Filet Mignon Recipe: A Gourmet Delight

Filet Mignon Recipe is a luxurious cut of beef tenderloin, known for its incredible tenderness and rich flavor. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or using an air fryer, this steak promises a restaurant-quality experience. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to prepare filet mignon, including the best sides and sauces to elevate your meal.

Ingredients for: Filet Mignon recipe

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey (for a filet mignon miel recette)

Filet Mignon Recipe Preparation: The Art of Maximizing Flavor

The key to an exceptional filet mignon lies in its preparation. One often-overlooked but crucial technique is dry brining, which forms the foundation of this method.

Dry Brining: A Crucial Step

Dry brining is not just about seasoningit transforms the meats structure, ensuring a juicy texture and intense flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the filets from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before seasoning. This allows the salt to penetrate better.

2. Prepare your seasoning mix by combining kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon per steak), freshly ground black pepper, garlic granules, and paprika. Kosher salt is essential because its larger crystals dissolve gradually, ensuring optimal penetration.

3. Generously season each filet on all sides, massaging the seasoning into the meat.

4. Place the filets on a rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation. Let them rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. This gives the salt time to deeply penetrate and restructure the proteins, enhancing moisture retention during cooking.

Cooking on a Traeger Grill: Precision at Its Finest

The Traeger grill offers precise temperature control and even heat distribution, making it ideal for cooking such a premium cut as filet mignon.

Preparing the Grill and Cast Iron Skillet

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 425°F (218°C) with the lid closed for at least 15 minutes.

2. Place a cast iron skillet in the grill while preheating. Cast iron retains and evenly distributes heat, creating the perfect surface for a beautiful crust.

The Cooking Process: Precision is Key

1. Take the filets out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.

2. Lightly brush the filets with vegetable oil and give them a final seasoning with black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Carefully place the filets on the preheated cast iron skillet. Cook them according to your preferred doneness:

Rare (125°F/52°C): 6-7 minutes per side

Medium (140°F/60°C): 7-8 minutes per side

4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise internal temperature this step is non-negotiable for achieving the desired doneness.

Resting: A Crucial Step

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the filets from the grill. Add a generous pat of butter to each steak and loosely cover them with aluminum foil. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.

Smart Buying: Optimizing Your Investment

Purchasing a whole beef tenderloin is a smart choice for steak enthusiasts. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to customize the size of your steaks.

For a whole tenderloin:

Slice into 2-inch (5 cm) cuts for rare steaks.

Opt for 1.75-inch (4.5 cm) cuts for medium steaks.

A whole tenderloin typically yields 9 to 12 high-quality steaks.

Nutritional Value of Filet Mignon Steak

Filet mignon is not only delicious but also a lean source of protein:

• Calories: Approximately 275 calories (per 6 oz steak)
• Protein: 24 grams
• Fat: 18 grams (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
• Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake

Best Sauce for a Filet Mignon recipe

Pair your filet mignon with one of these delectable sauces:

1. Red Wine Reduction: A rich, velvety sauce made with red wine, beef stock, and butter.
2. Peppercorn Sauce: Creamy and slightly spicy, perfect for steak lovers.
3. Bearnaise Sauce: A buttery sauce with hints of tarragon and shallots.
4. Honey Glaze: For a filet mignon miel recette, add honey to your pan drippings for a sweet and savory glaze.

Where Is It Popular?

• France: Filet mignon is a staple of fine dining in French cuisine, often served with classic sauces like Béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.

Tips for perfect Filet Mignon Recipe

Here are some expert tips to create the perfect Filet Mignon Tenderloin recipe, ensuring a tender, flavorful, and restaurant-quality result:

1. Start with High-Quality Meat

Choose USDA Prime or Choice grade beef for the best flavor and tenderness.

Look for bright red color and a slight marbling of fat, which enhances flavor.

2. Bring to Room Temperature

Let the filet mignon sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside is still cold.