Tired of the same old appetizers? Craving something elegant yet effortlessly simple? Look no further! This Filet Mignon Appetizer recipe is the perfect solution for your next gathering, offering a sophisticated taste without the fuss. These delightful bites are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time and readily available ingredients, making them ideal for even the busiest weeknights. Prepare to impress your guests with this fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal events. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea that elevates any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound filet mignon, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filet Mignon
Pat the filet mignon cubes dry with paper towels. This ensures a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously season the filet mignon cubes with the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Filet Mignon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned filet mignon cubes to the skillet. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness (rare to medium-rare is recommended for this appetizer). Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Step 3: Assemble the Appetizers
Remove the seared filet mignon cubes from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, use toothpicks to arrange two or three cubes onto each toothpick.
Step 4: Add the Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the assembled filet mignon appetizers.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. These delicious bites are best served warm.
Tips for Success:
- For perfectly seared filet mignon, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the meat.
- Don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Rare is around 125°F, medium-rare is 130-135°F.
- You can marinate the filet mignon for added flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs works well.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for a little heat.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with different fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives.
- Gourmet Twist: Top with crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of luxury.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 100-150 (depending on the size of the filet mignon cubes and the amount of balsamic glaze)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
This Filet Mignon Appetizer recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it can be to create delicious and impressive food recipes for any occasion. Enjoy!