Welcome to a world where smoked filet mignon becomes a gourmet delight. This savory dish takes a tender steak recipe to new levels. With garlic and herb butter filet mignon, you craft an elegant main course. It suits fancy dinners or quick meals.
Start by bringing your steak to room temperature. Then, sear the filet mignon in a hot pan. Finish by baking it to your preferred doneness. Our guide shows how to make restaurant-quality steak at home!
Understanding Filet Mignon: What Makes It Special?
Filet mignon is a top choice among the best beef cuts. It’s known for being really tender and flavorful. Cooking it simply brings out its best. This lets its tenderloin origins shine.
What is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is from the tenderloin’s smaller end, inside the cow’s loin. This part has little fat and is super tender since it’s not used much by the cow. It’s also called beef tenderloin steak. People love it for its smooth, rich taste. It needs careful cooking to keep its special texture.
Why is Filet Mignon So Expensive?
Filet mignon costs a lot because it’s rare and hard to get. Only a little bit of the tenderloin works for filet mignon. This makes it very sought-after. Making filet mignon needs skills to keep its flavor and tenderness. It’s a luxury that’s perfect for fancy meals.
Essential Tips for Smoking Filet Mignon
Smoking filet mignon just right involves careful steps and techniques. Here are some key tips to help you make a juicy smoked steak that will wow everyone.
Choosing the Right Cut
Choosing the right filet mignon for smoking is vital. Look for CHOICE or PRIME grade steaks. These grades mean the steak has lots of marbling and will be tender. Make sure the steak is at least 1.5 inches thick. This thickness is best for even smoking and getting the perfect doneness.
Seasoning for Perfection
To make your smoked filet mignon even better, master the art of seasoning. Start with a good amount of kosher salt and fresh black pepper. You might also want to add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices will enhance the meat’s taste without hiding it.
Using a Meat Thermometer
Getting the doneness just right is easier with a trustworthy meat thermometer. The Thermapen is recommended for its accuracy. Put the thermometer in the thickest part of the steak to measure its internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, look for 130°F. For medium, aim for about 140°F. Keep in mind that the steak will keep cooking a bit after you take it off the heat.
Smoked Filet Mignon: Step-by-Step Recipe
Making the perfect smoked filet mignon turns this meat into something special. We’ll show you how to do it right, making sure your filet mignon comes out great.
Preparing Your Filet Mignon
Let your filet mignon warm up to room temperature first. This makes sure it cooks evenly. Dry the steaks with paper towels and season well with salt and pepper. Adding garlic powder or herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a fancy touch.
Smoking the Filet Mignon
The smoking adds a smoky taste that’s amazing. Heat your smoker to 225°F and use mesquite or hickory chips for flavor. Put your steaks in the smoker and let them cook for about an hour, or until they reach 125°F for medium-rare. Searing the steaks for 1-2 minutes per side afterwards can lock in their juices nicely.
Resting and Serving Your Steak
Take the filet mignon out of the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices spread out, making the steak juicy. Cut the steak against the grain and try adding pan drippings on top for more flavor. This steps finishes your smoked filet mignon perfectly.
Conclusion
Learning how to smoke filet mignon is very rewarding. It highlights the best flavors of this top-quality beef. The tenderness and rich taste make filet mignon stand out. Even though it’s a bit pricey, cooking this fancy meal is worth it.
Choosing the right beef and seasoning it well is key. Also, using a meat thermometer helps. The recipe will guide you through each step. It shows how to prepare, smoke, and rest the steak. This makes sure your meat is perfectly cooked. It will wow anyone who tries it.
When you serve your smoked filet mignon, you’ll see your hard work paid off. The smoky taste mixed with soft beef offers a meal to remember. You have all the tips and instructions to make a delicious smoky filet mignon. Enjoy your creation and take pleasure in every tasty bite.
