If you’re looking to indulge in a steak dinner, few cuts are as succulent and luxurious as the filet mignon. Omaha Steaks, a leading purveyor of fine meats, offers a premium selection of these prized cuts, hand-trimmed and aged to perfection. Cooking filet mignon in the oven can be intimidating, but fear not: with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to prepare a mouth-watering, restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Filet mignon comes from the tenderloin, a muscle that spans the spine and diaphragm of a steer or heifer. This muscle is not weight-bearing, which means it doesn’t develop much connective tissue, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender. Moreover, filet mignon contains very little fat, making it lean but also more susceptible to overcooking and dryness.
To achieve a succulent result, filet mignon should be cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness, which means an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C). This temperature range allows the meat fibers to relax and retain moisture, while still providing a slightly pink center. Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook a little bit after you remove it from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and undercook it slightly.
Omaha Steaks offers filet mignon in different grades, including USDA Prime, USDA Choice, and their own Private Reserve. The Private Reserve line features hand-selected, perfectly marbled steaks that are aged for up to 28 days for extra tenderness and flavor. While these steaks are more expensive than the others, they’re worth the splurge for a special occasion or a gourmet meal.
When selecting your filet mignon, look for steaks that are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches (4-5 cm) thick, which will ensure even cooking. The meat should be deep red with some marbling of fat, but not too much. Avoid steaks that are brownish or grayish in color, which could indicate spoilage, and ones that have a strong odor.
Before cooking your steaks, it’s important to let them come to room temperature, which means taking them out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes beforehand. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent a cold center. While you wait, you can pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Some people like to season their filet mignon with salt and pepper only, while others prefer to use a blend of spices or a marinade. If you opt for the former, sprinkle the steaks generously with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. If you want to add more flavor, try a rub made with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil, or a marinade made with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard.
While you can grill or pan-sear your filet mignon, cooking it in the oven is a foolproof method that results in a uniformly cooked steak. Here are some tips to make the most of your oven cooking:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet by lightly greasing it with oil, butter, or cooking spray.
Place the filet mignon on the sheet or skillet, with some space between them to ensure they cook evenly and not steam each other.
Cook the steaks for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest steak to check the temperature.
If you want a crispy crust, you can sear the steaks briefly on both sides on a hot skillet or under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Let the steaks rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving, so that the juices redistribute and the meat stays juicy.
While filet mignon is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with some creative sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
Pair the steak with a rich bearnaise sauce, made with egg yolks, butter, white wine vinegar, and herbs.
Serve the steak on a bed of mashed potatoes, risotto, or polenta, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese or truffle oil.
Add some color and freshness to the plate with seasonal vegetables, such as roasted asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, or glazed carrots.
For a decadent touch, top the steak with foie gras, lobster tail, or a cognac cream sauce.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can also try a dry rub or marinade with bold spices, such as coffee, cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika. Just remember to balance the seasoning with the delicate flavor of the filet mignon, and not overpower it.
While cooking the perfect filet mignon requires some finesse, don’t worry too much about overcooking or undercooking it. If you accidentally leave the steaks in the oven too long or cut into them too soon, you can still salvage the meal.
If the steaks are overcooked and have lost some of their juiciness, you can try adding a sauce or basting them with melted butter or olive oil to add some moisture. If the steaks are undercooked and too rare for your taste, you can pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes or sear them on a hot skillet until they reach your ideal doneness. Alternatively, you can slice the steaks thinly and saute them with vegetables or make them into a stir-fry or stew.
Here’s a simple recipe for oven-baked Omaha Steaks filet mignon that you can adapt to your tastes and creativity:
Four Omaha Steaks filet mignon steaks, 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) thick
1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped thyme, or 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and grease a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet with oil or cooking spray.
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
If using a rub, combine the salt, pepper, and spices in a small bowl. If using a marinade, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, mustard, and a tablespoon of oil in a small bowl.
Rub the steaks on both sides with the seasoning or coat them with the marinade, making sure to cover all the meat. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Place the steaks on the baking sheet or skillet, leaving some space between them. Drizzle them with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Bake the steaks for 15-20 minutes, depending on the desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, aiming for 135-145°F (57-63°C) for medium-rare to medium. If you want a crispy crust, you can sear the steaks on a hot skillet or under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. Enjoy!
The best way to cook Omaha Steaks filet mignon in the oven is by using the reverse sear method. This involves starting the cooking process at a lower temperature, typically around 275°F, until the internal temperature of the steak reaches about 10-15°F below your desired level of doneness. Then, you can finish it off by searing it in a preheated skillet or under the broiler for a delicious crust.
The cooking time for Omaha Steaks filet mignon in the oven will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, you can estimate about 15-20 minutes for a 1-inch thick filet mignon at 275°F for medium-rare. However, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking times and desired results.
For a perfectly cooked filet mignon, it is suggested to cook it to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook after it is removed from the oven, so you may want to take it out a few degrees below your ideal temperature.
The reverse sear method typically involves searing the filet mignon after it has been cooked in the oven. By searing it at high heat for a short period of time, you can achieve a beautiful crust on the steak while maintaining a moist and tender interior. However, if you prefer to sear the steak first, you can certainly do so before transferring it to the oven to finish cooking.
Omaha Steaks filet mignon is known for its high-quality and naturally juicy flavor, so it doesn’t require heavy seasoning. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and maybe a little garlic powder is usually sufficient to enhance the natural taste of the meat. However, you can experiment by adding your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor according to your preference.