Find Your Perfect Filet Mignon

Find Your Perfect Filet Mignon 

Say “celebration” and filet mignon is the first steak that comes to mind for many beef lovers. Also known as the tenderloin steak, it’s been proven by food scientists to be the single most tender steak available. Learn more about the filet mignon, including where it comes from and how to cook it in this article.

What is Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon is a steak, cut from the beef tenderloin. It’s fine grained with a buttery texture and mild flavor. The tenderloin is relatively lean, so it’s not as robust as a ribeye, but has a subtle flavor preferred by many. It is the most tender of all steaks, a fact proven by a study conducted by meat scientists. Compared to ribeyes and NY strips, there are fewer filet mignon steaks available from each steer, so it’s also one of the most high-priced cuts.

Although the name filet mignon sounds French, the American writer O. Henry is credited with coining the word in a short story he wrote in 1906.

Where Does the Filet Mignon Come From?

Filet mignon, or tenderloin steak, is obtained from the loin primal located under the ribs and next to the spine. Filets mignons are sourced from the psoas major, a long muscle that doesn’t get much exercise. Activity makes a muscle tough, so the lack of physical use makes the filet mignon a very tender steak. 

What Makes Filet Mignon a Good Steak for Special Occasions?

One reason to serve filet mignon for a celebration at home is its impressive reputation. For many steak lovers, filet mignon is synonymous with special occasions. Just telling your guests you’re serving filet mignon will automatically raise expectations and get the party started!

Filet mignon is mild in flavor and extremely tender, qualities perfect for pairing with classic sauces and upscale recipes. Filet mignon served with a beurre blanc or au poivre sauce will transform the most basic table setting into something elegant and upscale.

It’s worth noting SRF Black® and SRF Gold®  American Wagyu filets mignons transcend the texture and flavor of top quality USDA Prime versions. The tenderloin is naturally lean, however the American Wagyu filet mignon contains a higher level of intramuscular fat which makes for a juicier and flavorful filet. It’s definitely an amazing eating experience that will make any dinner more festive.

The Best Way to Cook Filet Mignon

Cooking a perfect filet mignon requires high heat. Indoors, a pan seared filet mignon will fill the kitchen with appetizing aromas to whet the appetite of your guests. Outdoors, a filet mignon on the grill is a classic method to entice your guests with the char and flavor that comes from outdoor cooking. 

How to Pan Sear Filet Mignon

1. Season fully thawed filets mignons liberally with kosher salt.
2. Place a heavy skillet (cast iron or carbon steel are perfect) over medium high heat. Add a thin layer of neutral vegetable oil.
3. When the skillet is hot, add the steak. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust, then flip and sear on the opposite side. After both sides are seared, check the steak’s temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the probe halfway through the steak in the largest section. We recommend a medium rare to medium finish for the best texture and flavor. Here is a guide to temperature:
   
    - Medium rare internal target temp: 120°F
    - Medium internal target temp: 130°F
   
   
4. For a fancier finish. butter baste the filet mignon to add richness and flavor. Turn down the heat and add 3 or 4 knobs of good quality butter. Sprigs of rosemary and thyme are also a nice addition. As soon as the butter melts and the milk solids start to brown slightly, tilt the skillet and allow the juices to run to one side. Use a large spoon and baste the steak with the melted butter. Do this for a few minutes to allow the butter to coat the steak. Baste quickly to impart the flavor. Basting the steak for a long perioe of time may overcook the steak.
5. Remove the steak from the skillet, place it on a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest at least 10 minutes to allow juices to be redistributed through the meat and the cooking process to continue.
6. Place the steak on a plate and serve immediately.

How to Grill Filet Mignon

1. Season a fully thawed filet mignon liberally with kosher salt.
2. Set your charcoal or gas grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates with a coat of vegetable oil.
3. Place steak on hot grill, close lid and cook for 2 minutes. Lift the steak off the grill, turn 45 degrees, close lid and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Flip the steak and cook for 2 minutes. Repeat the 45 degree turn, close the lid and grill for 2 more minutes. After both sides have been grilled, check the steak’s temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the probe halfway through the steak in the largest section of the sirloin. We recommend a medium rare to medium finish for the best texture and flavor. Here is a guide to temperature:
   
   - Medium rare internal target temp: 125°F
   - Medium internal target temp: 130°F
   
   
5. When the steak reaches your preferred temperature, remove it from the grill, place it on a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest at least 10 minutes.
6. After your filet mignon has rested, plate, take to the table and serve immediately.

How to Prepare Filet Mignon

Here are some of the finer points of preparing and serving a perfect filet mignon (or any steak for that matter).

1. Use a fast-read, digital thermometer. Even the most experienced chefs recommend a thermometer to determine if a steak is ready to pull from the heat at the exact degree of doneness you prefer. Remember that the meat will continue to cook a little while it rests.
2. Let your filet mignon rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. When a steak cooks, its juices constrict away from the heat source, making them concentrate at the center of the meat. Resting allows all that moisture to redistribute throughout the cut for even juiciness in every bite.
3. Always slice against the grain of the meat — perpendicular to the natural direction of the muscle fibers — for the most tender bite.
4. Finish your steak with a flakey flourish of finishing salt for a professional presentation. Never use table salt or even the larger-grained kosher salts. The big flakes in finishing salt are our secret weapon to add a bit of crunch and a nice burst of salinity.

Our Favorite Filet Mignon Recipes

Filet Mignon with Blistered Tomato

Filet mignon is an elegant cut that’s super tender, but has less marbling than ribeyes or NY strips. This recipe adds a little spice and umami to this mild flavored steak using chili garlic crisp, my favorite condiment of 2020-2022. > Learn More

Filet Mignon with Tallow Seared Mushrooms and Onions

Mushrooms are best in late spring and early summer, but they seem like a wintry accompaniment. Regardless, I love to serve them with steak whenever they are available. This recipe lightens up savory mushrooms a bit making the dish approachable for the spring and summer. Although I used a filet mignon, this recipe is delicious with Snake River Farms ribeye filets. > Learn More

Filet Mignon on a Budget: How to Cut a Tenderloin into Steaks

Filet mignon is the star of many upscale restaurants. It has a reputation as an expensive cut reserved for the fanciest of occasions. One trick we use to make this luxurious cut more affordable is to purchase a whole tenderloin roast and cut it into steaks. It's easy to do and is a satisfying way to hone your home butcher skills. Learn how to make a stack of steaks from a single roast with this easy-to-follow guide. > Learn More