What is a Filet Mignon Steak?

Filet mignon comes from the tenderloin, a low-use muscle that runs along the spine, making it the most naturally tender steak. It’s exceptionally lean with a fine grain and mild, delicate flavor. It's known for its tenderness—soft, buttery and fork-tender.

It’s most often pan-seared and oven-finished, though it's sometimes grilled over moderate heat. Because it’s lean, overcooking dries it out quickly; high-heat searing without monitoring can lead to a tough exterior. This also means braising is not ideal due to low fat content.

Filet mignon has long been considered a luxury cut with strong steakhouse associations. Its popularity remains high thanks to its tenderness, though some prefer fattier cuts for richer flavor.

A standard filet weighs 6–10 oz. A 4 oz cooked serving provides roughly 180 calories, about 26g protein and 7g fat, plus B-vitamins and iron.