The Chef's Technique for how to cook extra thick Crown Filet Mignon(r) (2024)

The Chef's Technique for Cooking Thick-Cut Filet Mignon

Have you ever wondered how restaurants prepare extra-thick filet mignon steaks, like our Crown Filet Mignon®? Perhaps you've ordered one and marveled over its intensely flavorful, crispy exterior and succulent, supremely tender interior.

Well, professional chefs use a particular method to get those irresistible results — and so can you! The best way to cook filet mignon when it is cut into steaks over 2 inches thick is surprisingly simple. All you need is an ovenproof, heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet and an oven.

Just follow the instructions below. We've also included a chart that will tell you how long to cook filet mignon in the oven and to what internal temperature (be sure to use a meat thermometer for the best results). Soon you'll be able to impress guests with your own restaurant-worthy, thick-cut filet mignon steaks.

How to Cook Filet Mignon in the Oven Using the Chef's Technique

  • Be sure your steak is completely thawed.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Bring the meat to room temperature. Remove your steak from the refrigerator 30-40 minutes before cooking.
  • Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron skillet on your stovetop over high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. A hot skillet delivers the best sear.
  • Add a 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to skillet (enough to coat the bottom). Sear the steaks on one side for about 2 minutes, then turn steaks and place skillet on the middle rack of the oven.
  • Cook steaks, uncovered, until internal temperature reaches 5°F lower than the desired final temperature, according to the chart below.
  • For the perfect medium-rare, 2.5-inch thick filet mignon, cook in oven for 13-14 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 130°F.
  • Rest your steaks for 5 minutes before serving, covering lightly with foil. The temperature of the meat will continue to rise for as much as 5°F during this time (this is called "carryover cooking"). The final temperature should match the temperature of your desired level of doneness, as listed in the chart below.
  • Resting is especially important for thick-cut filet mignon because the heat of cooking pulls the juices in the meat toward the surface; if you slice into it immediately after cooking, those flavorful juices will end up on your plate, not in your steak. Allowing your steak to rest will give the juices time to sink back in and throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Cooking Times

for Filet Mignon

Remember to fully thaw your steaks. Sear on high heat for 2 minutes on one side, then turn and move to indirect heat. Turn them 1 minute before the halfway point of the cooking time. For perfect doneness, we recommend you use a meat thermometer and use the Measuring Doneness chart below.

The Oven
Oven
350°
Rare1 3/4 inches
2 1/2 inches

9-11 mins
12-14 mins
Medium-Rare1 3/4 inches
2 1/2 inches

11-12 mins
13-14 mins
Medium1 3/4 inches
2 1/2 inches

12-13 mins
14-16 mins
Medium-Well1 3/4 inches
2 1/2 inches

13-14 mins
16-18 mins

Measuring Doneness

    Remove when your steaks are 5 degrees less than the temperatures listed. The centers will continue to warm as they rest.

  • 1Rare

    125°F - Center is bright red; pinkish towards the outside

  • 2Medium-Rare

    135°F - Center is very pink; slightly brown towards the outside

  • 3Medium

    145°F - Center is light pink; outer portion is brown

  • 4Medium-Well

    155°F - Center is slightly pink; outer portion is brown

  • 5Well

    165°F - Uniformly brown throughout

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
The Chef's Technique for how to cook extra thick Crown Filet Mignon(r) (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to cook a 2in thick filet mignon? ›

For medium rare filet mignon that is 2 inches thick, I sear it for 2 minutes per side on the stove to brown, then bake in the oven for 5-6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F.

How do top chefs cook filet mignon? ›

for Filet Mignon

Sear on high heat for 2 minutes on one side, then turn and move to indirect heat. Turn them 1 minute before the halfway point of the cooking time. For perfect doneness, we recommend you use a meat thermometer and use the Measuring Doneness chart below.

Is it better to grill or pan fry filet mignon? ›

The best way to cook Filet Mignon is on the grill, but pan-seared Filet Mignon is also excellent. You can also broil Filet Mignon in the oven for an exceptional flavor. No matter which method or Filet Mignon recipe you choose, our cooking instructions and video will help you cook the tender and juicy steak you crave.

Should I cook filet mignon in butter or oil? ›

The vegetable oil has a higher smoke point. You can add that great butter for flavor at the end! Check the temperature of your meat before you transfer the skillet to the oven. If the filet mignon is within about 5-10 degrees of your desired temperature, you may need even less than 3 minutes in the oven.

How does Bobby Flay cook a filet mignon? ›

For the filet mignon:

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch cast iron pan until it begins to shimmer. Put the steaks in the pan, rub-side down and cook until a crust forms, about 3 minutes. Turn the steaks over, lower heat a bit and continue cooking until medium-rare doneness, about 4 minutes longer.

Do you cook filet mignon fast or slow? ›

STEP 1: Thaw filet mignon, pat dry, lightly oil, and season. Once seasoned, allow your steaks to come to room temperature before cooking. This allows the meat to cook more evenly from edge to center. STEP 2: Cook your filet mignon low and slow in the oven or on the grill until it's 10° below your desired doneness.

How many times do you flip a filet mignon on the grill? ›

Place the filets on the grill over direct heat. Allow to sear for 4-5 minutes until a rich, golden-brown crust forms. Then, flip the filets over to the other side to sear for another 4-5 minutes. Using tongs, hold the filets on their sides, rotating them occasionally to sear all sides of the filets.

How do you not overcook filet mignon? ›

Filet mignon is best cooked rare or medium-rare, as this will ensure that it remains soft and moist. Remove the meat from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking so that it has time to come to room temperature. Starting with steak at room temperature ensures more even cooking.

How do you prepare filet mignon before cooking? ›

Remove the filet mignon steaks from the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking so they can come closer to room temperature. Season with salt and pepper on all sides. Preheat oven to 425°F. Heat a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe pan over high heat until very hot.

Why is my filet mignon tough? ›

Filet Mignon Temperature Tip: Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135ºF, after resting, for medium-rare. Remember, there isn't much fat in the lean filet. Higher heat quickly denatures the protein strands, making them tough and chewy.

How much does a 2 inch thick filet mignon weigh? ›

A standard filet mignon cut of meat measures about 8 ounces and is generally between 1.5 and 2 inches thick. That thickness is ideal for achieving a well-seared steak without overcooking the interior. You may also see larger cuts, such as a 12-ounce filet, especially in a steakhouse.

What is the best way to cook a 2in thick steak? ›

To cook a 2-inch-thick steak, use direct heat. When grill is medium (you can hold your hand at grill level only 4 to 5 seconds), follow directions below; cook steak 20 to 25 minutes for rare, 27 to 30 for medium. To cook a 3-inch-thick steak, use indirect heat.

How long do you broil a 2 inch thick filet mignon? ›

Broiling Filet Mignon FAQs

A typical 1-2 inch thick filet mignon takes about 4-7 minutes on each side for medium rare. However, that cook time varies based on how done you prefer your steak and how thick the filet mignon is. For medium and medium-well filet mignon, expect to broil closer to 6-10 minutes on each side.

How to cook a 2 inch fillet steak? ›

Heat a heavy-based frying pan until very hot but not smoking. Drizzle some oil into the pan and leave for a moment. Add the steak, a knob of butter, some garlic and robust herbs, if you want. Sear evenly on each side for our recommended time, turning every minute for the best caramelised crust.

What is the best way to have filet mignon cooked? ›

After testing, I've found that the best way to cook filet mignon is to pan sear it in a hot cast iron skillet. Some recipes have you get a good sear on the stovetop and then finish in the oven but I don't find that to be the best method.

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