How To Cook Filet Mignon Cast Iron Skillet Gordon Ramsay (2024)

How to Master the Art of Cooking Filet Mignon in a Cast Iron Skillet, Inspired by Gordon Ramsay

Filet mignon, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, is a true culinary delight. If you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, cooking this delectable cut of beef in a cast iron skillet is the perfect way to go. And who better to draw inspiration from than the renowned chef, Gordon Ramsay? Here’s your guide to cooking the perfect filet mignon in a cast iron skillet, just like Chef Ramsay himself.

Choose the Right Filet Mignon

When it comes to filet mignon, quality reigns supreme. Look for cuts that are well-marbled, indicating a good fat content, as this is what gives the meat its exceptional tenderness and flavor. Opting for USDA Prime or Choice grades is an excellent choice if available, but if you can’t find them, ensure the filet is fresh and from a reputable source.

Prepare the Filet Mignon

Prior to cooking, allow the filet mignon to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking and a consistent final result. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper, enhancing the natural flavors of the meat. If you prefer, you can also add additional herbs or spices based on your personal taste preferences.

Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet

Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it becomes hot. Proper preheating ensures a sear that locks in flavors and creates a delicious crispy crust.

Add Oil and Butter

Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the pan. Swirl the oil around to coat the surface evenly. Next, add a knob of butter to the skillet. The combination of oil and butter adds richness and helps enhance the flavor of the filet mignon.

Sear the Filet Mignon

Carefully place your seasoned filet mignon in the hot skillet, making sure to lay it away from you to avoid any potential splattering. Allow the steak to sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, without moving it, to achieve a beautiful caramelized crust. For a perfect medium-rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F (55°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Baste with Butter and Herbs

During the cooking process, basting the filet with the melted butter and herbs infuses additional flavor and helps keep the meat moist. Use a spoon or a basting brush to gently coat the steak with the melted butter from the skillet. This simple step adds an extra touch of luxuriousness to your dish.

Let It Rest

Once your filet mignon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board or a warm plate. Allow the steak to rest for about five minutes before slicing into it. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful outcome.

Serve and Enjoy

Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Slice the filet mignon against the grain into thick, juicy medallions. Serve it on a warm plate and pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. The tender and succulent filet, cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, will surely wow your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Remember:

  • Choose high-quality filet mignon
  • Allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking
  • Preheat your cast iron skillet to achieve a perfect sear
  • Baste the steak with melted butter and herbs for added flavor
  • Let the steak rest before slicing into it

With these expert tips and a touch of Gordon Ramsay’s inspiration, you’ll be able to cook filet mignon like a pro. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every delicious bite of this elegant and indulgent dish. Happy cooking!

More Delicious Filet Mignon Recipes to Try

Once you've mastered the art of cooking filet mignon in a cast iron skillet, courtesy of Gordon Ramsay's insightful techniques, why not delve deeper into the culinary possibilities? For those eager to experiment further, recipes such as Herb-Crusted Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter and Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction offer a delightful exploration of flavors. I highly recommend trying the Peppercorn Filet Mignon in Cast Iron Skillet for its bold taste and the Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce for a classic pairing. These recipes utilize the skills you've learned and introduce new elements that make each meal a memorable experience.

Want to share your tips and techniques for cooking the perfect filet mignon in a cast iron skillet like Gordon Ramsay? Join the discussion in the Cooking Techniques forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a regular skillet instead of a cast iron skillet to cook filet mignon?

While it is recommended to use a cast iron skillet for cooking filet mignon, you can still use a regular skillet if that’s all you have. However, keep in mind that a cast iron skillet provides better heat distribution and retention, which can result in a more evenly cooked and flavorful steak.

What is the ideal cooking temperature for filet mignon in a cast iron skillet?

For a perfectly cooked filet mignon, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will help create a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Should I season the filet mignon before cooking it?

Absolutely! Seasoning your filet mignon before cooking is essential to enhance its flavor. Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and you can add any additional herbs or spices of your choice to suit your taste preferences.

How long should I cook filet mignon in a cast iron skillet?

Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of your filet mignon and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can sear each side of a 1-inch thick filet mignon for about 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, 5-6 minutes for medium, or 7-8 minutes for well-done. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner cuts.

Should I let the filet mignon rest after cooking?

Yes, it is crucial to allow your filet mignon to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful eating experience. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Can I baste the filet mignon with butter while cooking?

Absolutely! Basting your filet mignon with melted butter, along with some crushed garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, can add an extra layer of richness and flavor to the steak. Simply spoon the melted butter over the steak while it’s cooking in the cast iron skillet to enhance its taste.

How can I tell if my filet mignon is cooked to the desired doneness?

The most precise way to determine the doneness of your filet mignon is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach around 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit, for medium it should be around 140-145 degrees, and for well-done, it should be around 160 degrees. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.

How To Cook Filet Mignon Cast Iron Skillet Gordon Ramsay (2024)

FAQs

How To Cook Filet Mignon Cast Iron Skillet Gordon Ramsay? ›

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.

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.

How to cook a filet mignon in a cast iron skillet bobby flay? ›

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.

Is filet mignon better grilled or pan seared? ›

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.

What oil is best for cast iron filet? ›

When cooking steak in cast iron skillets, you want to use oils with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, grapeseed, and avocado oil. These oils all have smoke points over 400 degrees Fahrenheit that can withstand the high heat needed to cook steak.

Does Gordon Ramsay use olive oil for steak? ›

Pan Preheating: Heat a heavy skillet or a grill pan over high heat. You want the pan to be extremely hot. Cooking the Steak: Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan, then carefully place the steak in the pan. Allow it to sear without moving it for a couple of minutes.

How hot should the pan be for filet mignon? ›

First, cook your steaks on low heat until they reach about 90 to 100 degrees. Then, crank up the heat to high and allow the outside to sear on all sides until the brown, crisp crust forms. Check the internal temperature of each filet to ensure the inside is at the proper temp.

How does Rachael Ray cook steak in a cast iron skillet? ›

Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook until medium or medium-rare, 5 to 7 minutes. The last 2 minutes of cooking, add lemon halves, cut-side down, to pan to caramelize. Remove lemons and steak to a cutting board.

How to add flavor to filet mignon? ›

You can never go wrong by starting out with salt and pepper. In fact, using a generous crust of cracked black pepper over the surface allows you to transform this cut of meat into a Steak au Poivre. For a twist on the usual S&P combination, add some fresh herbs as well for a new take on the same steak.

Should I cook filet mignon in butter or oil? ›

Sear the steaks in vegetable oil (rather than butter or olive oil), because the vegetable oil has a higher smoke point. You can add that great butter for flavor at the end! The total cooking time will vary depending on the size, thickness, and temperature of your filet mignon when you cook it.

Do you cook filet mignon fast or slow? ›

The best method for how to cook filet mignon is quickly with direct heat. Opt for cooking methods such as broiling, grilling, and pan-frying. Long, slow cooking (or any overcooking) will dry out this cut of steak, robbing it of its flavor and tenderness.

How long to cook filet mignon on each side? ›

How To Cook Filet Mignon Perfectly
Temperature PreferenceCook Time
Medium-Rare (125-130°F):5 minutes each side
Medium (135-140°F):6 minutes each side
Medium-Well (145-150°F)7-8 minutes each side
Well (160°F+):8-10 minutes each side
1 more row
Mar 20, 2024

What is the best way to cook a steak on a cast iron skillet? ›

Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop, set to medium-high heat, and add the butter. Once the butter has fully melted, add the steaks and cook them for 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Step 3- Let the steaks rest, then slice and serve.

How long to cook a fillet steak on a skillet? ›

If you notice one steak is a little thicker than the other, cook it for an extra 30 seconds in the pan on each side. For rare, cook for 3-4 min max on each side. For medium-rare, cook for 4-5 min on each side. For medium, cook for 5-6 min on each side.

How to cook filet mignon cast iron Alton Brown? ›

  1. Place a large well-seasoned cast iron fry pan in the oven and heat oven to 500 degrees. Keep pan in oven 10-12 minutes after 500 degrees is reached; pan should smoke lightly. ...
  2. Remove from stove top and return to oven; cook 6 – 10 minutes depending on thickness for medium; a bit less for medium rare.
Apr 29, 2013

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