How Long to Sous Vide Filet Mignon?

Do you like the taste of filet mignon? If you do then the next thing that will come into your mind is how can you cook it at home?

A medium rare filet mignon can be sous vided for up to 2 – 3 hours. Cooking time will be longer if you plan on serving the steak as an appetizer or a starter.

On the other hand, sous vide is best used for foods like beef tenderloin that will not be served as an appetizer or starter.

If you are searching for the best way to cook filet mignon then you are at the right place.

In this post, I am going to share with you a simple and easy way to cook filet mignon.

If you want to learn how to cook filet mignon by using the sous vide technique then this post is for you.

But before getting into the recipe first we will learn about sous vide. Have a look at it.

how long to sous vide filet mignon

What is sous vide?

The word ‘sous vide’ is a French phrase that means ‘under vacuum’.

It is a technique that is used for cooking food in a sealed container in an immersion circulator that is at a precise temperature.

It can be cooked with either steaks or vegetables. The main difference between sous vide and normal cooking is that sous vide does not use any oil.

This makes the food retain all the natural juices.

Sous vide cooking is usually done using a water bath in which the temperature of the water is maintained for hours.

It is used to preserve the flavor of the food and make it tender. It is a great way of cooking meat as it retains its original taste and texture.

See Also: How to Sous Vide Lobster Tail

How does sous vide work?

This is a simple method of cooking where a food item is placed in a sealed plastic pouch, placed in a water bath with a constant temperature.

The food is left in this water bath for hours and hours. The process helps the food retain its flavor and nutrients and is known to be safe.

How does sous vide work

Temperature and Timing guide for fillet mignon

RARE

  • 122°F – 128°F
  • 1 – 2 hours

MEDIUM RARE

  • 129°F – 135°F
  • 1 – 2 hours

MEDIUM

  • 136°F – 145°F
  • 1 – 2 hours

MEDIUM WELL

  • 146°F – 155°F
  • 1 – 2 hours

WELL DONE

  • 156°F +
  • 1 – 2 hours

Ingredients needed

  • 2 Filet Mignon
  • Sea Salt
  • Cracked Black Pepper
  • Avocado Oil (or another high smoke point oil)

Steps to follow

  • It is a good idea to marinate filet mignon for 24 hours before cooking.
  • Preheat the water bath to the desired temperature. We have used 130 F here as it doesn’t have a lot of fat to tender.
  • Season the filet mignon with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and any other aromatics like rosemary, thyme, etc.
  • Now put the filet mignon in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip lock bag. 
  • Place it in the water bath and cook it for around 1 to 2 hours. If your steak is extra thick then you need to cook it for nearly or more than 2 hours.
  • After cooking remove the filet mignon from the water bath and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Now take a cast-iron skillet and preheat the skillet on medium-high heat. Put some avocado oil. You can even use other oils that are smoky.
  • Sear the steak for one minute on both sides.
  • You can add butter and other aromatics to the pan if you want more flavor and crispiness. Now sear for an additional 30 seconds.
  • That’s it you are done and ready to serve.
  • Before serving, top the filet mignon with the leftover juices in the pan.

FAQ

Can You Sous Vide Frozen Filet Mignon?

Yes! Frozen filet mignon is just as delicious and tender as the fresh version! To make this easy recipe, use a sous vide device.

Cook frozen filet mignon to an internal temperature of 150°F (66.6°C) to ensure that it stays safe and juicy. To thaw the meat, let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Cut against the grain to prevent it from drying out. Use a vegetable peeler to remove some of the skin to give it a more rustic texture.

Can you sous vide frozen filet mignon directly out of the freezer?

Sous vide cooking requires you to carefully control the temperature within a bag for a specified time. You can’t just pop a frozen steak into a bag.

You need to thaw the steak before cooking. The best way to do this is to thaw it partially. Cut out the thickest part and put that in a ziplock bag.

Put the bag in a bowl of ice water. Remove when the steak has thawed enough for your liking. Let the steak sit out for a few minutes before cooking.

How Long to Sous Vide a Filet Mignon?

The ideal temperature of the sous vide water bath is 130 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit or 66 degrees Celsius.

To reach this temperature, you need to be very cautious when handling the machine and you should only place it on the floor while you are taking out the bag.

This is to prevent accidents such as breaking the plastic, which is easily done.

The recommended cooking time is two hours, but as with all things in life, you should follow your instincts.

See Also: How to Sous Vide Lamb Chops

Conclusion

This is a very simple and easy way to cook filet mignon at home. Sous vide cooking is safe for all types of food and also helps to retain the natural flavors of the meat.

If you have tried this recipe then don’t forget to comment below.

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