Broiling filet mignon in the oven is a fantastic way to get a tender, juicy steak with a beautifully crisp crust-right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a special dinner or just craving a restaurant-quality steak, broiling is quick, easy, and delivers delicious results. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to broil filet mignon in the oven like a pro.
What You’ll Need
– Filet mignon steaks (about 1½ to 2 inches thick works best)
– Olive oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Optional: butter for finishing
– A broiler-safe pan or a cast-iron skillet
– Tongs for flipping
Step 1: Prep Your Filets
Start by removing your filet mignon from the refrigerator about 20 to 40 minutes before cooking. Letting the steaks come to room temperature helps them cook evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and crust formation. Then, lightly brush all sides with olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Adjust Your Oven Rack and Preheat the Broiler
Place your oven rack about 4 to 5 inches below the broiler element. Thicker steaks (1½ to 2 inches) should be closer-around 4 inches-while thinner cuts can be about 5 inches away from the heat source. Preheat your broiler on high for at least 5 to 10 minutes to get it nice and hot.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Spray your broiler pan or cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or brush it lightly with olive oil. Place the pan in the oven while it preheats so it gets hot too. This helps create a better crust on the steak when you place it down.
Step 4: Broil the Filet Mignon
Place the steaks on the hot pan or skillet and slide it under the broiler. Broil the first side for about 4 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness, until a golden-brown crust forms. Then, use tongs to flip the steaks carefully.
Brush the flipped side lightly with olive oil again to help crisp it up. Broil for another 4 to 6 minutes until the crust is formed and the steak reaches your desired doneness.
Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness:
– Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
– Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
If the steak isn’t quite there, pop it back under the broiler for a minute or two and check again.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the filets from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your steak juicy and tender.
If you like, add a pat of butter on top of each filet just before serving for extra richness.
Broiling filet mignon in the oven is straightforward and yields an elegant, restaurant-quality steak with a crispy crust and tender center. With these simple steps, you’ll impress yourself and your guests every time. Enjoy your perfectly broiled filet mignon!