Baking Filet: A Beginner's Guide To Perfection

Filet mignon is a luxurious cut of beef that is known for its tenderness and buttery texture. It is often considered a special-occasion dish due to its high price tag. However, with the right technique, you can easily recreate this steakhouse classic in the comfort of your own home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect filet mignon.

Preheat the oven

Preheating your oven is the first step to achieving the perfect filet mignon. The optimal temperature for cooking your filet is 400°F, although some recipes suggest 415°F or 425°F for a slightly crispier exterior. Preheating your oven to this temperature will usually take around 15 minutes, but this is dependent on your oven, so it's best to use an oven thermometer to check.

While your oven is preheating, you can prepare your filet. It's important to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking, so remove it from the fridge and leave it covered on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour. This will ensure more even cooking and accurate cooking times.

Once your steak has reached room temperature, it's time to pat it dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme, if you want to enhance the flavor of your steak.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Heat a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet over medium-high to high heat. If you're using butter, make sure it's malleable before adding it to the pan—you want about 1 tablespoon. If you're using oil, add it once the pan is hot; you only need a very light coating, about 1 tablespoon, to get that perfect sear.

With your pan nice and hot, it's time to sear your filet. Place the steak in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, go for the shorter sear time, and for a more well-done steak, go for the longer end of the range.

After searing one side, it's time to flip your filet and give it a final sear. You can also add some herb butter, a whole garlic clove, or some additional herbs to the pan at this point for extra flavor. Then, it's straight into the preheated oven!

The baking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steak. For a rare steak, bake for around 4 minutes, and for a medium-rare steak, aim for 5 to 7 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium, go for 8 to 10 minutes, and for medium-well, bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Keep in mind that these timings are just estimates, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on your oven, the thickness of your steak, and your desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it's cooked to your liking.

And that's it! By preheating your oven and following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, perfectly cooked filet mignon.

Season the filet

Seasoning filet mignon is a straightforward process, but it's important to get it right to ensure your steak is tasty and cooked evenly. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Choose Your Seasonings

The beauty of filet mignon is that it doesn't require fancy seasonings. A good shake of kosher or sea salt and black pepper is usually enough. You can also add some freshly ground coarse salt and cracked pepper for a more intense flavour. If you want to get creative, you can include some extra ingredients like garlic, rosemary, or thyme. These herbs can be placed on top of the steaks with a pat of butter before putting them in the oven.

Prepare the Steak

Take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures more accurate cooking times. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, as this will help the seasoning stick to the meat better.

Apply the Seasonings

Now it's time to season your steak! Lightly spray or brush the steak with olive oil, or another high-heat, neutral oil, and then sprinkle both sides generously with your chosen seasonings. Use your fingers to gently press down on the seasoning so it adheres well to the meat. At this point, you can also try a technique called dry brining, which involves placing the seasoned steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet and leaving it in the fridge, uncovered, for at least an hour or preferably overnight. This draws out moisture and locks in juices, resulting in an even better crust when you cook the steak.

Let the Steak Rest

After seasoning, let the steak rest for about 30-60 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial because it helps the steak continue to come to room temperature, preventing overcooking and drying out of the surface. During this time, the salt will also have a chance to draw out some moisture, which will help achieve a golden crust when you sear the steak.

Heat oil in a pan

To heat oil in a pan, follow these steps:

First, remove your steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Next, heat your pan on the stove over high heat. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy skillet that is safe to use in the oven at 400°F. Once the pan is very hot, add the oil. You can use extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or another high-heat oil.

Let the oil get hot. You'll know it's ready when it starts to shimmer.

Now it's time to add your steaks to the pan. Sear the steaks on one side for 2 to 2.5 minutes without moving them. This will give them a nice golden crust.

Sear the filet

Searing your filet is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat. Here's a step-by-step guide to searing your filet to perfection:

• Start by removing your steaks from the refrigerator and letting them come up to room temperature. This usually takes around 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to between 400°F and 425°F. The higher temperature will give you a faster sear, but be careful not to overdo it.
• Season your steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme if you want to enhance the flavor.
• Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy oven-safe pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or another high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. You can also use a combination of butter and oil for extra flavor.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add your steaks to the pan. For a good sear, make sure not to crowd the pan and cook the steaks in batches if necessary.
• Let the steaks cook undisturbed for about 2 to 5 minutes on each side. This will give them a nice, golden-brown crust.
• If desired, you can also sear the sides of the steaks for about a minute to brown them evenly.
• Once the steaks are seared to your liking, transfer them to a plate or a cutting board and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

Remember that the key to a good sear is a hot pan and undisturbed cooking time. Don't be tempted to move the steaks around too much, as this will impact the crust formation. Also, be mindful of the smoke that may be generated during the searing process, and ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

Baste with butter

Basting your filet mignon with butter is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. You will be finishing your steak in the oven, so it's important to have it preheated and ready to go before you start cooking your steak.

Step 2: Heat Oil in a Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy skillet that is safe to use in the oven. Add oil to the skillet, such as extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil, and heat until it is just about to smoke.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Steak

Season your steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic or rosemary, if desired. Once the oil is hot, add your steak to the pan and sear for about 5 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms.

Step 4: Flip the Steak and Add Butter

After the steak has seared on one side, flip it over and add butter to the pan. You can use plain butter, or you can make a compound butter with herbs and garlic for extra flavour. The butter will melt and start to brown, releasing a nutty aroma.

Step 5: Baste the Steak

Use a large spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter. Continue basting for about 1 minute, until the butter is no longer bubbling and has a nutty fragrance.

Step 6: Transfer to the Oven

Once the steak has been basted, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. For a medium-rare steak, bake for 4-6 minutes. For a medium steak, bake for 6-8 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak. Serve the steak with the pan juices spooned over top, and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions