Filet Mignon Cooking Methods and Tips

Typical Cooking Methods

• Grilling

• Broiling

• Reverse Sear

• Sous Vide

General Cooking Recommendations

Filet mignon is usually cooked over very high heat to achieve a sear on the outside, while keeping the internal temperature no more than 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. The extreme tenderness of the steak will be lost at higher internal temperatures.

While filet mignon is tender, it isn't particularly flavorful. For this reason, it is often served with a pan sauce, or wrapped in bacon.

How to Cook Filet Mignon on Your Traeger

To give that extra bit of fat and flavor to your filet mignon, we highly recommend our butter rubbed, bacon-wrapped filet mignon method.

Preheat your Traeger to its highest temperature. Rub the steaks with a butter and herb mixture. Wrap the filet with a slice of bacon, and secure the bacon with a toothpick. Then grill for 5 to 8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 135 degrees.

Filet Mignon Internal Temperatures

• For rare, aim for 120-130 °F internally.
• For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally.
• For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally.
• For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally.
• For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.

Filet Mignon FAQs

Is Filet Mignon a Good Cut?

Filet mignon is one of the most sought-after and expensive cuts of beef. It is the most tender cut on the animal. However, filet mignon does not have much intramuscular fat — the white specks sometimes called marbling that gives fattier steaks (like ribeye) their flavor.

How Much Does Filet Mignon Cost?

Expect to pay $12 to $20 per pound for filet mignon. It is usually the most expensive cut.

How Do You Know When Filet Mignon Is Done?

Filet mignon is done when the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. This cut is prized for tenderness, and overcooking the steak will cause it to get tough and chewy.

What Is a Filet Mignon Best For?

Filet mignon is best for grilling and pairing with sauces to add flavor. This extremely tender cut does not have much flavor of its own.

Are Beef Tenderloin, Filet, and Filet Mignon the Same Thing?

Beef tenderloin is a long, thin muscle. Slices of tenderloin are known as tenderloin steak — or filet or filet mignon. Beef tenderloin steak is the same as filet mignon, but beef tenderloin refers to the full muscle.

What Is the Difference Between Beef Tenderloin and Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon (aka tenderloin steak) is a slice of meat from the beef tenderloin. The tenderloin is the full muscle. The filet mignon is the slice of steak that's cut from it.

Can Filet Mignon Be Cooked From Frozen?

Yes, you can cook filet mignon from frozen. Cook over high heat for 5 to 8 minutes per side.

Interesting Facts About Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is cut from the psoas major, measured by food scientists as the most tender muscle on the animal.

The name filet mignon comes from the French language, but when the French use "filet mignon" they are usually referring to pork tenderloin.

The French have three different names for beef steaks cut from the tenderloin: "Tournedos" are steaks cut from the narrower middle section, "châteaubriand" is from the wider central section, and "biftek" is from the largest or head end.

Châteaubriand can also be used as a cooking method, whereby the center portion of the tenderloin is grilled or broiled — but the ends are discarded and only the thickest section is served, usually with a sauce. Decadent!

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association identifies the filet mignon (or tenderloin steak) with UPC number 1388. You may see this number in the UPC code on the beef package label at the supermarket.

Filet Mignon Nutritional Facts

According to the USDA, one filet mignon steak contains 236 calories, 36.5 grams of protein, and 9.9 grams of fat.

Filet Mignon Recipes