How to Cook Filet Mignon

Filet mignon! To many peoples' minds, the words4 filets mignons
themselves speak of excellence, good living andSalt
expensive taste. No wonder. Carefully selected andBlack pepper
expertly cut, filet mignon is a steak lover's dream.Directions
Filet mignon is a boneless steak that is cut from theHeat grill. Grill filets mignons for 3 to 5 minutes per
tenderloin of the cow, which, as its name implies,side, which will cook them to medium or medium-rare
yields the tenderest meat.doneness. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
The filet itself is usually cut into portions between 1Note: Connoisseurs will tell you that filets mignons can
and 2 inches in thickness. Oftentimes, stores sell suchonly be properly appreciated medium-rare or even
portions pre-wrapped with bacon. The reason for thisrare. I tend to agree. But if you really can't stand the
is that file mignon does not contain as much fatthought of eating steak that pink, feel free to cook
marbling as bone-in steak cuts generally do; thelonger. Again, start with high heat so as to minimize
bacon, then, substitutes for the missing fat.the time needed to reach your preferred state of
If you prefer your marbling to be natural, or youdoneness.
simply don't eat pork, then look for filet mignon thatSauteed Filet Mignon
is pink rather than red--the lighter the color theIngredients
better, in other words. Lighter color=more marbling.4 filets mignons
One key point to remember when cooking filetSalt
mignon, whether you broil, roast, grill or pan fry it, isFreshly ground black pepper
to use high heat in the process. A second key point2 teaspoons fresh, chopped rosemary
is not to cook it too long; filet mignon is particularlyCooking oil
susceptible to drying out as it cooks.Directions
Keeping those two key points in mind, almost anySeason the filets mignons with the salt and pepper,
steak recipe will work for filet mignon. Cookbooksthen sprinkle rosemary over them. Heat a little oil in a
and the Web are overflowing with imaginative thingsskillet over medium to high heat. Place the meat in
you can do with this royal cut of beef. If you'vethe skillet and fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side (for
never cooked filet mignon, though, here are twomedium-rare doneness).
basic recipes to get you started:By the way, a red wine such as cabernet sauvignon
Grilled Filet Mignonor burgundy makes a great accompaniment to filet
Ingredientsmignon.