How to Perfectly Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven | Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a filet mignon can be intimidating, especially if you’re not accustomed to cooking premium cuts of meat. However, with the right steps and techniques, you can cook a perfectly juicy and tender filet mignon in your oven. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best cut of filet mignon, preparing it for cooking, and cooking it to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to indulge in a delicious meal, our step-by-step guide will ensure that your filet mignon is cooked to perfection every time.

Choosing the Right Cut of Filet Mignon

When it comes to cooking filet mignon, choosing the right cut is crucial for achieving the perfect dish. The quality of your meal will depend largely on the selection of your filet mignon cut. Here are some tips for selecting the best cut of filet mignon for your recipe:

Filet Mignon Cut

Filet mignon comes from the tenderloin area of a cow and is known as one of the most expensive cuts of meat. This is because it is very tender and has a rich, buttery flavor. When shopping for filet mignon, make sure to look for a steak that is evenly sized and has good marbling.

Best Cut of Filet Mignon

The best cut of filet mignon will vary depending on what you are looking for in your dish. If you are seeking a leaner cut with less fat content, go for the tail end of the tenderloin. On the other hand, if you prefer a more flavorful and juicy cut, opt for the center-cut or head of the tenderloin. These cuts have a higher level of marbling and will add more depth to your meal.

Selecting Filet Mignon

When selecting your filet mignon, take into consideration the grade of the meat. USDA grades beef based on its marbling, age, and texture. The highest quality is USDA Prime, followed by Choice and Select. Prime filet mignon will be the most tender and have the most flavor, while Select may require additional cooking time to reach desired tenderness.

In conclusion, selecting the right cut of filet mignon is key to achieving the perfect dish. Consider the size, marbling, and grade of the meat when making your selection. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to cooking a delicious filet mignon in no time!

Preparing the Filet Mignon for Cooking

Seasoning Your Filet Mignon

When it comes to seasoning filet mignon, less is often more. This delicate cut of meat already has a rich and buttery flavor that can easily be overwhelmed by heavy-handed seasoning. That being said, there are a few key ingredients that can enhance the natural flavor of your filet mignon.

First and foremost, salt and pepper are essential for any steak seasoning. The simplicity of the flavors allows the taste of the meat to shine through while enhancing its natural beefiness. Be sure to season both sides of your filet mignon generously with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor to your filet mignon, herbs are an excellent option. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic are all classic choices that complement the rich flavor of beef. You can either sprinkle chopped herbs over the top of your filet mignon before cooking, or use a herb-infused oil to baste it during cooking. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so don’t overpower your filet mignon with too much seasoning.

Finally, using oil to coat your filet mignon will help the seasoning stick and create a nice crust on the outside of the meat. A high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil is best for this purpose. Simply brush a small amount of oil onto each side of your filet mignon before seasoning it.

Remember, the key to seasoning filet mignon is to keep it simple and let the flavor of the meat speak for itself. With the right combination of salt, pepper, herbs, and oil, you can elevate your filet mignon from good to great.

Marinating Your Filet Mignon

Marinating your filet mignon is one of the best ways to enhance its flavor and make it even more delicious. A good marinade can add depth, richness, and complexity to the meat, making it a real treat for your taste buds. But what kind of marinade is best for filet mignon? And how long should you marinate it to get the best results?

When it comes to choosing a marinade for filet mignon, you have a lot of options. Some people prefer simple marinades made from olive oil, garlic, and herbs, while others like to use more complex mixtures that include things like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar. The key is to choose a marinade that complements the natural flavor of the meat without overpowering it.

One thing to keep in mind when marinating filet mignon is that you don’t want to leave it in the marinade for too long. Unlike tougher cuts of meat, which benefit from longer marinating times, filet mignon is a relatively delicate cut that can be overpowered by strong flavors if left in the marinade for too long. Generally speaking, you should aim to marinate your filet mignon for no more than two hours.

Another important consideration when marinating filet mignon is the acidity level of your marinade. Acidic marinades, which often contain ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine, can help to tenderize tougher cuts of meat by breaking down their proteins. But because filet mignon is already a very tender cut, acidic marinades can actually make it mushy or overly soft if left in contact with the meat for too long. If you do decide to use an acidic marinade, be sure to only marinate your filet mignon for a short amount of time.

In summary, marinating your filet mignon can be a great way to add flavor and depth to this already delicious cut of meat. When choosing a marinade, look for one that complements the natural flavor of the meat without overpowering it, and be careful not to marinate it for too long or use an overly acidic mixture. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create a mouthwatering meal that will delight your taste buds.

Cooking Filet Mignon in the Oven

Preparing Your Oven for Cooking

Before you start cooking your filet mignon in the oven, it’s important to prepare your oven properly. Here are some tips to ensure that your steak cooks evenly and to perfection.

Preheating Oven for Filet Mignon

To get the best results when cooking filet mignon in the oven, you should always preheat your oven. This helps to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the oven, which will result in a perfectly cooked steak.

The recommended temperature for cooking filet mignon in the oven is 400°F (200°C). Preheat your oven to this temperature for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking your steak.

Rack Position for Filet Mignon

The position of the rack in your oven can also affect how your filet mignon is cooked. For best results, we recommend placing your oven rack in the center position. This allows the heat to circulate around the steak and cook it evenly on all sides.

If you want a more charred or seared exterior on your steak, you can move the rack closer to the broiler element. However, you’ll need to keep a close eye on it so that it doesn’t burn.

Oven-Safe Pan for Filet Mignon

When cooking filet mignon in the oven, you should use an oven-safe pan that can withstand high temperatures. Cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan are great options. These types of pans can be heated to high temperatures without warping or melting.

Do not use a nonstick pan that isn’t designed for high heat as it can release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.

By following these tips to prepare your oven for cooking filet mignon, you’ll be well on your way to a perfectly cooked and delicious steak.

Baking Your Filet Mignon

Once you have prepared your filet mignon, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these steps for a deliciously cooked filet mignon in the oven.

Setting the Oven Temperature

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and set the rack in the center of the oven. If your filet mignon is wrapped in bacon, place the bacon side down on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe skillet.

Baking Time for Filet Mignon

The baking time for filet mignon depends on how thick the cut is and how well done you like it. A general rule of thumb is to bake for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, and 14-16 minutes for well-done.

It’s important to keep in mind that the exact baking time might vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the filet mignon. To ensure that you achieve your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filet mignon.

Checking the Internal Temperature of Filet Mignon

Insert a meat thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone if it has one. For medium-rare, remove from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). For medium, remove at 145°F (63°C), and for well-done, remove at 160°F (71°C).

Resting Filet Mignon

After removing your filet mignon from the oven, allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

By following these simple steps, you can achieve a perfectly baked filet mignon every time.

Serving and Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Filet Mignon

When it comes to serving and enjoying a perfectly cooked filet mignon, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the sides you choose complement the rich, buttery flavor of the steak without overpowering it. Some classic options include roasted potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or creamed spinach.

Another important consideration is wine pairing. A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs particularly well with filet mignon, as their tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat. However, if you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio can also work nicely.

In addition to selecting the right sides and wine, presentation is key when serving filet mignon. Consider slicing the steak on a bias and fanning it out on the plate, or topping it with a pat of herb butter for added flavor and visual appeal.

Ultimately, the best way to enjoy your perfectly cooked filet mignon is to savor each bite slowly and mindfully, taking in the complex flavors and textures that make this steak a true delicacy.
After following the steps laid out in this guide, you should be well-equipped to prepare and cook delicious filet mignon in the oven, just like a professional chef. Remember to choose the right cut of meat, season or marinate it properly, use the right cooking temperature and time, and let it rest before serving. With these tips and techniques, you can impress your guests or simply enjoy the juicy and tender steak at home. As an elegant and versatile dish, filet mignon is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner any night of the week. So why not give it a try and see how easy and rewarding it can be? Bon appétit!