Asian Beef Filet Mignon with Gochujang Butter (Good Chop Meat & Seafood Box Review)

Asian Filet Mignon with Gochujang Butter makes a delicious, decadent and yet, dare I say, fast-and-easy steak night dinner ready in just 20 minutes.

Asian Beef Filet Mignon with Gochugang Compound Butter

For this Gochujang steak, I’ve used grass-fed filet mignon from Good Chop, a meat a seafood subscription service (keep reading on to get the recipe and get my Good Chop review).

Beef, chicken, pork and seafood from Good Chop, a high-quality subscription box delivering all your favorite proteins to your doorstep.
Don’t miss my Good Chop review and savings details at the bottom of post!

Perfect for date night or every night, this Asian steak recipe starts with a simple wet rub of soy sauce, ginger and garlic that is then pan seared and finished in the oven. Preparing a filet mignon in the skillet and then oven finishing is one of my favorite methods, it creates such a delicious crust.

This elegant but very easy steak dinner is sure to make any date night or even week night more memorable. Asian Filet Mignon with Spicy Sweet Gochujang Butter. Beef is rubbed ginger, garlic and soy sauce before pan searing and finishing in oven. The decadent compound butter, melts atop the meat at serving to create a luxurious sauce.
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Beef tenderloin and filet mignon (the coveted steak cut from the tenderest tail end of the loin) are favorite cuts of mine because the texture is “melt in your mouth” tender, and this inherent tenderness means that there is no need for a texture-improving marinade that can often take hours. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Also, despite being so succulent, filet mignon is an incredible lean cut – the 100% grass-fed filets from Good Chop are generous-sized and have only 12g fat per 6-ounce serving with a whopping 36g protein.

Adding flavor to beef filet mignon steaks
Filet mignon is so tender, it doesn’t need a marinade – but a quick wet rub of garlic, ginger and soy sauce add extra flavor!

Instead, filet mignon recipes, despite their elegance, are almost always simple and easy – only a light seasoning (even just salt and pepper) or a simple wet rub (like the one I used) can make a filet mignon steak recipe even MORE next level.  

For even more flavor to complement the beef filets, I made a compound butter with Gochujang and lightly sweetened it with honey. Gochujang paste is fundamental to Korean cooking and is made from red chile pepper flakes, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The red past is spicy-sweet and bumps up the umami taste in beef recipes. After mixing up the ingredients, stick in the freezer to get the Gochujang compound butter to set up fast – then serve atop the hot filet mignon and watch it slowly melt into a sauce that will knock your socks off without being too spicy. I also love how the lightly sweet spicy compound butter also spreads over the veggies on my plate.

Gochujang Compund Butter - thefitfork.com
Compound butter us an easy way to turn simple steaks into an upscale dining experience.

In addition to Korean steak, any leftover Gochujang butter can be added as a flavor-enhancer for simple steamed vegetables, spread on bread and toasted, dolloped on hot noodles or rice – you get the idea, it’s delicious!  

So, let me give you my Good Chop, review! This subscription service brings you quality proteins exclusively from American family farms and fisheries. It’s a convenient and surprisingly cost-effective way to source my protein – I definitely appreciate not having to drive all over town to source top-quality meats and seafood. There are never any antibiotics or hormones in Good Chop products and premium options like USDA Prime beef and 100% grass-fed beef are also available.

Beef, chicken, pork and seafood from Good Chop, a high-quality subscription box delivering all your favorite proteins to your doorstep.

Of course, being a beef-loving girl, I made a beeline for the filet mignon steaks! But, variety in protein choices is best for a balanced diet and the cool thing about a Good Chop subscription box is that it can also be customized to include other protein options (including pork, chicken and seafood) that are just as top-quality as the beef featured here today. Visit Good Chop today to learn more about their sourcing specifications and what beef, chicken, pork, and seafood options are available for your own custom meat subscription box.

Beef, chicken, pork and seafood from Good Chop, a high-quality subscription box delivering all your favorite proteins to your doorstep.

Seriously, the convenience of having quality meat and seafood shipped to your house is unmatched – especially in this day and age where many of us are minimizing so much of our in-person shopping due to busy schedules and/or wanting to minimize contact. Boxes are delivered every four weeks, and you can pick a plan that is best for you – either 6 menu items (up to 36 portions) or 12 menu items (up to 72 portions) per delivery. Good Chop delivers pretty much everywhere in the lower 48 US states. They email you tracking links to alert you when delivery is expected, so you don’t have to worry about it sitting out on your porch all day. That being said, my meat subscription box was delivered in 100-degree temperatures, sat on my porch for two hours, and upon opening the dry ice had kept everything frozen solid, no signs of thawing at all. Of course, they have a money-back, satisfaction-guaranteed policy and you can cancel at any time. Also, love the mindful shipping materials – it’s all fully curbside recyclable, even the insulated liners made from plant-based components.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Good Chop and contains affiliate links, however all comments, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own. I earn a small commission from referred subscriptions, but the price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to offset operating costs for The Fit Fork, thank you for your support.

5 from 2 votes
This elegant but very easy steak dinner is sure to make any date night or even week night more memorable. And, only 20 minutes prep to plate. Asian Filet Mignon with Spicy Sweet Gochujang Butter. Beef is rubbed ginger, garlic and soy sauce before pan searing and finishing in oven. The decadent compound butter, melts atop the meat at serving to create a luxurious sauce that adds just the right amount of heat.
Asian Beef Filet Mignon with Gochujang Butter
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Course: dinner, entree
Cuisine: Asian, fusion, korean
Keyword: beef, compound butter, filet, gochujang, steak
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • For steaks:
  • 2 beef filet mignon steaks cut 1-3/4 to 2 inches thick (about 12 to 14-ounces total)
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce divided
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger divided
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For Gochujang compound butter:
  • 1/2 stick 2-ounces butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoons gochujang paste find on Asian condiment aisle
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Parchment or wax paper for storing optional
Instructions
  1. Ahead of time or at the start of preparing steaks, make Gochujang compound butter by simply mixing together softened butter, Gochujang past, garlic, sesame oil, lemon juice honey and black pepper until combined. May leave in bowl or wrap up in Parchment paper, twisting off ends. Stick in freezer while steaks cook to firm up.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  3. Brush beef filets with soy sauce. Press minced ginger and garlic evenly onto beef, set aside.
  4. Heat ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) to medium-high on stove top until very hot, add olive oil.
  5. Place filets in skillet and sear for approximately two minutes per side, until a caramelized crust has formed and they release from the skillet without sticking.
  6. Place skillet into preheated oven.
  7. Continue to cook in 400°F oven for approximately 10 to 15 more minutes (total time will vary based on thickness of steaks and desired level of doneness)* See recipe notes
  8. Remove steaks from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. While steaks are still warm (but not hot, hot), top with a slice or smear of Gochujang butter. It will melt to make a decadent sauce.
  10. Store remaining butter, covered, in refrigerator for up to a week. It’s great on rice, noodles, toast, and steamed vegetables.
Recipe Notes

Medium rare: 130-135° (remove from heat at 125° )
Medium: 135-145° (remove from heat at 130° )
Medium well: 145-155°. (remove from heat at 140° )

Note: The reason you take steaks off the heat BEFORE the desired finish temperature is because they will continue to cook (with temperature rising 7° on average) as they rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

3 Ways to Chow a Cherimoya + My #MustHaveBox

Just when I think I’ve tasted every type of fruit and vegetable there is to eat (ever been to Produce Convention), I realize that a tasty treat has slipped past my radar – the Cherimoya. Mark Twain once likened the cherimoya “deliciousness itself!”  – how did I ever miss the memo on this quite large and armored lizard-skinned looking fruit!

Discover easy, tasty ways to eat a Cherimoya (also known as a Custard Apple)

Cherimoya

Once set aside solely for ancient Incan royalty, this “King of Fruit” is still a prized possession – they are delicious and hard to find . . . and usually fairly big-bucks if you do. But, so worth the investment as you will gobble up this healthy treat in a single sitting, especially if you have a friend sitting nearby with a spoon. The flesh inside is amazingly fragrant, soft, sweet and scoopable – there some seeds inside, but they aren’t too hard to flick away.  When selecting afruit, pick a cherimoya that is still green but showing minor signs of turning brown soon. Like an avocado, the fruit is ripened with the flesh yields to a gentle touch. So, if your fruit is still green and hard, let it ripen on the counter for up to three days – or stick in a paper bag to speed the process along.  Check out my friends at Frieda’s for other great Cherimoya Recipes and Tips.

So, my top 3 ways to chow a cherimoya are:

Cherimoya sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg1)  Sprinkle with Spices: Sliced in half and sprinkled with cinnamon, dash of nutmeg and a bit of honey drizzle – I swear it tastes just like apple pie. My kids think it tastes more like a pineapple and banana that got married and laid a big prehistoric egg.  Either way, it’s a taste bud winner – haha!

Pureed Frozen Cherimoya - Smoothie and Meal Pret2) Mixed into Oatmeal: I put chunks or puree of cherimoya in my morning oatmeal.  This is a great way for me to boost up the vitamin C, potassium, and in my fiber in my daily diet. If I find the fruit on sale or can’t eat what I’ve purchased before going too ripe, I simply puree the fruit in the blender with a tiny splash of lemon juice and freeze in heavy-duty zip-top bags (above picture). This will keep in the back of your freezer for 6 months! You can also sub in for 1/2 the oil in baked goods as you would applesauce, pumpkin or another fruit puree.

Apple Cider Cherimoya Smoothie is loaded with fall flavor, fiber, vitamin C and more!

3) Blended into Smoothie: Blending cherimoya with orange juice is traditional but my recipe for Cherimoya Apple Cider Smoothie is super yummy.  I use one of the delicious, cold-pressed, 100% juice apple ciders from Litehouse Foods — so fresh you need to look for it in the produce department!

Directions: Add 2 tablespoons oats to bottom of blender, pulse for a few seconds to grind up. Add ½ cup cherimoya puree (preferably frozen) or fresh chunks, 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, ½ cup apple cider, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar-free alternative) to blender and blend for 1 minute, adding a few ice cubes to achieve desired consistency. Serves 1.

Must Have Box from POPSUGAR

Also, I want to share with you my favorite little luxury each month – it’s the PopSugar #MustHaveBox from POPSUGAR.  The Must Have Box is a specially-curated monthly subscription that is filled with full-sized products across fashion, beauty, home décor, upscale edibles and more. I absolutely have adored everything that’s come in my monthly box – often they are splurges that I would never buy myself (but am oh-so happy to have) or fabulously off-beat, quirky things that I never knew I needed until I have in my hot little hands – and then I’m hooked!

The Fit Fork - POPSUGAR Must Have Box

Must Have Box from POPSUGARThe October box included a book, Power Your Happy, by POPSUGAR founder Lisa Sugar, a gorgeous umbrella from Henri Bendel (along with a shopping discount card), Dark Drinking Chocolate (by My Cup of Cocoa) and a Rise & Shine Diner Mug (by Morning Culture). The Lalicious Bubble Bath, Revlon Eye Pen and Makeup Eraser Mini really spoke to my girly side, that’s a nice treat when a mom of three boys!  Check out some of the past Must Have Boxes  and sign up for a subscription that suits you – save $5 on your first box with code SHOP5.  Whoohoo!

What is your MUST HAVE this month? Tip me off on your new, most favorite, most awesome find! Oh, and have you ever tried a Cherimoya?! Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennnifer 

 

Eight Amazing Fitness & Food Products + Giveaway

As a food and fitness blogger, it’s fun (and sometimes filling!) to test out all the new products that get sent my way.  I’m sharing the best from the last couple months (and some perennial favorites) along with any discount codes I might have. If I’ve listed it here, it gets legitimate thumbs up from me – other stuff gets tossed into the “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all pile.”

Jennifer Fisher of The Fit Fork with Litehouse FoodsLitehouse Foods Organic Vinaigrette– I develop recipes for this awesome employee-owned company based in Idaho – they have delicious, healthy products ranging from artisan cheeses to Greek yogurt based dips and freeze dried herbs sold all over the US. Right now, I’m really digging their updated organic line which includes new flavors like two of my favorites — Organic Rosemary Balsamic and Organic Ginger Honey. Look for these in the refrigerated section of your produce department, purchase online or enter to win my GIVEAWAY for Five Free Litehouse Foods product coupons (use them on anything they make, not just the dressings – enter at bottom of post).

Salad with Somersaults Sunflower Crackers as croutonsSomersaults Sunflower Snacks – Available in sweet and savory flavors, these yummy little crackers are made mostly of sunflower seeds and offer up healthy fats, protein and vitamin E. My favorite way to use them is as a crouton alternative on my #BombAssSalads !! Use NEWFAN10 to get 10% off your order.

 

 

Nuttzo chocolate syrup and strawberries on my protein pancakesNuttzo Nut & Seed Butters –  My nutty shines through, Nuttzo has named me a VIP Ambassador for their organic and non-GMO Nut & Seed Butters. This stuff is so good, you’ll want to spread it on everything – or just eat right out of the jar. Save 20% on purchase with discount code FITFORK-20

 

 

bright planet skinBright Planet – There is so much to love about this small, woman-owned bath and skin product company – not only are there eco-friendly, human and organic products wonderfully pampering (loved the scent), but they also are mindful of their place in the bigger world. For example, for each purchase made, Bright Planed donates two healthy meals to children in need. Get Bright Planet on Amazon

 

Kevin - CEO of Nuun and Jennifer Fisher of TheFitFork.comNuun Hydration Tablets – This is not your standard Nuun Ambassador shoutout – I’ve been on the team for years, and am so happy to report that just recently the formula has been improved!  They’ve added non-GMO sourced dextrose to help body absorb fluids more efficiently (still keeping under 1g sugar), using only clean ingredients such as plant-based sweeteners, and are gluten, dairy and soy free and given a “Clean Sport Certification” by Informed Choice. Use code NUUNAMBASSADORFRIEND at checkout to receive 20% off order.

Vitamin Dose BeverageVitamin Dose Beverage – I don’t know about you, but I hate swallowing pills. That’s why I was all over these little specially blended cans of drinkable vitamins. They are non-carbonated, caffeine-free, low-calorie and taste good too.  Get your Vitamin Dose on Amazon

 

Gnarly NutritionAltra superior 2TsaGnarly Nutrition – I am a protein powder nerd, I love trying all the new ones I find. Totally into the “Chiseled Chocolate” Grass Fed Whey Protein Supplement. It’s made with quality New Zealand Whey (happy cows there, I guess) and offers 12.5 g protein along with BCAAs, Glutamine and no artificial anything. Also, other full-on sports nutrition products including some vegan stuff.  Get Gnarly on Amazon

Superior 2 from Altra Running – Okay, disclosure, I’m an Ambassador and admitted junkie of their super light and flash-fast The Ones 2.5 (and all previous versions!). So, it took the color golden yellow and the promise of “more grip and less weight” to get me to try the award-winning trail shoe that everyone’s raves on. I was looking for something that was still light on the feet, take me from trail running to gym and me obstacle course appropriate – score!  Get Altra Superior 2 on Amazon

 

Tsamma Juice TheFitFork.comTsamma Juice — Tsamma Juice from Frey Farms makes me swoon plus, it’s another woman-owned biz. Everyone knows what a huge watermelon fan I am (for both healthy recipes and sports performance benefits). It’s so awesome to have access to sweet, yummy handcrafted watermelon juice during the middle of winter – look for it at your grocery store in the produce section, Costco or buy online.
 

Have you tried any of these health and fitness products? What are you favorite new finds? Please share in comments! XOXO – Jennifer

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Snack Smart in New Year – #SimplyProtein Bars & Chips Giveaway

What do you eat when you’re having a snack attack?  I’ll be honest and say that I WANT and occasionally DO reach for candy-coated chocolates or buttery, salty popcorn when my tummy starts talking (sometimes explicatively). But this is not the way to feeling good for the remainder of the day, protein rich snacks are the way to go and I blog about this all the time – and try my best to walk (and eat) the talk at least 90% of the time.

Simply Protein Giveaway

One brand I loveee, love, love is Simply Protein – and I’m sharing this addiction (keep reading to the bottom of the post). Simply protein makes a flavorful array of bars and snacks that are packed with energy-sustaining, muscle-making protein – my energy level typically stays even without sugar rushes or crashes for about 3 hours.

The name Simply Protein just says it all. Well, almost ALL – with flavors like Banana-Caramel-Cashew, Cocoa-Raspberry and BBQ Tomato, maybe they should be renamed Simply Delicious Protein!  In addition to being high in protein, all products low sugar, gluten free and they contain no artificial sugars – most products are also non-GMO, high in fiber, high in iron. These are the perfect protein snacks for everyone including athletes, busy moms, children, diabetics and others with special dietary needs (some products vegan and kosher).

simply protein bars

Simply Protein makes lots of yummy protein bars in different flavors and formats – there is something for everyone, including Kid’s Bars! I have a special place in my heart (and gym bag) for the Lemon Coconut Protein Bar – it’s a zesty way to refuel with the protein my muscles need to mend after a workout or intense run.  Plus, the lemon and sweet coconut in a crunchy bar takes the edge off my sweet tooth. Each of these 150 calorie Lemon Coconut bars has only 1 gram of sugar, balanced by its 7 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein.

Here are the Lemon Coconut Protein Bar details so you can get an idea of the nutritional quality.  lemon coconut bar nutrition

Simply Protein ChipsAnother Simply Protein product I can’t resist is a bag of the Savory Protein Chips. Baked with real ingredients and 15g of protein, I stay fuller longer and my energy is sustained throughout the day – such a better choice than hitting the vending machine.  Four flavorful choices to choose from, but I must say I crave the Spicy Chile Protein Chips with their smoky, peppery profile. For just 150 calories per bag and 15 grams of protein and 20% of daily iron, these are a smart choice for snacking — I always pack a bag when travelling (so I don’t get the airplane hangries)! Also, they make excellent croutons!

Simply Protein Spicy Chile chips

You’ll want to enter the giveaway for a box of the Spicy Chile Chips (12 per box) and case of Lemon Coconut Protein Bars (15 per box) – but go ahead and stock up in the meantime. Right now, there is a New Year’s Special where you can save 10% on orders under $75, save 20% on orders over $150 and save 15% on orders between the two (details on the site).  Too many delicious sounding choices to choose from? Try a sample pack before you commit to a large order – you get to taste all of the best-sellers.
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SimplyProtein
I am a Wellness Ambassador for Simply Protein who is the sponsor of this giveaway, however all opinions and enthusiasm are my own.

Orange Chicken Love + $25 Giveaway to Panda Express

Orange. Chicken. Love. #OrangeChickenLove. Do I have your attention? If you’ve never eaten at Panda Express, you really need to try it out ASAP.  Panda Express has been a tried-and-true, busy-day meal option for my family – and with so many delicious menu items, there is always something everyone – even my pickiest eaters.  While the healthy mama in me appreciates that a “side” option is steamed veggies instead of fried rice or noodles, the universal, hands-down family favorite classic Chinese dish is the Orange Chicken.

Panda Express Orange Chicken - TheFitFork.com

PAnda Express Orange Chicken Love - TheFitFork.comYup, The Orange Chicken love is strong with the three hungry teen boys and he-man in my house, and I have to personally admit, the recipe is definitely chopstick lickin’ good. Inspired by flavors and culinary style of the Hunan Province in South Central China, Panda’s Original Orange Chicken is prepared with crispy boneless chicken bites, and wok tossed with Panda’s secret sweet and spicy orange sauce – it’s Panda’s most beloved dish.

There are so many other dishes to try out at this quick-stop restaurant, you’ll never get bored – some of my other favorites are the chicken and green beans and the broccoli and beef. Plus, as an athlete who is mindful about what she eats, I appreciate that Panda Express puts all the calorie counts right on the menu so you can make an informed choice. For example, the Orange Chicken isn’t one of the lightest, lowest-fat options – but I crave it, so I pair it up with the steamed veggies. It’s all about balance.

Panda Express - TheFitFork.com

I love how you can get steam veggies as a side at Panda Express, rather than fried rice or noodles.

Panda Express Orange Chicken Food TruckIf you’re in one of the lucky cities, you can get your fix on the Orange Chicken Love Truck Tour – it just came through Austin last weekend at the UT vs. Rice game. Head over to OrangeChickenLove.com to get the Panda Express Food Truck stop schedule and shop for orange chicken swag (seriously some cute stuff)!

 

 

Panda Express Fortune Cookie - TheFitFork.comSo, let’s talk fortune cookies. The irony of fortune cookies is they aren’t even eaten in China, historians say they were actually invented in Japan and popularized in America. More than three billion are gobbled up a year, that’s a lot of predictions.  What’s the funniest or most spot-on message you’ve ever cracked open a cookie to find?  Please share in the comments! Win a $25 Panda Express Gift Card at TheFitFork.comHow about finding “There is such a thing as a free lunch.” That would be awesome, and it may come  true if you enter my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Panda Express. However, I hope you’ll understand if the message doesn’t actually arrive in a fortune cookie! Oh, and please get you some Orange Chicken Love whether you win or not!  To enter, please follow the Rafflecopter instructions below:
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