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Reverse Sear Filet Mignon

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Several pieces of a medium rare steak fanned on a plate with grilled asparagus, potatoes and carrots.

Reverse Sear Filet Mignon

There are many ways to cook a filet mignon, but the tried-and-true method of a reverse sear is always my choice for a thicker cut of meat like a filet mignon.

A reverse sear is an ideal way to ensure consistency of your finished cook and avoid that terrible feeling of cutting into an overcooked (and expensive) steak! As the method states, you are reversing the process, so you start by cooking your steak at a low temperature (200°F) until it is close to done. Then, it is placed on a scorching hot grill or skillet to finish.

Tips for the perfect filet mignon

Selecting your steaks

The first and most crucial step in preparing a delicious filet mignon, is to visit a quality butcher and have them cut you the desired size. When requesting your cuts, be sure to get consistency in the width and thickness so they cook evenly. 

Season the filet mignons

Season the steaks liberally, on both sides, with kosher salt (approximately 2 teaspoons per steak), and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. Then set aside for 15 minutes at room temperature, while you heat your grill (or oven) to 200°F.

Two seasoned filet mignon steaks on a rack.

Reverse sear

A reverse sear is an ideal way to ensure consistency of your finished cook and avoid that terrible feeling of cutting into an overcooked steak.

Place a bed of rosemary inside your skillet, then place the steaks on top of the rosemary. Slowly roast the steaks until they reach an internal temperature of about 120°F, 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the thickness of the steak), flipping the steaks halfway through cooking (20-minute mark).
** These steaks were 10 ounces each and took 45 minutes. An 8-ounce steak would be closer to 30 minutes Start checking smaller steaks earlier. **

Sear the Steaks

Take the steaks from the skillet and let it rest on a board uncovered for 10 minutes. Now you have the choice to sear the steaks in the skillet or on the grill. Both will provide amazing results as long as the skillet or the grill reach a surface temperature around 600°F. Use an infrared thermometer for an accurate measurement. Alternatively, check your grill thermometer with the lid shut for at least 5 minutes.
You can also test if the skillet is ready by pouring 1/2 teaspoon of water into the middle of the pan; if it completely evaporates in 5 seconds, you should be good to go.
** I seared my steaks on the grill this time, to allow me the opportunity to cook my smashed potatoes in the pan juices from the steaks and rosemary. Such a great flavour to add to potatoes** Whichever method you choose, brush a very light coat of olive oil onto both sides of the steaks.
Then sear the steak for 90 seconds per side. For the best skillet sear, use a NanoBond skillet large enough that the steaks do not touch.

Rest the steaks

Remove the steaks a board to rest for 5 minutes. This a great time to add a pad of compound butter to melt all over the steaks.
** I used a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt & pepper for my butter. **

Steak temperature

These instructions will cook your steak to a lovely medium rare. If you want your steak medium, allow it to roast to an internal temperature between 125°F to 130°F. Then sear as described above.
Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Serve the steaks whole or slice diagonally against the grain. Serve with your favourite grilled seasonal vegetables and rosemary smashed potatoes.

A finished reverse sear filet mignon on a plate with asparagus, carrots and potatoes.

Watch the process video here

Several pieces of a medium rare steak fanned on a plate with grilled asparagus, potatoes and carrots.

Reverse Sear Filet Mignon

There are many ways to cook a filet mignon, but my tried-and-true method of a reverse sear is always my choice for thicker cut of meat like a filet mignon.
A reverse sear is an ideal way to ensure consistency of your finished cook and avoid that terrible feeling of cutting into an overcooked (and expensive) steak! As the method states, you are reversing the process, so you start by cooking your steak at a low temperature until it is close to done. Then, it is placed on a scorching hot grill or pan to finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 48 mins
Inactive time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 23 mins
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine North American
Servings 2 People

Ingredients
  

  • 2 – 10 ounce Filet Mignon Steaks
  • 4 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 2 -3 sprigs of rosemary
  • olive oil
  • 2 pads of compound butter ** I used a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt & pepper for my butter. **

Instructions
 

  • Selecting your steaks. The first and most crucial step in preparing a delicious filet mignon, is to visit a quality butcher and have them cut you the desired size. When requesting your cuts, be sure to get consistency in the width and thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Season the steaks liberally, on both sides, with kosher salt (approximately 2 teaspoons per steak), and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. Then set aside for 15 minutes at room temperature, while you heat your grill (or oven) to 200°F.
  • A reverse sear is an ideal way to ensure consistency of your finished cook and avoid that terrible feeling of cutting into an overcooked steak.
    Place a bed of rosemary inside your skillet, then place the steaks on top of the rosemary. Slowly roast the steaks until they reach an internal temperature of about 120°F, 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the thickness of the steak), flipping the steaks halfway through cooking (20-minute mark).
    ** These steaks were 10 ounces each and took 45 minutes. An 8-ounce steak would be closer to 30 minutes Start checking smaller steaks earlier. **
  • Sear the Steaks. Take the steaks from the skillet and let it rest on a board uncovered for 10 minutes. Now you have the choice to sear the steaks in the skillet or on the grill. Both will provide amazing results as long as the skillet or the grill reach a surface temperature around 600°F. Use an infrared thermometer for an accurate measurement. Alternatively, check your grill thermometer with the lid shut for at least 5 minutes. You can also test if the skillet is ready by pouring 1/2 teaspoon of water into the middle of the pan; if it completely evaporates in 5 seconds, you should be good to go.
    ** I seared my steaks on the grill this time, to allow me the opportunity to cook my smashed potatoes in the pan juices from the steaks and rosemary. Such a great flavour to add to potatoes**
    Whichever method you choose, brush a very light coat of olive oil onto both sides of the steaks. Then sear the steak for 90 seconds per side.
    For the best skillet sear, use a NanoBond skillet large enough that the steaks do not touch.
  • Rest the steaks. Then remove them to a board to rest for 5 minutes. This a great time to add a pad of compound butter to melt all over the steaks. ** I used a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt & pepper for my butter. **
  • Serving suggestions. Serve the steaks whole or slice diagonally against the grain. Serve with your favourite grilled seasonal vegetables and rosemary smashed potatoes.
  • Steak temperature. These instructions will cook your steak to a lovely medium rare. If you want your steak medium, allow it to roast to an internal temperature between 125°F to 130°F. Then sear as described above. Enjoy!

Video

Keyword filet mignon, Flank Steak, National Filet Mignon Day, reverse sear method, steak recipes, steak tips
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Hope you enjoy my Reverse Sear Fillet Mignon recipe and tips.

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Have a delicious day! James (aka Zimmy) & Elaine

Cooked in the Hestan 11″ NanoBond Skillet  on my 36″ Hestan freestanding Grill. Proud Hestan Culinary and Hestan Ambassador. Opinions in this post are my own.