“Shut it down!” These famous words from world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay might echo in your head as you crave restaurant-worthy, mouth-watering Filet Mignon in the comfort of your own home. Millions of us have watched him on television, learning a few tips and tricks to elevate our culinary game, but now it’s time to take on the challenge – cook Gordon Ramsay filet mignon, just like Chef Ramsay himself. Fear not, home cooks and food enthusiasts! This step-by-step guide will have you patting yourself on the back in no time as you master the art of preparing this heavenly dish with uncompromised finesse. So grab your favorite skillet, fire up the stove, and let’s dive into the tantalizing world of Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon, cooked to absolute perfection! Bon appétit!
Understanding Filet Mignon.
Filet mignon is a highly prized steak cut known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It comes from the tenderloin, the most sensitive part of the cow because of its minimal connective tissue. As a result, this cut of meat is often considered the gold standard of steak, typically fetching the highest price in the butcher’s case.
There are various ways to prepare filet mignon, but one of the most popular methods is to sear it in a hot pan, as renowned chef Gordon Ramsay demonstrated. The quick, high-temperature sear helps the steak develop a delicious crust while maintaining its tenderness. It’s important to use fresh ingredients such as garlic cloves and a neutral frying oil, like vegetable or canola oil, which have a higher smoking point than butter, to achieve the best results.
Filet mignon steaks come in different sizes, depending on the region. In Europe, they are usually sliced from one end of the beef tenderloin and weigh 3-4 oz, while in the US, they are typically cut from the entire central tenderloin, weighing around 6-8 ounces each. The “petite filet mignon” is a European-style cut that is also available in the United States.
When cooking filet mignon, paying attention to the internal temperature of the meat is essential, especially for those inexperienced in handling such a delicate piece of meat. Using a food thermometer can make this process much easier, ensuring the steak is cooked to the desired degree of doneness without overcooking it. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for beef, followed by a 3-minute rest.
To serve filet mignon, consider pairing it with complementary sides like a creamy mashed potato, a vibrant green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. With the right cooking technique and little attention to detail, you can achieve restaurant-quality filet mignon right in your home. [1]
Importance Of Using A Food Thermometer.
In a recent blog post on Table for Seven, renowned chef Gordon Ramsay emphasized the importance of using a food thermometer when cooking filet mignon, the prized and most expensive cut of steak. Ramsay explained that a food thermometer is essential for determining the doneness of the steak and avoiding any guesswork, especially when dealing with such a delicate and high-quality piece of meat.
Filet mignon is a fine dining favorite, known for its tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture from the minimal connective tissue in the cow’s tenderloin. Cooking it perfectly cannot be very safe, but using a food thermometer can significantly ease the process. According to the blog post, a well-seared filet mignon will result in different levels of doneness based on the internal temperature, ranging from 125 degrees Fahrenheit (red with red juices) to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (completely cooked through, no longer pink).
The USDA recommends cooking beef to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by a 3-minute rest. As filet mignon cooks rapidly, using a food thermometer will ensure the steak is removed from the heat source at the right time, allowing it to achieve the desired level of doneness. A perfectly seared filet mignon can then be enjoyed with various side dishes, enhancing its delicious flavor and satisfying even the most discerning palate.
In the blog post, Ramsay also shared his method for cooking filet mignon, which includes bringing the steak to room temperature before searing it in a hot pan, using neutral frying oil, and finishing it in the oven. With these tips and the use of a food thermometer, home cooks will be able to impress guests and enjoy a restaurant-quality filet mignon at home. So, invest in a food thermometer and elevate your culinary skills with this essential kitchen tool.
Equipment Needed For Making Gordon Ramsay Filet Mignon:
Cooking a Gordon Ramsay Filet Mignon at home is a simple process that only requires a few key pieces of equipment. With the proper cooking utensils and tools, you can easily create a delicious and perfectly cooked filet mignon in the comfort of your own kitchen.
First and foremost, you will need a quality ovenproof skillet, preferably a cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is perfect for searing the steak and then transferring it directly to the oven to finish cooking. The heavy and even heat distribution of cast iron ensures consistency and even cooks on your filet mignon.
In addition to a skillet, a meat thermometer is essential when cooking a filet mignon. This handy tool takes the guesswork out of cooking the perfect steak and allows you to accurately monitor the internal temperature for the desired level of doneness. Remember always to remove the steak from the oven when it is about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired temperature, as the meat will continue to cook while resting.
A pair of tongs is also necessary when cooking your filet mignon. Tongs are used to safely turn and handle the steak while searing and during the cooking process. Using a fork to turn your steak can pierce the meat, causing vital juices to escape and potentially resulting in a drier and less flavorful dish.
Lastly, make sure you have a quality cutting board and sharp knife at hand for preparing and slicing the garlic required for the recipe. Invest in a sturdy, easy-to-clean cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife to make quick work of the garlic cloves.
With the right equipment, you can successfully create a delicious Gordon Ramsay Filet Mignon dish in your own kitchen that will impress family and friends alike.
Step-by-step Guide To Making Gordon Ramsay Filet Mignon At Home
Gordon Ramsay’s filet mignon recipe has gained popularity for being relatively easy to prepare and deliver fantastic flavor. To make this gastronomic delight at home, follow this step-by-step guide for a foolproof method.
Begin by removing the fillet steaks from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. Season the steaks with salt and pepper, and let them rest on a countertop plate. This step is crucial for achieving the best results. As you near the end of the 30-minute waiting period, preheat your oven to 360°F.
Next, heat a medium cast iron skillet over high heat for about 3-5 minutes. Once the skillet is heated, carefully pour in your choice of neutral frying oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, sear the filet mignon on each side for 2-3 minutes. If you are using smaller, petite filet mignons, sear for only 1-2 minutes per side. The aim here is to achieve a browned, crusty exterior.
After searing, remove the skillet from the heat and add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 2-8 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For reference, a cooking time of 5 minutes usually yields a medium-rare steak.
To ensure your filet mignon reaches the perfect internal temperature, it’s highly recommended to use a food thermometer. Aim for temperatures of 125°F for rare steaks, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and so on. Once your steak reaches about 5-10°F below your desired temperature, remove the skillet from the oven.
Place the cooked steak on a platter, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices inside the meat to settle and redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Finally, serve the filet mignon with the garlic cloves and skillet butter for the finishing touch.
Pair your perfectly cooked Gordon Ramsay filet mignon with carefully selected side dishes for a delicious meal. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a mixed green salad can be excellent accompaniments for this exquisite main course. [2]
Searing The Filet Mignons:
Preparing to Sear the Filet Mignons:
Before you begin searing the filet mignons, there are a few important steps to keep in mind. First, take the filet steaks out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes prior to cooking. This will allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking. Place your seasoned filets on a counter plate during this time. It is crucial not to skip this step for the best results.
Heat Your Skillet:
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) as you prepare to cook. Simultaneously, heat a medium cast iron skillet over high heat for 3-5 minutes. A cast iron skillet is perfect for this dish because it retains heat and distributes it evenly, ensuring your filet mignons will develop a beautiful sear.
Add Oil and Begin Searing:
Once your skillet is heated, carefully pour in a neutral frying oil, such as vegetable oil, watching out for any splatters. Oil is essential, as it has a higher burning point than butter and will prevent your filet mignons from burning during searing.
Sear the Filet Mignons:
Place your filet mignons in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side (1-2 minutes per side for Petite Filet Mignons) or until they develop a brown, crusty exterior. Turn your filets gently to ensure they cook evenly on each side. Searing the filet mignons at a high temperature will help seal in the juices and flavors, giving you delicious and tender results.
Adding Garlic And Rosemary To The Skillet:
Now it’s time to add the garlic and rosemary. After searing the steaks, remove the skillet from heat and carefully add a few tablespoons of butter, a couple of minced or crushed garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. This aromatic combination adds a rich and earthy flavor to your filet mignon.
Place the skillet with the garlic, rosemary, and seared steaks in the preheated oven for 2-8 minutes, depending on the desired doneness (refer to temperature guidelines). As the steaks cook, the garlic and rosemary will release their flavors and infuse into the butter and steaks.
Once your filet mignon reaches your desired internal temperature, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a platter. Tent the steaks with foil and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute the juices—this is an essential step to ensure juicy and tender steaks.
Finally, when you’re ready to serve, spoon some of the garlic and rosemary-infused butter from the skillet over each filet mignon. This delectable sauce will enhance your steaks’ flavor, making them even more delicious.
Adding garlic and rosemary to the skillet is a key step in preparing Gordon Ramsay-style filet mignon at home. With this guide, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality steak that’s full of flavor and perfectly cooked every time.
Baking The Filet Mignons In The Oven.
Baking the perfect Filet Mignons in the oven might seem intimidating at first, but following this step-by-step guide will ensure you achieve that Gordon Ramsay perfection at home.
First, preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Having the right temperature for the perfect cooking time and the ideal crust on your filet mignons is crucial. While the oven is preheating, ensure your seasoned steaks are at room temperature for an even cook.
After searing the filet mignons in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop, carefully transfer them to an oven-safe dish if your skillet isn’t safe for the oven. Otherwise, you can continue using the skillet for baking. Place the seared steaks in the preheated oven with a couple of garlic cloves, some butter, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the steaks and provide a pleasant aroma as they bake.
The cooking time for your filet mignons will depend on their size and your preferred doneness level. As a general guideline, 2 minutes in the oven will provide a rare cook, 3 to 4 minutes for a medium-rare, 5 minutes for medium, 6 to 7 minutes for medium-well, and 8 minutes for well-done. However, oven times can vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the steaks to ensure they’re cooked to your desired level.
To ensure the perfect doneness, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks. For a steak that is medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (55°C) before removing it from the oven. As a steak rests, its temperature will continue to rise slightly, so removing it from the oven a few degrees below your desired doneness is essential.
Once you’ve reached the desired internal temperature, carefully remove the steaks from the oven, and transfer them to a plate. Tent them with foil, and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier and more tender final product.
Finally, after resting, serve your oven-baked filet mignons with roasted garlic cloves and a drizzle of aromatic butter from the skillet. Enjoy your perfectly prepared Gordon Ramsay-style filet mignon with your favorite side dishes, and appreciate the gourmet steak experience you’ve created at home.
Resting The Filet Mignons Before Serving:
As recommended by Chef Gordon Ramsay, one of the most important steps to achieving a perfect Filet Mignon is to let the cooked steak rest before serving. This process ensures that the steak remains juicy, tender, and flavorful. Here is a guide on properly resting the Filet Mignons before serving.
Firstly, remove the cooked Filet Mignons from the oven or skillet, and transfer them to a clean plate or platter. Keep in mind to avoid using a cutting board as the juices will flow out, causing the steak to become dry. Instead, choose a flat surface that will retain the juices released by the meat during the resting process.
Next, tent the cooked Filet Mignons with a piece of aluminum foil. The foil should be large enough to cover the entire plate or platter. This step is crucial as it helps to keep the steak warm during the resting period and allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is succulent from edge to edge.
Allow the Filet Mignons to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Patience is key here, as the resting process allows the steak’s fibers to relax, leading to an even more tender and juicy result. Resist the urge to uncover or cut into the steak during this time, as doing so will release the juices that have been redistributing within the meat.
Once the resting time has elapsed, serving the Filet Mignons is time. Carefully remove the foil tent and place the steak onto individual plates. To elevate the dining experience, serve each steak with garlic cloves and skillet butter from the cooking process, which can be used to add extra flavor to the dish.
In conclusion, giving the cooked Filet Mignon adequate time to rest is key to achieving the perfect steak. Follow these steps, and enjoy a tender, juicy, and flavorful Filet Mignon that would make Gordon Ramsay proud.
Recommended Internal Temperatures For Doneness
Understanding the various internal temperatures for the desired doneness is crucial to achieving a perfect filet mignon. Cooking the steak to the proper internal temperature will ensure your meat has the right texture, color, and moisture. Different people expect varying levels of doneness when they order steaks, and knowing the perfect temperature will help you cater to different preferences.
To ensure the meat cooks evenly and achieves the desired doneness, removing the filet mignon steaks from the oven when the internal temperature is about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired level is recommended. This is because the steak will continue to cook as it rests, allowing the internal temperature to rise. Be cautious and avoid overcooking, as this can result in a dry and tough steak.
Here are the recommended internal temperatures for various levels of doneness in filet mignon:
– Rare: For a rare steak with a cool red center, the internal temperature should reach 120-125°F. The meat will be soft, and the juices will have a red tinge.
– Medium Rare: A medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 130-135°F. The meat will be warm throughout, with a pinkish center and reddish-pink juices.
– Medium: For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The meat will have a light pink center and clear juices.
– Medium Well: A medium-well steak should reach an internal temperature of 150-155°F. The center will have only a slight pink hue, and the juices will be mostly clear.
– Well Done: For a well-done steak that is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink, aim for an internal temperature of 160-165°F.
To ensure that you cook your filet mignon steaks to the perfect internal temperature, it is highly recommended to use a reliable meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching any bone or fat. This will provide you with an accurate reading and help you achieve the ideal level of doneness, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable meal.
FAQ about Cook Gordon Ramsay Filet Mignon:
Q: What makes Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon recipe special?
A: Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon recipe stands out because it is simple yet produces a perfectly cooked, flavorful, and juicy steak. The process involves seasoning the steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper before searing them in a hot skillet and finishing them in the oven. The cooking technique ensures the steaks have a slightly charred flavor on the outside while retaining their tenderness and juiciness inside.
Q: What equipment is needed for making Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon?
A: In order to make Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon, you will need a heat-proof skillet, preferably cast iron, for searing the steaks and transferring them directly to the oven. A roasting pan is also a good option if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet. Additionally, a cooking thermometer is recommended to check the internal temperature of the steaks and ensure they are cooked to perfection.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon?
A: Preparing the steaks only takes a few minutes, as you need to season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness, but in general, searing the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side followed by roasting them in the oven at 400°F (or 360°F for a medium-high oven temperature) for 5-8 minutes will yield a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.
Q: What ingredients are needed for Gordon Ramsay’s Filet Mignon recipe?
A: For seasoning, you will need beef tenderloin steaks—ideally 6-8 ounces each—olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Some variations of the recipe also call for additions like butter, garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary, which can be added to the skillet during the oven-roasting step to infuse the steaks with more flavor.
Q: How should Filet Mignon be served?
A: Once you’ve cooked your Filet Mignon steaks according to Gordon Ramsay’s recipe, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to retain their juiciness and ensures a perfectly cooked steak. You can serve your Filet Mignon alongside any side dish of your choice, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the flavorful pan juices over the steaks for added flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking a perfect filet mignon at home is not as intimidating as it may seem. Following a few essential steps and tips, anyone can achieve a restaurant-quality steak that will impress friends, family, or someone special during a date night. Remember to choose a high-quality cut, let the meat reach room temperature before cooking, and season it generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Gordon Ramsay’s method for cooking filet mignon is reliable and easy to follow, ensuring great results every time. Begin by searing the filet in a hot pan to create that delicious Maillard reaction, then transfer it to a hot oven to finish cooking to the desired internal temperature. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on several factors, so always cook to the target internal temperature and not by time alone.
To ensure a moist and tender filet, it is vital to use an instant-read thermometer and let the cooked steak rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the meat’s juices to redistribute, resulting in an incredibly satisfying dish. There’s no need for complex seasonings or marinades – just a simple crust of salt, pepper, or other complementary herbs and spices will suffice.
With a bit of practice, even novice cooks can impress their guests by serving a mouth-watering filet mignon that rivals the best steakhouses. So go ahead, try it, and enjoy a delectable steak experience right in the comfort of your home.