Filet mignon is one of the most tender and sought-after cuts of beef you can enjoy. Cooking it to the perfect medium well doneness can be a bit challenging because it’s easy to overcook this delicate cut and lose its natural juiciness. However, with the right techniques and attention, you can achieve a nicely cooked filet mignon that’s firm but still flavorful and moist.
Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or baking, the key lies in timing, temperature control, and proper preparation. This guide will take you through each step clearly so that your filet mignon comes out just how you want it, every time. Plus, you’ll learn some handy tips to avoid common mistakes.
By the end of this guide, you will have the confidence to serve a perfectly medium well filet mignon, impressing your guests or simply enjoying a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your home kitchen. Let’s dive into the best way to cook filet mignon medium well and keep it tender and delicious.
Choosing the Right Filet Mignon for Medium Well Cooking
Start with selecting well-marbled filet mignon steaks. Even though filet mignon is lean, small flecks of fat throughout the meat help retain moisture and add flavor when cooking medium well. Look for steaks that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, as this thickness allows proper searing and internal cooking without drying out.
Choose fresh or properly thawed steaks, and opt for USDA Choice grade or higher for better flavor and tenderness. Avoid pre-packaged steaks that look pale or dry, as these can result in less juicy outcomes when cooked to medium well.
Prepping Your Filet Mignon
Before cooking, take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes in advance. Bring the meat to room temperature to ensure even cooking throughout. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps create a beautiful crust when searing.
Season your filet mignon simply but generously. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Some chefs like to add garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme for extra aroma, but keep it minimal to let the beef shine.
Basic Seasoning Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, rosemary, thyme
Cooking Method Options for Filet Mignon Medium Well
Filet mignon is versatile in cooking methods, but achieving medium well requires precision and control. Here are the three best popular methods:
1. Pan-Searing and Oven Finishing
This two-step method is favorite for many because it creates a flavorful crust and perfectly cooked center. Start by heating a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat with a bit of cooking oil. When hot, sear the filet mignon for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Cook for about 5-8 minutes, checking internal temperature frequently with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
2. Grilling
Grilling adds great smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side. Then move the steaks to indirect heat and close the grill lid to finish cooking for 5 more minutes or until medium well doneness is reached.
3. Sous Vide and Searing
For precision and tenderness, sous vide is unbeatable. Season the filet mignon, vacuum seal, and cook sous vide at 145°F (63°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Afterward, quickly sear each side in a hot skillet for about 30-45 seconds for a perfect crust without overcooking the interior.
Understanding Internal Temperature for Medium Well
The most accurate way to cook any steak to your desired doneness is by monitoring internal temperature, not timing alone. Medium well corresponds to 150°F to 155°F (65.5°C to 68°C). Beyond this, the steak starts becoming tough and dry.
Use a reliable instant-read meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the steak. Remove the steak from heat when it reaches the lower end of this range, as residual heat will carry it to the perfect medium well temperature while resting.
Resting Your Filet Mignon
Resting is crucial in any steak cooking process, especially when aiming for medium well. After cooking, let your filet mignon rest on a warm plate loosely tented with foil for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender bite instead of liquids running out.
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide for Pan-Seared, Medium Well Filet Mignon
| Step | Action | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bring steaks to room temperature | 30-45 minutes |
| 2 | Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C), heat skillet with oil | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Sear steaks in skillet (2-3 minutes per side) | 4-6 minutes |
| 4 | Transfer skillet to oven and cook | 5-8 minutes |
| 5 | Check internal temp, remove at 150-155°F (65.5–68°C) | As needed |
| 6 | Rest steak covered | 5-10 minutes |
Tips For A Perfect Medium Well Filet Mignon
- Use a thermometer: It removes guesswork and prevents overcooking.
- Don’t flip repeatedly: Flip only once or twice for best browning.
- Choose the right fat: Use high smoke point oils like avocado or grapeseed for searing.
- Adjust thickness: Thicker steaks give more margin for error with medium well cooking.
- Trim excess moisture: Dry steaks sear better, creating a tasty crust.
Conclusion
Cooking filet mignon medium well may seem tricky due to its delicate texture and lean profile, but it’s entirely doable with patience and the right approach. Start by choosing quality cuts and prepare them thoughtfully. Use temperature control and sear your steaks to lock in flavor.
Whether you prefer pan-searing with oven finishing, grilling, or sous vide, always rely on an instant-read thermometer so your cooking hits that perfect medium well mark between 150°F and 155°F. Don’t forget to rest the steak to maintain juiciness.
With these techniques, your filet mignon will be tender, flavorful, and cooked exactly the way you want for a special meal anytime in 2026 and beyond.
FAQ
What does medium well mean for steak?
Medium well means the steak is cooked until there’s only a slight hint of pink in the center. The internal temperature usually ranges between 150-155°F (65.5-68°C), resulting in a firmer but still moist texture.
How long should I cook filet mignon to medium well?
For a 1.5 to 2-inch thick filet, pan searing for 2-3 minutes per side and then finishing in a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes usually works. Use a thermometer to be accurate.
Can I cook filet mignon medium well on a grill?
Yes, grill the steak on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, then move it to indirect heat for 5 minutes or until it reaches medium well temperature.
Is filet mignon best medium well or medium rare?
Filet mignon is best enjoyed medium rare to medium for maximum tenderness and juiciness. However, cooking it medium well is possible but requires careful technique to avoid dryness.
Should I rest filet mignon after cooking?
Absolutely. Resting for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, making every bite juicy and flavorful instead of dry.