How to Cook American Wagyu Tenderloin Steak

Tips and Tricks for Elevating Your Dinner with Wagyu Filet Mignon

Primal: Loin

Features: Exceptionally tender, mild flavor

Enjoy a chef-level American Wagyu Filet Mignon at home with these cooking tips. Perfectly portioned, buttery, and deliciously tender, this cut is sure to elevate any eating experience.

uncooked wagyu filet mignon

Tenderloin & Filet Cooking Tips Temperatures Preparations Methods Pan-Fry Grill Sous Vide

Is Tenderloin the same as Filet Mignon?

Filet Mignon is cut from the Beef Tenderloin, a part of the loin primal. So, Filet Mignon is always Beef Tenderloin, but “Tenderloin” does not always refer to “Filet Mignon.”

sliced wagyu filet mignon

General Cooking Tips

  • If filet is frozen, thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature or under water.
  • To experience the full buttery flavors of American Wagyu, avoid over seasoning and simply use salt and pepper.
  • If pan-frying or grilling filet, cook over medium or medium-high heat for best results.
  • If pan-frying filet, use a cast iron skillet for added sear and flavor.
  • Rest Filet Mignon for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to absorb (no need to rest steaks prior to cooking).

General Cooking Temperatures for Filet Mignon

Steak should be cooked to a minimum of 145°F for optimum food safety.

For best results, use temperature over cooking times to determine desired doneness.

Doneness Temperature Range
Rare 120°F to 129°F
Medium-rare 130°F to 139°F
Medium 140°F to 149°F
Medium-well 150°F to 159°F
Well-done 160°F +

Best Preparation Methods for Wagyu Filet Mignon

The tenderness of Filet Mignon makes it an excellent choice for grilling, pan frying, or cooking sous vide.

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Pan-Frying

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Grill

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Sous Vide

How to Pan-Fry American Wagyu Filet Mignon

Pan-frying Filet Mignon Steak brings out its juiciness and results in a delectable sear.

  1. Heat a skillet over medium or medium-high heat. Use a cast-iron skillet to pan-fry Filet Mignon for best results.
  2. Add a dollop of butter or a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
  3. While pan is heating, pat filets dry and season with salt and pepper. Avoid over-seasoning.
  4. Once pan is heated, add the Filet Mignon. Flip filet once halfway to desired doneness.
  5. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature and remove once filet reaches desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes and serve.
pan fry wagyu filet mignon
grilled wagyu filet mignon

How to Grill American Wagyu Filet Mignon

Grilling American Wagyu Filet Mignon is a classic way to celebrate its flavor and elevate any occasion. Here are a few of the basics.

  1. Make sure grill is clean to avoid altering the flavor of the Filet Mignon and for optimum food safety.
  2. Light the charcoal or set your gas grill to medium heat.
  3. While grill is heating, remove the Filet Mignon from your refrigerator and season with salt and pepper on both sides (no need to let filets rest before cooking or add additional seasonings).
  4. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor steak temperature and avoid over/undercooking.
  5. Only flip filets once, about halfway to desired doneness.
  6. Remember, internal temperature will continue to rise after removing filets from the grill.
  7. Let filets rest about 5 minutes after removing from grill.
  8. Slice filets against the grain for maximum tenderness.

How to Cook American Wagyu Filet Mignon Sous Vide

Cooking sous vide is an excellent, easy way to achieve a restaurant-worthy Filet Mignon. Sous vide results in consistent temperature throughout the cut and helps you avoid overcooking.

  1. Fill sous vide machine or 12- to 26-quart container about ¾ full.
  2. Place the heating element of the immersion circulator into the water and clip it the side of the container.
  3. Set the immersion circulator to the desired doneness temperature.
  4. While the water bath is heating up, remove filets from the refrigerator, pat dry, and season both sides with salt and pepper (no other seasoning necessary).
  5. Place filet inside a vacuum-sealable bag and seal it. Drop the bag into the water, making sure not to block any parts of the immersion circulator.
  6. Cook according to the time charts below.
  7. When the filet has reached desired temperature, heat up a cast iron pan on the stove over medium to medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
  8. Remove filet from bag and pat dry.
  9. Place filet in the pan to sear. Flip every 15-20 seconds until sear is achieved.
  10. Remove from pan and serve.
Doneness Temperature Range Timing Range
Rare 120°F to 128°F 1 to 2 ½ hours
Medium-rare 129°F to 134°F 1 to 4 hours
Medium 135°F to 144°F 1 to 4 hours
Medium-well 145°F to 155°F 1 to 3 ½ hours
Well-done 156°F + 1 to 3 hours
sliced and garnished wagyu filet mignon
sliced and garnished wagyu filet mignon

Want to try other Wagyu Steak dishes?

Try this recipe for Wagyu sirloin from Chef Ryan Andre!

View Recipe

Other Ways to Cook Wagyu Beef

5 Ways to Wagyu

Want more cooking tips?

View how to cook American Wagyu Ribeye, American Wagyu Brisket, or American Wagyu Ground Beef.