How to Cook Filet Mignon

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 17, 2021 References Tested

Filet mignon is the short loin component of the tenderloin. It's delicious by itself or served with sauce, butter, or sides. If you want to cook filet mignon, searing the steaks in a pan and baking them in an oven will give them an even flavor. Once you've learned to make filet mignon, you'll be able to prepare it for yourself in no time!

Ingredients

6–8 ounces (170–230 g) filet mignon steak
Salt and pepper
1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil
Toppings, sauces, and sides of your choice

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Prepping and Seasoning the Steaks

1
Preheat your oven to 425 °F (218 °C). To ensure perfect timing while baking your seared filet mignon, your oven will need to already be heated. Set the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) at least 30 minutes before you plan to cook your filet mignon.^{[1]
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2
Warm your filet mignon steaks on your counter top for about 30 minutes. Filet mignon steaks sear best when they are at room temperature. Remove your steaks from the refrigerator and leave them on the counter top for 30-60 minutes.^{[2]
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- Do not leave your steaks out for longer than 60 minutes to avoid food poisoning.
- Filet mignon is generally leaner than most steaks and does not need trimming.^{[3]
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3
Season your steak with salt and pepper. Coat both sides of the steak lightly in olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Season the top side with an even mixture of salt and pepper, then flip and season the bottom as well.^{[4]
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- Do not season the sides. The tops and bottoms are enough for a rich flavor.^{[5]
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4
Heat 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Turn the stove to medium-high heat and warm the skillet for 3-5 minutes. Add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil in the skillet and use a wooden or metal spoon to spread it around the surface.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Sautéing and Baking Filet Mignon

1
Place the steaks in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes. Line the steaks side by side in the skillet, coating the bottom in olive oil. Leave the steaks undisturbed for 4 minutes to sear the bottom sides.
- You can cook up to 2 filet mignon steaks in a medium-sized skillet at a time.
- Do not touch the steak while sauteing until 4 minutes have passed for an even sear.
2
Flip the steaks over and cook the top side for 4 minutes. Use tongs to flip the steak over and leave it undisturbed for 4 minutes. Again, do not touch the steak again until you have seared its top for 4 minutes.^{[7]
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- Use a timer to avoid overcooking the steak sides between flips.
3
Put the steaks on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. After searing the top side of the steaks, remove them from the heat and place them on a greased baking sheet. Set the baking sheet in the oven and close the door to begin baking the steaks.
- If your skillet is oven-safe, you can also set it directly in the oven with the steaks inside.^{[8]
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4
Bake the steaks for 5-8 minutes based on doneness. After setting the pan in the oven, watch it carefully in the oven to prevent overcooking it. Depending on the level of doneness you want, cook them for the following amount of time: 5-6 minutes (rare),6-7 minutes (medium-rare), or 7-8 minutes (medium).^{[9]
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- You can also use a meat thermometer to check the steaks' doneness: 120 °F (49 °C) (rare), 125 °F (52 °C) (medium-rare), or 140 °F (60 °C) (medium).^{[10]
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5
Remove the steaks from the oven and let them cool for 5-7 minutes. After baking to your desired level of doneness, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let it cool on your stove top. After cooling for about 5-7 minutes, transfer the steaks to a plate and serve when ready.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Serving Filet Mignon

1
Serve filet mignon with its juices for a simple, delicious flavor. If you want to savor the filet mignon without any added flavors, pour spoonfuls of the juices from the skillet and baking pan over the steaks. This will give the steak a juicier flavor while preserving its original taste.^{[11]
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2
Top the steaks with herb butter for a stronger seasoning. Soften 1/2 a stick of butter in a microwave for 10-15 seconds and stir in 1 US tbsp (15 mL) each of chopped rosemary and tarragon and ¹⁄₂ US tbsp (7.4 mL) of garlic. Place the herb butter in the refrigerator until you have finished cooking the steaks, then top each steak with a slice of garlic butter.
- Add small amounts of herb butter at a time to prevent overpowering the steaks.
3
Pair cooked vegetables or mashed potatoes with filet mignon as a side. When serving filet mignon for dinner, add 1 or 2 sides to make the meal complete. Serving filet mignon on a bed of mashed potatoes or adding cooked vegetables to the side are both delicious ways to complement the steak's flavor.^{[12]
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- Tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, scallops, carrots, and spinach all pair well with filet mignon.^{[13]
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4
Store your filet mignon leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days at a time. Wrap any leftover filet mignon steaks in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Leave your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat it in a microwave or oven.^{[14]
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- Throw your leftovers out if you notice a foul smell or slimy texture.
- If you won't eat the filet mignon in 3-4 days, you can also put it in an airtight container and freeze it for 2-3 months.

Community Q&A

Question

What temperature should a gas grill be to cook filet mignon?

Community Answer

For a 1-inch cut, grill the filet mignon for 10 to 12 minutes at 145 degrees F for medium-rare, or 12 to 15 minutes at 160 degrees F for medium.

Warnings

For the best taste, do not cook filet mignon any more than medium.

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Watch your cooking times carefully. Even a few minutes too long in the oven or pan can overcook your steak.

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Handle hot objects, like the pan or stove, carefully to avoid burning yourself.

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