Filet mignon with blue cheese butter combines the tenderness of juicy steak with the creamy richness of blue cheese for a luxurious meal. Start by seasoning your steaks with salt and searing them in a hot skillet for a crispy crust. Top the cooked filet with a house-made blue cheese butter that melts over the meat. This dish elevates any dining experience, especially when served with roasted vegetables. For even more tips, stay tuned for more insights!
History
When you explore the history of filet mignon, you'll discover that its name, derived from the French "filet de boeuf," means "tenderloin," highlighting its prized tenderness.
Gaining popularity in the 19th century, this cut became a staple in upscale French restaurants, and soon made its way to the United States.
The rich flavor of filet mignon pairs beautifully with blue cheese butter, a combination rooted in classic French cuisine.
This pairing enhances the meat's succulent qualities, creating an indulgent experience.
Blue cheese, with its unique flavor profile dating back to ancient France, complements the tenderness of the filet, making the dish a favorite for special occasions and fine dining.
Enjoying filet mignon with blue cheese butter celebrates culinary tradition and sophistication.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 filet mignon steaks (1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Season the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the blue cheese, thyme, and parsley until well combined.
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, sear the steaks for about 2 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the steaks for an additional 3-5 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with a dollop of blue cheese butter on top.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the steaks—125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium.
Additionally, allowing the steaks to rest after cooking is essential for maintaining their juiciness; this resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Feel free to customize the blue cheese butter with other herbs or spices to suit your taste, and enjoy your elevated filet mignon experience!
Cooking Steps
To cook the perfect filet mignon, you'll start by seasoning the steaks with salt before searing them in a hot skillet.
Once they've developed a nice crust, you'll add the blue cheese butter for a rich flavor.
After resting for a few minutes, slice and serve immediately for a delightful meal.
Step 1. Season Filet With Salt
Generously sprinkle kosher salt on all sides of your filet mignon to elevate its natural flavors and tenderness.
Use a coarse salt like kosher, which sticks well to the meat. For the best results, season your filet at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the salt to penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor and moisture retention.
Avoid salting less than 15 minutes prior, as it can draw moisture away and reduce flavor.
Once seasoned, let the filet mignon rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This step guarantees even cooking when you prepare your Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Butter.
With this simple salting technique, you'll achieve a perfectly seasoned steak that's ready for the next cooking steps.
Step 2. Sear Filet in Hot Skillet
Once your skillet is preheated and sizzling, it's time to place the seasoned filet mignon in the hot cast iron.
Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and fresh ground pepper. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet to prevent sticking and help form a beautiful crust.
Sear the steaks for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until you achieve a dark-brown crust, then flip and sear for another 2 minutes.
After this, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven, allowing the steaks to finish cooking to your desired doneness—typically, this takes an additional 3-5 minutes.
Once done, let them rest for a few minutes to guarantee a perfectly juicy internal temperature.
Step 3. Add Blue Cheese Butter
Combine softened unsalted butter with crumbled blue cheese and finely chopped herbs like thyme and parsley for a rich and flavorful blue cheese butter.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Once your filet mignon is cooked to a perfect medium rare, remove it from the heat.
Immediately top each steak with a generous dollop of blue cheese butter, allowing it to melt beautifully over the warm meat.
This creamy, tangy blue cheese butter enhances the richness of the steak, creating a classic flavor combination that complements the filet mignon perfectly.
Any leftover blue cheese butter can elevate dishes like grilled vegetables or baked potatoes.
Step 4. Rest for Five Minutes
After cooking your filet mignon to perfection, it's important to let the steak rest for about five minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy, flavorful steak.
As the steak rests, its internal temperature may rise slightly, helping you achieve your desired level of doneness. Cover the steaks loosely with aluminum foil to retain heat without steaming them.
This simple step prevents juices from spilling out when you slice the steak, ensuring its moistness and rich flavor remain intact. Chefs often recommend this technique to enhance the overall dining experience, making every bite delicious.
Step 5. Slice and Serve Immediately
Slice the filet mignon with a sharp knife for the best results. Make sure to cut against the grain; this technique keeps the meat tender and prevents it from becoming chewy.
After resting, the filet mignon should be warm and juicy, perfect for serving. Arrange the sliced steak on a plate and drizzle any accumulated juices from the resting plate over it to enhance flavor and moisture.
Don't forget to serve it immediately while it's still warm, allowing the rich flavors of the blue cheese butter to shine.
Pair your filet mignon with delicious side dishes like roasted vegetables or cacio e pepe Brussels sprouts for a complete meal presentation that impresses. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
As you savor the rich flavors of filet mignon paired with blue cheese butter, you'll appreciate how this dish elevates any meal into a special occasion.
The tenderness of filet mignon steaks, combined with the creamy, tangy blue cheese, creates one of the best steak experiences ever. Cooking at high heat guarantees a perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Remember, for that ideal medium-rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. You can prepare the blue cheese butter ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve your filet mignon with roasted vegetables or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal that impresses. This dish is sure to create lasting memories around your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Gordon Ramsay Cook the Perfect Filet Mignon?
To cook the perfect filet mignon, you'll want to start by seasoning it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Heat olive oil and butter in a hot pan, then sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side.
Finish it in the oven to reach medium-rare at 130°F.
Don't forget to baste with garlic and herbs for added flavor!
Is Blue Cheese on Steak Good?
If you're wondering whether blue cheese on steak is good, you're in for a treat.
The creamy, tangy flavor of blue cheese beautifully complements the rich, juicy taste of steak. When melted, it adds moisture and depth, enhancing the overall experience.
Many steak lovers rave about this combination, as it creates a delightful contrast. If you enjoy bold flavors, you'll likely find that blue cheese elevates your steak dish to a whole new level.
What Is Poor Mans Filet Mignon?
Ever wondered how you can enjoy a delicious steak dinner without breaking the bank? Poor Man's Filet Mignon is your answer!
It typically uses more affordable cuts like sirloin or tri-tip, expertly marinated or seasoned to enhance its flavor. You can grill, sear, or slow cook these cuts to achieve the perfect tenderness.
This budget-friendly option delivers a satisfying steak experience that rivals pricier alternatives, making it a favorite in many home kitchens.
How Does Ruth Chris Cook Their Filet Mignon?
At Ruth's Chris, they cook their filet mignon with precision to guarantee maximum flavor and tenderness.
You'll notice they start with high-quality USDA Prime beef, seasoned simply with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
They sear it in a hot cast iron skillet or grill, then finish it in an 1,800-degree broiler.
Finally, they serve it on sizzling 500-degree plates, keeping it warm and inviting for your dining pleasure.
