Welcome, steak lovers! Today we’re going to talk about how to cook the perfect fillet steak James Martin-style. We’ll go through all the steps, from selecting the meat to serving it on a plate. So, get ready to learn some juicy tips and tricks to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills.
Choosing the Right Fillet Steak
First things first, you need to select a high-quality fillet steak. Look for a bright red color and fine marbling on the meat. The marbling is the thin lines of fat that run through the meat, and it’s what gives the steak its flavor and tenderness. You can find fillet steak at your local butcher or high-end supermarket.
Prepping Process
Once you’ve got your hands on a good piece of meat, it’s time to prep it. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. This will help it cook evenly. While you wait, pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season it with salt and pepper. James Martin recommends using coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cooking the Fillet Steak
Now comes the fun part – cooking the fillet steak. You can cook it in many different ways, but we’re going to focus on James Martin‘s preferred method: pan-searing and oven-roasting. This method will give you a beautifully caramelized crust and a juicy, medium-rare center.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6.
- Step 2: Heat a large, oven-proof frying pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil (such as vegetable or rapeseed) and wait until it’s smoking hot.
- Step 3: Add the fillet steak to the pan and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing it with a fork, as this will release the juices and dry out the meat.
- Step 4: Once both sides are seared, add a knob of butter, a sprig of thyme, and a crushed garlic clove to the pan. Baste the steak with the melted butter and aromatics for about a minute.
- Step 5: Transfer the frying pan to the preheated oven and roast the steak for 5-7 minutes for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked differently, adjust the time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, it should be around 55°C (130°F).
- Step 6: Once the steak is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make it even juicier.
Serving the Fillet Steak
Congratulations, you’ve cooked a delicious fillet steak James Martin-style! Now, it’s time to serve it up. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Garnish the steak with a knob of butter, some thyme leaves, and a few flakes of sea salt.
- Pair the steak with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
- For a luxurious touch, make a sauce to accompany the steak. James Martin recommends a classic red wine sauce, which you can make by deglazing the pan with red wine, adding beef stock, and reducing it until it thickens. Finish the sauce with a knob of butter and some chopped parsley.
- Enjoy your fillet steak with a glass of red wine or your favorite beverage.
Creative Ways You Can Serve Fillet Steak James Martin
If you are tired of serving your fillet steak the same old way every time, it’s time to get creative and explore new and exciting ways to serve this delicious cut of meat. Here are some James Martin-inspired ideas to inspire your next fillet steak feast:
1. Surf and Turf
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some seafood to your fillet steak? Surf and turf is a classic combination that pairs perfectly with the juicy, tender piece of meat. You can add grilled shrimp, lobster tail, or even seared scallops to the plate. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the seafood with garlic butter or a spicy aioli.
2. Blue Cheese Butter
Take your fillet steak to the next level with rich and tangy blue cheese butter. Simply mix softened butter with crumbled blue cheese, chopped herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Roll the mixture into a log and chill it in the fridge until it’s firm.
Then, slice off a round of the butter and let it melt over the hot steak. The combination of salty, creamy butter and savory meat is out of this world.
3. Chimichurri Sauce
If you’re a fan of bold, herbaceous flavors, you’ll love chimichurri sauce. This Argentinean condiment is made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. It’s fresh and zesty and pairs perfectly with a juicy fillet steak. You can drizzle the sauce over the steak or serve it on the side for dipping.
4. Truffle Oil and Parmesan Fries
Fillet steak and fries are a classic combo, but you can take it up a notch with truffle oil and parmesan. Cut your potatoes into thick wedges, toss them with olive oil, and roast them in the oven until they’re crispy. Then, drizzle them with truffle oil and sprinkle them with grated parmesan cheese. Serve them alongside your perfectly cooked fillet steak for a decadent and satisfying meal.
5. Grilled Vegetables
For a healthier option, pair your fillet steak with some grilled vegetables. You can use a variety of veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, and grill them until they’re tender and slightly charred. The smoky flavor of the vegetables complements the rich, meaty flavor of the fillet steak.
Closing Thoughts
Cooking fillet steak James Martin-style is a fantastic way to treat yourself or your loved ones to a mouthwatering meal. With a few simple steps, you can create a steak that’s restaurant-quality, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to do it.
Remember to use high-quality meat, let it come to room temperature before cooking, and season it generously with salt and pepper. The pan-searing and oven-roasting method is an excellent way to achieve a perfect crust and juicy center, but you can also grill, broil or sous vide the steak if you prefer.
Once you’ve mastered the cooking technique, you can get creative with your seasonings and accompaniments. This is a versatile cut that pairs well with a range of flavors, from bold and spicy to light and refreshing.
So, go ahead and impress your dinner guests with your newfound steak-cooking skills. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Happy cooking!
Health is a very important aspect to have in mind when consuming a lot of meat, so make sure to check out our article about whether or not you can eat steak when pregnant. There are some interesting insights regarding this topic and plenty of information about meat’s effect on pregnant women in general.