Filet mignon, translated from the French as a “dainty” fillet, is undoubtedly the most tender cut of steak available, while thanks to its marbling, offers the perfect mild beef aroma. When done right, it is the perfect dish for any special occasion, but the prospect of preparing it can be daunting. What is the best way to enhance the flavor? How do you choose a filet mignon marinade that will leave your guests wanting more? What ingredients do you need to shop for? Worry no more, read below for the steps in preparing the perfect grilled filet mignon.
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
There are many options available for giving your filet mignon a boost in flavor. Brining offers a simple ingredient list of just salt. It allows you to add moisture to your filet by soaking it in salty water but be careful not to add too much water because it will leave your steak bloated and offset its delicious flavor. Many enjoy using a dry rub, working the seasoning of choice into the steak and allowing it to sit for a while as the flavors sink into the meat. However, a filet mignon marinade can enhance the tender, juicy flavor of your steak. Since a filet is known for its tenderness and light flavor, a marinade is the way to go if you are wanting to enhance that flavor just enough to please the taste buds without it being too strong.
Step 2: Step-by-Step Recipe
Choosing the correct steak marinade can make or break your dish, so we have done the work for you. Make sure the meat you have selected is prime or choice, you want nothing but the best for your special occasion. Next, it is time to make the marinade. Start by combining the following ingredients, they will come together for a delightful flavor for your steak. Mix them all together in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon blackening seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
Now that your ingredients are all mixed together, it is time to marinade the meat. While this may sound intimidating, it is actually quite simple. Before you get started, if you are concerned with tenderness, you can always add a bit of lemon juice in order for the acid to help tenderize the meat, although with a grilled filet mignon, that is typically not a problem. When the marinade is ready, place the steaks in the same bowl, or even a Ziplock bag, with the filet mignon marinade and allow them to soak – or marinate – for two hours. It is recommended longer for steaks of less tenderness, but for a filet mignon, less is more. Make sure to leave the marinade out on the kitchen counter at room temperature. The steak needs to be neither hot nor cold when it is ready to be grilled. This is the longest part of the process, but fortunately, it also is the easiest.
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Step 3: Grilling the Steak
When the steak is done marinating, it is time to heat up the grill. For the best result, the grill needs to be around 450 degrees but not more than 500 degrees. On most grills, this is around 75 percent. You can tell for sure by purchasing a grill surface thermometer. Make sure you have your other necessary equipment ready to go as well. Not only will you need a grill surface thermometer, but a meat thermometer also is important. Grill tongs and foil need to be handy when you begin the process of grilling your filet mignon.
Not only do you need to know your grill temperature, you also need to know steak temperatures. This is vital in cooking the perfect grilled filet mignon. Your steak is cooked extra-rare when it is very red and cold with a temperature of 115 to 120 degrees; rare when it has a cold red center and is soft, 125-130 degrees; medium rare when it has a warm red center and is firmer, 130-140 degrees; medium when the steak is pink and firm, 140-150 degrees; medium well when there is a small amount of pink in the center, 150-155 degrees and well-done when the steak is gray-brown throughout and firm, 160-212 degrees. Temperature is the only way to go when grilling a filet mignon, do not rely on time because you will be very disappointed.
Now that your grill has reached the correct temperature and you know what temperature your steaks need to reach in order to be cooked the way you and your guests like, it is time to throw the steaks on the grill and close the lid. Grill for six minutes, rotating halfway through. Continue flipping and grilling until your steak reaches its desired temperature. Make sure to never, ever puncture the steak with the tongs while rotating, it can ruin the steaks texture and tenderness. Just be very careful when turning. For example, an additional six minutes would reach 145 to 150 degrees internal temperatures. Remove the steaks from the grill and make sure to lightly foil the steaks for an additional five minutes while the juices finish settling in the meat.
Marinated Filet Mignon
Equipment
-
Grill with surface thermometer
-
meat thermometer
-
Tongs
-
Foil
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp blackening seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
Instructions
-
Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
-
When the marinade is ready, place the steaks in the same bowl, or even a Ziplock bag, with the filet mignon marinade and allow them to soak – or marinate – for two hours.
-
It is recommended longer for steaks of less tenderness, but for a filet mignon, less is more.
-
Make sure to leave the marinade out on the kitchen counter at room temperature.
-
The steak needs to be neither hot nor cold when it is ready to be grilled. This is the longest part of the process, but fortunately, it also is the easiest.
-
When the steak is done marinating, it is time to heat up the grill. For the best result, the grill needs to be around 450 degrees but not more than 500 degrees. On most grills, this is around 75 percent.
-
Not only do you need to know your grill temperature, you also need to know steak temperatures. This is vital in cooking the perfect grilled filet mignon.
-
Your steak is cooked extra-rare when it is very red and cold with a temperature of 115 to 120 degrees; rare when it has a cold red center and is soft, 125-130 degrees; medium rare when it has a warm red center and is firmer, 130-140 degrees; medium when the steak is pink and firm, 140-150 degrees; medium well when there is a small amount of pink in the center, 150-155 degrees and well-done when the steak is gray-brown throughout and firm, 160-212 degrees.
-
Now that your grill has reached the correct temperature and you know what temperature your steaks need to reach in order to be cooked the way you and your guests like, it is time to throw the steaks on the grill and close the lid.
-
Grill for six minutes, rotating halfway through. Continue flipping and grilling until your steak reaches its desired temperature.
-
Make sure to never, ever puncture the steak with the tongs while rotating, it can ruin the steaks texture and tenderness. Just be very careful when turning.
-
For example, an additional six minutes would reach 145 to 150 degrees internal temperatures.
-
Remove the steaks from the grill and make sure to lightly foil the steaks for an additional five minutes while the juices finish settling in the meat.
Nutrition
Step 4: Ready to Serve
Congratulations, you have created the perfect filet mignon marinade and grilled your steak to perfection. It is time to garnish the steak with a salad, asparagus, baked potato or whatever your heart desires. You can even top the steak with sautéed mushrooms, blue cheese and a variety of toppings before serving the dish up to the guests who anxiously await dinner. It is likely you will receive rave reviews and this grilled steak mignon will become your go-to dish for every special event you host, or the perfect meal for a night in with your loved ones. While the thought of preparing such a delicate entrée can be intimidating, you will be thankful you gave it a shot for years to come.
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