Fondue Filet Mignon: Cooking Time Perfected

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to serve dinner, and cooking filet mignon in fondue is a great way to enjoy a special cut of meat. The cooking time for filet mignon in fondue depends on the desired level of doneness and the size of the meat cubes. In general, it takes around 25-60 seconds per piece to cook meat in fondue, with thinner cuts of beef cooking more quickly than thicker ones. For a rare steak, cook for 1 minute, medium rare for 2 minutes, and well done for 3-5 minutes. It's important to use a fondue pot with a high smoking point oil such as peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, and to heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the meat.

How to get the perfect fondue temperature

Preparing a meat fondue is a fun and delicious way to cook and enjoy a meal with friends and family. To get the perfect fondue temperature for filet mignon, there are a few key steps to follow.

Firstly, you'll need to prepare your fondue pot or cooker. Fill your fondue pot halfway with vegetable oil or another high-heat oil such as avocado oil. You'll want to heat the oil to the right temperature, which is typically around 190°C (375°F). If you don't have a thermometer, a handy trick is to throw a small cube of bread into the oil; when it takes about 30 seconds to brown, the oil is ready.

Once your oil has reached the ideal temperature, carefully move the fondue pot to your table or serving area, ensuring it is stable and secure. Place the pot over the heating unit and light the flame according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Now, it's time to cook your filet mignon! Cut your meat into 3/4" to 1" cubes and bring them to room temperature before cooking. Using fondue forks, carefully spear the meat cubes (one per person) and place them into the hot oil. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 25-30 seconds, 30-35 seconds for medium, and 45-60 seconds for well-done.

Remember to exercise caution when cooking with hot oil and always follow safety guidelines. Enjoy your perfectly cooked filet mignon fondue!

How to prepare the filet mignon

Preparing filet mignon for fondue involves a few key steps to ensure the meat is cooked to perfection. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare filet mignon for a delicious fondue experience:

Selecting the Meat:

Start by choosing the right cut of meat. Filet mignon is a tender and expensive cut of beef, taken from the smaller tip of the tenderloin. Look for a deep red colour, free of any silver skin or connective tissue. The steaks should be soft to the touch. Each steak should be around 6-8 ounces for a good portion size.

Preparing the Meat:

Take the steaks out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving tender and juicy steaks.

Seasoning:

Generously season the steaks with salt and pepper on all sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic or rosemary to enhance the flavour.

Searing the Steaks:

Use a cast iron pan or an oven-safe stainless steel pan for searing. Heat the pan on the stove over high heat. Once the pan is very hot, add oil and wait for it to shimmer. Place the steaks in the pan and sear for exactly 2 minutes on one side to get a nice golden crust. Then, roll them on their sides for another minute to brown the edges.

Adding the Butter Baste:

Flip the steaks onto their final side. While they are searing, add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan. Baste the steaks with the melted butter for about 1 minute.

Baking the Steaks:

Transfer the hot pan with the steaks into an oven preheated to around 400°F (200°C). Bake for an additional 4 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks:

• Rare: Remove at 115°F to 125°F (3 to 4 minutes in the oven).
• Medium-rare: Remove at 120°F to 130°F (5 to 6 minutes in the oven).
• Medium: Remove at 130°F to 140°F (6 to 7 minutes in the oven).
• Medium-well: Remove at 140°F to 150°F (8 to 9 minutes in the oven).
• Well done: Remove at 150°F to 160°F (10 to 11 minutes in the oven).

Resting the Steaks:

Remove the cooked steaks from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period ensures the steaks reach the proper serving temperature and allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Fondue Cooking:

Cut the cooked filet mignon into bite-sized cubes. You can now use these cubes for your fondue. Heat your fondue pot with vegetable oil or another high-smoking-point oil to around 375°F. Carefully place the meat cubes into the hot oil and cook for the desired time, usually 25-60 seconds per piece, depending on your preferred doneness.

Enjoy your homemade filet mignon fondue!

How long to cook for each level of doneness

When cooking filet mignon in a fondue, the desired level of doneness is reached when the meat's internal temperature falls within a certain range. The timing depends on the size and thickness of the filet mignon. Here is a breakdown of the cooking times for each level of doneness:

Rare

Remove the meat from the fondue when it reaches an internal temperature of 115°F to 125°F. This will take around 3 to 4 minutes in the oven for a 1-inch cube of meat, or 25 to 30 seconds in the fondue pot.

Medium-Rare

For a medium-rare filet mignon, cook until the internal temperature reaches 120°F to 130°F. This will take about 5 to 6 minutes in the oven or 25 to 35 seconds in the fondue pot.

Medium

To achieve a medium level of doneness, cook the filet mignon until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 140°F. This will take approximately 6 to 7 minutes in the oven or 30 to 35 seconds in the fondue pot.

Medium-Well

For a medium-well filet mignon, remove it from the heat when its internal temperature reaches 140°F to 150°F. This will take about 8 to 9 minutes in the oven or 35 to 45 seconds in the fondue pot.

Well-Done

To achieve a well-done level of doneness, cook the filet mignon until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F to 160°F. This will take approximately 10 to 11 minutes in the oven or 45 to 60 seconds in the fondue pot.

What to serve with filet mignon fondue

When hosting a fondue night, it's important to have a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces to complement the filet mignon. Here are some ideas to make your dinner a success:

Vegetables

Roasted or steamed asparagus, sautéed or steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, and roasted or steamed broccoli are classic side dishes that go well with filet mignon. You could also serve raw vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, which can be cooked in the fondue pot.

Starches

Mashed potatoes, garlic herb wedge salad, and creamy broccoli parmesan risotto are excellent choices to serve alongside filet mignon. Baked potatoes with toppings such as butter, sour cream, and chives are also a filling option.

Salads

A green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and croutons is a fresh and healthy option. A garlic-herb wedge salad is another tasty choice.

Bread

Bread is essential for fondue as it acts as a vehicle for the meat and can be dipped into the sauces. Sourdough, dark bread, and pretzel balls are all good choices.

Dipping Sauces

There are endless possibilities for dipping sauces, but some classics include mayonnaise mixed with mustard, tomato sauce, and salsa, and béarnaise sauce. You can also get creative and make your own sauces, such as a blend of sour cream, horseradish, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, or a mixture of white wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, and red chilli.

How to store and reheat leftovers

While filet mignon is a fancy dish, it is surprisingly easy to cook. The key to cooking filet mignon is to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The steps are simple: preheat the oven, season the steak, heat oil in a skillet, sear the steak, flip and add butter, baste with butter, and cook in the oven.

Now, onto the important part: how to store and reheat leftovers.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover filet mignon, it is important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing your leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Leftover filet mignon should be stored in the refrigerator. It can be stored whole or cut into pieces. Storing it in a container or wrapped in foil or plastic wrap will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
• Timing: It is best to eat leftover filet mignon within 3-5 days of cooking. So, make sure to keep track of when you cooked it and plan to finish the leftovers within that timeframe.

Freezing Leftovers:

If you have a large amount of leftover filet mignon or know you won't be able to eat it within the recommended timeframe, you can also freeze it. Here are some tips for freezing:

• Cooling: Before freezing, allow the meat to cool to room temperature. This will help prevent bacterial growth and ensure the meat stays safe to eat.
• Packaging: Place the cooled meat in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Duration: Leftover filet mignon can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to label the package with the date it was frozen so you can keep track of how long it has been frozen.

Reheating Leftovers:

Now, for the best part: enjoying your leftover filet mignon! Here are some tips for reheating your leftovers to ensure they taste just as delicious as the first time:

• Thawing: If you have frozen your leftovers, make sure to thaw them properly. The best way is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before you plan to eat them. This will allow them to thaw slowly and safely.
• Reheating: There are a few methods you can use to reheat your leftover filet mignon:
• Microwave: Place the leftover steak in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or milk/cream before adding the steak. Once heated, add the leftover steak and cook while stirring to avoid overcooking.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, wrap the steak in foil, and heat until warmed through. This method is best for thicker cuts of steak to ensure even warming.

Additional Tips:

• Slicing: Before storing, consider slicing your leftover steak. This will make it easier to reheat and enjoy in smaller portions.
• Sides: Don't forget to utilize any leftover sides as well! Many side dishes that go well with filet mignon, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, can also be stored and reheated.
• Creativity: Leftover filet mignon can be used in a variety of dishes. Get creative and use it in sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, or even on pizza!

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftover filet mignon safely and deliciously!

Frequently asked questions