Filet mignon is a versatile and very delicious steak to try. While there are several ways you can prepare and cook it, broiling it is probably the best option is you don't have a grill or don't like using one.
Broiling filet mignon is a good and fast solution to get a crispy and perfectly cooked steak. At the end, you will end with a crispy crust on the outside and a perfect hint of red inside.
In this article, we will explain step-by-step everything you need to know to learn how to broil filet mignon, including the select and preparing process.
What is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is a very tender cut of steak, probably one of the most tender of all, which is often used for special occasions due to its expensive price.
A lean steak usually measures up to 2 inches thick and is preferred to be cooked using high temperature cooking, to medium-rare doneness.
Where is Filet Mignon Located?
Filet mignon comes from the Loin Beef Primal of the animal, located between the sirloin area and the ribs.
Its exact location is on the tenderloin, which is a long, slender conical shape that is streched from the ribs to the sirloin.
Thanks to its location, this cut doesn't get a lot of movement, resulting in high marbling and extremely lean texture, making it one of the most tender steak cuts of the animal.
The smallest part of tenderloin is sliced into small fillets and Filet mignon is one of them. The average cow can have 10-12 fillets from its tenderloin area.
- Also Read: Full Filet Mignon vs Ribeye Comparison
How to Select the Best Filet Mignon for Broiling
As this steak is one of tenderest cut in the animal, you don't have to do much selection, except to have in mind to pick USDA Choice or Prime grade beef. I personally think that the Select Grade is not worth it as it is not as good as it should.
USDA Beef Grades
I prefer picking Choice Grade beef as you get the best marbling for the price. Also, this grade is available on most markets, so it is easier to find.
If you have the budget, you are free to go for the Prime Grade. You will get the best results with this grade but it is a little bit expensive for most of people.
As for selecting the slices, I prefer to pick light-colored ones over dark-red as it indicates that it has more marbling.
How to Prepare & Season Filet Mignon for Broiling
If the steak isn't already sliced or you picked the full tenderloin, then you need to cut it into small pieces.
Most cut on markets are around 1-2 inches thick and are generally rounded as they come from the tube-shaped muscle.
Trimming Skin - Filet Mignon
If you are cutting the slices by yourself, then have in mind to go for 2 inch thickness and around 2-3 inches in diameter.
As for the silverskin around the meat, it is usually removed, as it would make the steak tougher to chew. The fat is well-trimmed by most of people even though for some, it produces more flavor.
Also, if your steak is frozen, you should thaw it by leaving in the refrigerator, for around 24 hours for a thick steak cuts. You can read our 'How to Thaw Steak' guide, for several thawing methods for your steak.
Seasoning the Steak
For this cut, I prefer going for a simple seasoning recipe. Just coat the meat with some olive oil and use salt and pepper. If you prefer, you can use a meat seasoning rub but I prefer more a simple salt-pepper recipe as I think this steak is already full of flavor.
I personally use simple sea salt but there are many people who use other types such as sel gris, fleur de sel or alaea salt.
Broiling the Filet Mignon
Before putting the meat to cook, you first need to prepare your broiler and oven racks depending on your steak thickness.
After you adjust your racks, let the broiler to preheat on High setting for around 15 minutes or until it reaches the full temperature.
After the oven has reached the recommended temperature, it is time to start cooking the steak.
Step-by-Step Broiling Process
How Long to Broil Filet Mignon
One of the most important factors to consider when making broiled filet mignon steak is for how long to broil it.
The steak doneness depends a lot on personal preference, but this cut is best at a Medium-Rare or Rare doneness level.
However, one thing to have in mind is to not overcook this type of steak. Cooking it Well-Done or Overcooking it will actually make it tough and not tender.
So, how long do you broil filet mignon steak? For reference, you can take a look at the table with cooking temperatures and time needed but have in mind that the exact time will depend on your oven and steak thickness.
Detailed Broiling Times & Temperatures
Steak Thickness | Recommended Doneness | Broiling Time | Recommended Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 1-inch Cut | Medium-Rare | 8-10 Minutes (4-5 Minutes per Side) | 145°F |
1 1/2-inch Cut | Medium-Rare | 12-14 Minutes (6-7 Minutes per Side) | 145°F |
Filet Mignon Doneness Chart
Filet Mignon Broiling Doneness Table
Doneness Level | Doneness Description | Recommended Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
Rare | Cold Red Center; Soft | 125-130°F |
Medium-Rare | Warm Red Center; Firmer | 130-140°F |
Medium | Pink and Firm | 140-150°F |
Medium-Well | Small Amount of Pink in Center | 150-155°F |
Well-Done | Gray-Brown throughout; Firm | 160-212°F |
Cooking Tips for Broiling Filet Mignon
Serving
Since this type of steak is full of flavor and has a melt-in-mouth texture, I prefer serving it on a platter, thinly sliced against the grain and sprinkling it with sea salt, some black pepper and garlic butter.
In conclusion, broiling filet mignon is pretty easy if you follow the instructions and cook it at the right temperature. You can easily cook a steak with melt-in-mouth texture and crispy crust, without putting much effort.
- Also Read: How to Grill a Filet Mignon Steak
