This Is The Right Way To Cook Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is widely known as one of the most luxurious and pricey cuts of meat you can procure, so it's important to cook it well if you manage to get your hands on one. It's so lauded because the muscle from which it comes, the tenderloin, is one that does not bear the cow's weight. As a result, instead of being tough, it's smooth and succulent.
Because filet mignon is less marbled and therefore contains less fat than other cuts of meat such as ribeye, it's very important not to overcook this opulent cut (via Omaha Steaks). Doing so will result in an extremely dry steak which won't be worth the price you paid for it. Luckily, there is a relatively simple two-pronged method to cooking a perfect filet mignon which will allow you to make the most out of your special meaty treats.
The perfect way to cook a filet mignon
The optimal way to cook a filet mignon is to start them in a pan and then transfer them to the oven (via Self Proclaimed Foodie). Beginning the steaks with a quick sear in a butter- or oil-greased pan allows them to develop a flavorful crust on the outside (via Southern Kitchen) while locking in the flavors and juices and ensuring that they won't dry out while they are in the oven.
You can use a number of different options to season your steak, but perhaps the best solution is to keep it simple. Salt, pepper and perhaps a pinch of herbs and a clove of garlic will allow the flavor of the beef to shine. Finishing the filet mignon in the oven allows for it to cook evenly with the whole cut of meat receiving heat instead of just the part in contact with the pan. Using a meat thermometer will allow you to best monitor the internal heat of the steak, allowing you to determine how much longer it needs in the oven. Depending on the size, it shouldn't be more than a couple of minutes — then you'll be ready to enjoy something truly special.