Steak - Filet Mignon

Filet mignon (French for "exquisite or dainty fillet") is a steak cut of beef taken from the tenderloin of the steer or heifer.


The tenderloin runs along either side of the spine, and is usually harvested as two long snake-shaped cuts of beef. The tenderloin (not to be confused with the short loin) is sometimes sold whole. If the short end of the tenderloin is cut into portions before cooking, that portion is known as filet mignon, or the fillet, from the French boneless meat (mignon meaning "small" as true mignons are cut from the smaller tail end of the tenderloin).

The fillet is considered to be the most tender cut of beef, and the most expensive. The average steer or heifer provides no more than 4-6 pounds of filet. Because the muscle is non-weight bearing, it receives very little exercise, which makes it tender.

Porterhouse steaks and T-bone steaks are large cuts which include the filet. The small medallion on one side of the bone is the filet, and the long strip of meat on the other side of the bone is the strip steak—in British Commonwealth usage, only the strip steak is called the porterhouse.
The fillet can be cut into 1-2 inch thick portions, then grilled and served as-is. One can also find the fillet in stores already cut into portions and wrapped with bacon. High heat is the usual method for cooking the fillet. Either grilling, pan frying, broiling or roasting is preferred.

Bacon is often used in cooking the filet because of the low levels of fat found in the filet. Filets also have low levels of marbling, or internal fat. Bacon is wrapped around the filet and pinned closed with a wooden toothpick. This adds flavor and keeps the filet from drying out during the cooking process. Traditionally, filet mignon is seared on each side using intense heat for a short time and then transferred to a lower heat to cook the meat all the way through. Filet mignon is often served rarer than other meats. Those who prefer a more well-done steak can request a "butterflied" filet, meaning that meat is cut down the middle, and opened up to expose more of the meat to heat during the cooking process.

Cooking times

2” First Side Second Side

Grill

Rare 7 minutes 5 minutes

Medium 8 minutes 7 minutes

Well 11 minutes 9 minutes

Broiler

Rare 8 minutes 7 minutes

Medium 9 minutes 8 minutes

Well 14 minutes 12 minutes

Always let steak rest for 10 minutes before you slice it, which will allow the juices to flow back through the meat. Keep in mind that your meat will continue to cook while it is resting, so adjust grilling times accordingly (temperature of meat can raise up to 10 degrees). (If desired) Lay foil over the top or keep in a warming drawer.