Most people know eye filets as tenderloin or filet mignon. They come from the most exquisite part of the beef loin, right below the ribs. Its tenderness and juiciness set it apart from other cuts. This mouthwatering piece of meat is a prized gem on countless dinner tables.
These prime cuts are so succulent that they melt in your mouth with every bite. Reputable butchers and meat suppliers like The Meat Box take extra care in handling and selecting their products. Because of this attention to detail, your food adventures will reach new heights.
Imagine yourself savoring the taste of a flawlessly prepared eye filet. As the knife slices through the tender meat, it unveils a delectable pink center. The enticing aroma stimulates your appetite, causing your mouth to tremble in anticipation. The flavor experience that awaits you is nothing short of pure indulgence.
The meat’s light buttery texture melts in your mouth, leaving you in awe of its gastronomic prowess. Despite its exceptional tenderness, preparing it can be tricky for those who lack experience in cooking. Overcooking this gem will deprive it of its coveted tenderness and result in a dry, unpalatable texture.
It takes skill and precision to cook an eye filet to perfection. Hence, the ideal way to cook it is to achieve doneness between medium and medium rare. This way, the tender juices remain intact, delicately caressing your palate with their luscious, velvety texture and hearty, flavorful notes.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to cook eye filets to perfection.
Pan-Seared Eye Fillet Steak
Pan-searing eye filet steak is a classic and tasty way to keep the juices and make a delicious crust. Follow these steps to make the perfect pan-seared eye filet:
- Prepare the meat: Bring it to room temperature to prepare the steak and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors.
- Heat the pan: Put a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat. Add a little high-smoke-point oil, like canola or grapeseed oil, to keep the meat from sticking.
- Searing the steak: When the pan is hot, carefully put the seasoned eye filet in the middle. Let each side sear for two to three minutes without moving it. This method makes a pretty crust and keeps the juices inside.
- Finishing touch: Turn the heat down to medium for the finishing touch. Cook the steak for another two to three minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. You can check the internal temperature with your finger or a meat thermometer.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting it. Take the steak out of the pan and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Sous-Vide Eye Fillet Steak
Sous-vide is a precise and fail-safe method for ensuring a perfectly cooked eye filet steak. Here’s how to master sous-vide cooking:
- Vacuum sealing: Season the eye filet liberally with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to taste. To ensure even cooking and flavor preservation, vacuum-seal the steak in a food-grade plastic bag.
- Water bath setup: Using a sous-vide immersion circulator, preheat a water bath to the desired level of doneness. For instance, you can set the temperature to 130°F for medium-rare.
- Cooking: Place the vacuum-sealed eye filet in a water bath and cook it for an extended period at a precise temperature. The optimal cooking time for steak is contingent on the thickness of the meat and can fluctuate between one to three hours.
- Searing: Remove the steak from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels after the sous-vide cooking. Sear the steak for a few seconds on each side on a hot grill or in a scorching-hot cast-iron pan to develop a caramelized crust.
Slice the eye filet and enjoy the seasoned meat that’s tender and cooked perfectly.
Grilled Eye Fillet Steak
Grilling eye filet steak adds a delicious smoky flavor and distinct grill marks. Follow these steps to make a delicious grilled steak:
- Preparation: Brush the eye filet with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices to taste. Allow 30 minutes for the seasoned steak to come to room temperature before grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for 450°F to 500°F.
- Grilling: Cook the eye filet for two to three minutes on each side over high heat to create beautiful grill marks.
- Indirect heat: Move the steak to a cooler part of the grill or turn off one burner to create indirect heat. Continue grilling the steak. Flip it now and then until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
Take the grilled eye filet off the grill and set it aside for a few minutes before slicing. Allow the juices to settle, resulting in a succulent and flavorful steak.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A common mistake some people make is cooking the filet for a tad too long because they worry that it might end up being underdone. Allowing the meat to come to room temperature before cooking can prevent this potential mishap.
Consider these additional tips:
- You can lock in the juices and create an irresistible crust by searing the filet in a hot, sizzling pan. You can move it to a preheated oven for a slow, even finish.
- Getting the ideal medium-rare doneness requires using a meat thermometer to gauge the internal temperature.
- Seasoning also plays a significant role in bringing out the best in the eye filet’s flavor. Salt and pepper can elevate the inherent essence of meat, permitting its true flavors to radiate without overwhelming them.
- You can marinate the filet in an aromatic mix of complementary herbs and spices for a truly delightful experience.
Knowing how to cook this prized meat cut properly is essential to avoid overcooking it. If you prepare and season correctly, you can have a perfectly cooked eye filet to satisfy your appetite.
Conclusion
Eye filets are very popular because their unparalleled tenderness makes them a delectable choice for any discerning palate. Each succulent bite bursts with flavor, delighting the senses and leaving one craving for more.
Experiment with these techniques to find your favorite way to enjoy eye filet steak. A perfectly cooked eye filet will impress your guests and reward your taste buds. This premium cut of meat’s rich flavors and tenderness will elevate your dining experience.