How to Cook a Filet Mignon
Posted by on July 18, 2011There are different kinds of steak but the one which has the best quality is called filet mignon. It comes from the tenderloin part of the beef. It is a thick cut which is quite succulent. It is also very delicious and is very tender. Some even go as far as describing it to be so tender that it can feel like it melts when one puts it inside his mouth. Despite all of these, some individuals say that the other steaks are much tastier but still a lot of people prefer than other beef cuts.
Each cut of filet mignon measures approximately 2 inches in thickness and 3 inches in width however there may be slight modifications with each. Filet mignon’s tastiness and tenderness does not come at a cheap price. It is actually the most expensive cut of steak. It is easily available in most meat shops and grocery. In addition, it is also one of the most popular meat dishes served in many restaurants. It is prepared in a variety of ways. In some restaurants, bacon is wrapped around the filet mignon in order to further boost its flavour. In most instances, filet mignon needs to be added with an extra layer of flavour since it is pure lean meat cut and may not have the rich taste that is commonly found in steak cuts that have bones or fat in them. Stuffed filet mignon is very common since it is a thick cut of meat. Some of the most common fillings include cheese and mushrooms. There are also some instances where the filet mignon is cut so that each side is thin enough to be fully cooked. Doing this is ideal for people who prefer their steaks well done.
Because filet mignon is very tender and quite expensive, great care should be taken when preparing and cooking it. Most of the time, it is cooked with very simple ingredients such as salt and black pepper. Bacon may be wrapped around it for added taste. All that one will need is a skillet and some oil for cooking. What one needs to do first is to place black pepper on the filet mignon. Salt should also be added. A teaspoon of oil is enough for a piece of filet mignon steak. Once the oil in the skillet begins to smoke, the steak can be added. The cooking time will of course vary depending on how one wants it cooked. For those who want to eat their filet mignon rare, then a cooking time of 6 minutes for every side will suffice. For medium rare lovers, 7 minutes for each side is adequate. For people who prefer well done steaks, each side of the filet mignon should be cooked for at least 9 minutes.
After the desired cooking time, one can then proceed with removing the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. It should not be served immediately but rather it should be covered with a piece of foil in order to keep the meat’s juices inside. A resting time of at least 5 up to 10 minutes is necessary. After such time, the foil can be removed. Filet mignon steaks are best served right away.