Filet mignon is one of the most tender and luxurious steak cuts, perfect for romantic dinners, celebrations, or special meals. Choosing the correct filet mignon size and thickness ensures perfect doneness, juicy texture, and rich flavor. This filet mignon size chart includes accurate weight ranges, thickness measurements, and cooking times for ideal results.
What Is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is cut from the beef tenderloin, located along the spine. This muscle does very little work, making it extremely tender.
Key characteristics:
- Most tender cut of beef
- Lean with mild flavor
- Premium steak used in fine dining
- Best cooked medium-rare to medium
Filet Mignon Size Chart by Weight and Thickness
Choosing the right size helps ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
| Weight | Thickness | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz (113g) | 1 inch | 1 serving |
| 6 oz (170g) | 1–1.5 inches | 1 serving |
| 8 oz (227g) | 1.5–2 inches | 1 serving |
| 10 oz (284g) | 2–2.5 inches | 1 large serving |
| 12 oz (340g) | 2.5–3 inches | 1–2 servings |
Chef’s tip: The most popular size is 6–8 oz with 1.5–2 inch thickness.
Filet Mignon Cooking Time Chart by Thickness
Cooking time varies based on thickness and desired doneness.
Pan-Seared or Grilled Cooking Times (per side)
| Thickness | Rare | Medium-Rare | Medium | Medium-Well | Well Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 3–4 min | 4–5 min | 5–6 min | 6–7 min | 7–8 min |
| 1.5 inches | 4–5 min | 5–6 min | 6–7 min | 7–8 min | 8–9 min |
| 2 inches | 5–6 min | 6–7 min | 7–8 min | 8–9 min | 9–10 min |
Filet Mignon Internal Temperature Chart
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
| Doneness | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125°F (49–52°C) |
| Medium-Rare | 130–135°F (54–57°C) |
| Medium | 140–145°F (60–63°C) |
| Medium-Well | 150–155°F (65–68°C) |
| Well Done | 160°F+ (71°C+) |
Chef’s tip: Remove steak 5°F early because temperature rises while resting.
Best Filet Mignon Size for Different Occasions
Single Serving
- 6–8 oz steak
- 1.5–2 inch thick
Perfect for individual meals.
Restaurant-Style Serving
- 8–10 oz steak
- Thick cut
Best for premium dining experience.
Large Appetite or Sharing
- 10–12 oz steak
- Can serve 1–2 people
Ideal for special dinners.
Best Cooking Methods for Filet Mignon
Pan-Seared Method
- Heat skillet to 400°F (204°C)
- Sear 3–5 minutes per side
- Finish in oven if thick
Best for crust and flavor.
Grilling Method
- Preheat grill to 450°F (232°C)
- Grill based on thickness chart
- Rest 5 minutes before serving
Best for smoky flavor.
Oven-Finished Method
- Sear first
- Finish at 400°F (204°C)
- Cook until target temperature
Best for thick steaks.
Filet Mignon Serving Size Guide
Plan portions based on guests.
| Guests | Recommended Steak Size |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 6–8 oz |
| 2 people | 12–16 oz total |
| 4 people | 24–32 oz total |
How to Choose the Best Filet Mignon Size
Look for:
- Thickness at least 1.5 inches
- Bright red color
- Even shape
- Fine marbling
Avoid thin cuts.
Common Filet Mignon Cooking Mistakes
Choosing Thin Steaks
Thin steaks overcook quickly.
Overcooking
Best served medium-rare.
Not Resting Steak
Rest 5–10 minutes after cooking.
Not Using Thermometer
Ensures accurate doneness.
Quick Filet Mignon Size Reference
| Size | Thickness | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | 1 inch | Small portions |
| 6 oz | 1.5 inch | Standard serving |
| 8 oz | 2 inch | Premium serving |
| 10 oz | 2.5 inch | Large serving |
| 12 oz | 3 inch | Sharing or large appetite |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best filet mignon size?
6–8 oz with 1.5–2 inch thickness is ideal.
How thick should filet mignon be?
Minimum 1.5 inches for best results.
How long to cook 2-inch filet mignon?
About 6–7 minutes per side for medium-rare.
How much filet mignon per person?
6–8 oz per person recommended.
Final Summary
This filet mignon size chart helps you select the correct weight, thickness, and cooking time for perfect results. Choosing the right size ensures tender texture, ideal doneness, and restaurant-quality steak every time.
