How to Cook Filet Mignon and Enjoy a Delicious Meal

Cooking filet mignon is simpler than you might think. The first step: put away your slow cookers and stewpots. The best way to cook filet mignon is with high heat and quick cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. Slow cooking or overcooking filet mignon will make it dry and cause it to lose its original flavor and tenderness.

Generally, the best doneness for filet mignon is medium-rare to medium. Since everyone’s preferences may vary, you can refer to the recipe’s cooking times and closely monitor the steak to avoid overcooking.

How to Choose Filet Mignon

First things first: purchase your filet mignon. You can buy fresh filet mignon at your local butcher or supermarket’s meat department, where you can specify the thickness you want. When buying filet mignon or tenderloin steaks, look for steaks that have an even edge and are about 1 to 2 inches thick. A thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal for a tender and juicy steak. Here are some tips:

• The meat should be bright in color, moist but not wet.

• Any cut edges should be smooth, not rough.

• For pre-packaged meat, avoid packages that are torn or have liquid in the tray. The meat should feel firm and cold to the touch.

• Expect 3 to 4 ounces of meat per person.

How to Grill Filet Mignon

Learning how to grill filet mignon allows you to impress at any special occasion or upscale dinner. Follow these instructions to grill filet mignon on a charcoal or gas grill:

Direct Grilling:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat.

• Grill the filet mignon, flipping once depending on the thickness and your desired doneness. The grilling times are as follows:

  • For a 1-inch thick steak: Grill for 10–12 minutes for medium-rare (145°F), or 12–15 minutes for medium (160°F).

  • For a 1.5-inch thick steak: Grill for 15–19 minutes for medium-rare (145°F), or 18–23 minutes for medium (160°F).

• Remove the steak from the grill and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Indirect Grilling:

• Set up an indirect heating zone on your grill with a drip pan and preheat to medium heat.

• Grill the filet mignon, flipping once, and the grilling times are as follows:

  • For a 1-inch thick steak: Grill for 16–20 minutes for medium-rare (145°F), or 20–24 minutes for medium (160°F).

  • For a 1.5-inch thick steak: Grill for 22–25 minutes for medium-rare (145°F), or 25–28 minutes for medium (160°F).

• Once done, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

How to Pan-Sear Filet Mignon

Using a cast iron skillet is one of the best ways to cook a filet mignon to ensure it’s extra tender and delicious. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can still use other thick-bottomed pans to achieve a perfect steak:

• Choose a pan that fits the amount of meat you’re cooking, where the steak sits in a single layer. If the pan is too large, juices may burn; if it’s too small, the steak may steam rather than sear.

• Measure the thickness of the filet mignon. Pat the steak dry with paper towels (dry meat sears better than wet meat).

• Lightly coat the pan with non-stick cooking spray or use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.

• Preheat the pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Add the steak and don’t add any liquid or cover the pan.

• Adjust the heat to medium and sear the steak until it’s cooked to your desired doneness (medium to medium-well, 74°C to 76°C). Flip the steak occasionally to ensure an even crust. If the steak colors too quickly on the outside, reduce the heat to medium-low.

For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10–13 minutes for medium doneness.

• Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Cook Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a breeze and ensures a juicy, tender steak. Follow these simple instructions:

• Brush four 2-inch thick filets with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

• While the steaks rest, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 9 minutes. Flip the steaks and cook for another 6 minutes, or until they reach 135°F (medium-rare).

• After cooking, cover the steaks with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Flavored Butters to Pair with Filet Mignon

Since filet mignon is lean and lacks marbling, it pairs wonderfully with sauces or butters to add flavor and moisture. Classic béarnaise sauce is a great choice, but try these flavored butters that can be made ahead of time:

• Herb Butter:
  In a small bowl, combine ½ cup softened butter, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram or oregano. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 24 hours.

• Blue Cheese Butter:
  In a small bowl, mix ½ cup softened butter and 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 24 hours.

• Mexican Chili-Cilantro Butter:
  In a small bowl, mix ½ cup softened butter, 1 teaspoon chopped Mexican chili (adjust with Adobo sauce), and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro. Mix on low speed until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 24 hours.