How to Cook Filet Mignon Tenderloin

The word filet mignon means "exquisite fillet" in French, and is a cut of meat from the tenderloin of a cow. The filet mignon tenderloin is the most tender and expensive cut of beef available, and has very little fat content. This recipe will prepare three 6-ounce filet mignon tenderloin steaks and will serve three people.

Things You'll Need

• Filet mignon tenderloin filets
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Canola oil
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Plates

Instructions

1. Coat the filet mignon tenderloin steaks with freshly ground black pepper. Push the pepper into the fillets to prevent it from coming off, and then salt lightly to taste.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to a skillet and set to high heat. Wait until the oil begins to smoke, and then place each of the three filet mignon tenderloin steaks into the skillet.

3. Cook the filet mignon steaks 6 minutes per side for rare, 7 minutes per side for medium-rare, and 9 minutes per side for medium-well done. If the steaks begin to burn, or blacken, reduce the heat to medium-high.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the filet mignon tenderloin steaks to a cutting board. Cover them with foil and allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The steaks will continue to cook during this time, and will allow the juices to distribute themselves throughout the meat.

5. Remove the aluminum foil from the filet mignon steaks and transfer them to dining plates. Serve immediately for optimum flavor and texture.

Tips & Warnings

• After allowing the filet mignon steaks to rest under the aluminum foil, they can be wrapped in fried bacon to add a kick and some extra flavor to the meal. For some additional flavor, marinate the filet mignon in a homemade or store bought marinade prior to cooking.

References

• Book: The Chefs of the Times; Michalene Busico, Vincent Laforet, and Tony Cenicola; 2001