and doneness. With practice, you'll be able to master the art of cooking this classic steak and impress your family and guests with a flawless and delicious meal.


Thank you for checking out our blog post on Flawlessly Pan-Seared: Mastering the Art of Cooking the Perfect Filet Mignon! We hope that the information we have provided has been useful in your pursuit of cooking the perfect steak. As we have mentioned, achieving the perfect sear on a filet mignon requires patience, technique and practice – all of which can be learned with the right guidance.

The key takeaways from this article are: using a high-quality cut of meat, preparing it properly before cooking, and mastering the art of pan-searing. Remember to let your filet mignon rest after cooking for the juices to redistribute, and to season it properly to bring out its full flavor.

We understand that cooking the perfect filet mignon can seem like a daunting task but with some practice, you can become an expert in no time. So why not give it a try? We hope that our tips and tricks will help you achieve the perfect sear on your filet mignon the next time you attempt it. Happy cooking!


People Also Ask About Flawlessly Pan-Seared: Mastering the Art of Cooking the Perfect Filet Mignon

  1. What is a filet mignon?

    2. A filet mignon is a steak cut from the tenderloin of beef, known for its tenderness and rich flavor.

  2. How should I prepare the steak before cooking?

    3. Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper.

  3. What is the best way to pan-sear a filet mignon?

    4. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add oil or butter and swirl to coat the pan. Place the steak in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until a crust forms. Lower the heat and continue cooking until the desired level of doneness is reached.

  4. How can I tell if the steak is done?

    5. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130-135°F. For medium, it should be 135-145°F. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

  5. What are some tips for achieving the perfect pan-seared filet mignon?
    • Choose a well-marbled cut of beef.
    • Season the steak well and let it come to room temperature before cooking.
    • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.
    • Don't overcrowd the pan.
    • Let the steak rest before slicing.