When serving filet mignon, one of the most important considerations is what size or weight of filet mignon to serve per person. The right filet mignon portion size ensures that each guest receives a satisfying and elegant cut of meat. Determining the proper filet mignon size per person requires taking into account a few key factors.
Basic Guidelines for Filet Mignon Portions
As a general rule of thumb, a typical filet mignon portion size per person is:
- 6-8 ounces or 170-225 grams per person for a main course
- 4-6 ounces or 110-170 grams per person for an appetizer or part of a multi-course meal
These serving sizes allow each diner to enjoy a thick, juicy cut of filet mignon without providing overwhelming large portions. For most situations, targeting 6-8 ounces or 170-225 grams of filet per guest for a main course is ideal.
Factors to Consider
There are a few important factors to take into account when fine-tuning your filet mignon portion size per person:
1. Other menu items
If filet mignon is the star of the show, served with just a vegetable side, aim for the higher end of the 6-8 ounce range per guest. If the filet is part of a multi-course fine dining menu, lean towards the lower end of the range.
2. Appetizers
Guests who fill up on appetizers or salad may be satisfied with slightly smaller 4-6 ounce filet portions.
3. Side dishes
Rich side dishes like lobster mac and cheese may call for smaller filet sizes, while lighter sides such as roasted asparagus can be paired with larger 8 ounce cuts of filet.
4. Guest preferences
If serving filet for a dinner party rather than at a restaurant, you can simply ask guests for their filet cut preferences. Some may request a 10-12 ounce extra thick cut.
5. Leftovers
If you want guests to have the option to take home leftovers, provide the higher end of the portion size range.
Filet Mignon Portion Size per Person by Meal
Here are some more specific filet mignon size guidelines based on the meal:
For appetizers:
- Filet mignon medallions or kebabs: 4 ounces or 110 grams per person
- Filet mignon puff pastries: 3-4 ounces or 85-110 grams per person
- Filet sliders or tartines: 4-5 ounces or 110-140 grams per person
For entrées:
- Plated dinner main course: 8 ounces or 225 grams per person
- Family-style dinner: 10-12 ounces or 280-340 grams per person
- Buffet dinner: 6 ounces or 170 grams per person
For multi-course meals:
- French-style with salad, fish, sorbet, filet, dessert: 5 ounces or 140 grams filet per person
- Classic American 3-course meal: 6 ounces or 170 grams filet per person
Use these recommendations as a starting point, adjusting as needed based on your event.
Filet Mignon Thickness Guide
The thickness or height of the filet mignon also impacts serving size. Here is a guide to filet thickness based on weight and portion size:
| Filet Weight | Filet Thickness |
|---|---|
| 4 ounces | 1 inch thick |
| 6 ounces | 1.25-1.5 inches thick |
| 8 ounces | 1.5-2 inches thick |
| 10-12 ounces | 2+ inches thick |
A 1-2 inch thick filet provides the ideal thickness for searing the outside while keeping the inside nice and tender when cooking filet mignon.
Filet Mignon Cost per Person
When budgeting for filet mignon, expect to spend:
- Appetizer portion: $12-$18 per person
- Entrée portion: $25-$40+ per person
The exact filet cost per serving will depend on the cut and quality of beef, with USDA Prime grade being the most expensive and Choice grade a more budget-friendly option. Organic, dry aged, and Wagyu filet mignon cost more than conventional beef.
Purchasing whole beef tenders and portioning them into filets yourself can save about 30% compared to buying pre-cut filet mignon at the store or butcher.
Cooking Times by Filet Mignon Size
The thickness of the filet impacts cooking times. Here are estimated cooking times for searing and roasting filet mignon based on size:
| Filet Weight | Searing Time Per Side | Roasting Time in Oven |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ounces | 2-3 minutes | 10-12 minutes at 450°F |
| 6 ounces | 3-4 minutes | 12-15 minutes at 450°F |
| 8 ounces | 4-5 minutes | 15-18 minutes at 450°F |
| 10-12 ounces | 5-6 minutes | 18-22 minutes at 450°F |
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium rare doneness.
Conclusion
A 6-8 ounce or 170-225 gram filet mignon provides the ideal entrée portion size per person. For special occasions, consider going up to a 10-12 ounce thick cut or allowing guests to request their preferred filet thickness. Take the meal, sides, and budget into account when planning filet mignon portions. With the right serving size, filet mignon makes for an elegant and delicious dining experience.
