how long to cook filet mignon on the grill

How Long to Grill Filet Mignon

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How Long to Grill a Filet Mignon: A Useful Guide

The filet mignon, often hailed as the king of steaks, is prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. To achieve the perfect cook, it’s crucial to understand how long to grill filet mignon. Allow us to illuminate the process.

Key Factors for a Perfect Filet Mignon

  • Quality of Meat: Opt for a high-quality, well-marbled filet mignon.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the steak will determine the cooking time. Thicker cuts will require longer cooking times.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain a steady temperature for even cooking.
  • Resting Time: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the yummy juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cut.

Choosing the Perfect Filet Mignon

When selecting a filet mignon, look for a cut that is well-marbled with fat. This intramuscular fat adds the coveted flavor and juiciness to the steak. The steak should also have a deep red color and feel firm to the touch.

Choosing the Right Cooking Method

While grilling is a popular method, you may also pan-sear or broil your filet mignon. Each method has its own unique advantages:

  • Grilling: This method imparts a smoky flavor and a crispy exterior.
  • Pan-searing: This technique is ideal for a quick, restaurant-quality steak.
  • Broiling: This method is similar to grilling, yet uses a broiler in your oven.

Preparing Your Filet Mignon

  • Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Allow the steak to come to room temperature for roughly an hour before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
  • Season Simply: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often the best way to highlight the natural flavor of the meat. However, you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs.
  • Choose Your Cooking Method: While grilling is a popular method, you can also pan-sear, broil, or even bake your filet mignon.
  • Choose the Right Grill: Use a gas, charcoal, or wood grill to cook your filet mignon.
  • Experiment with Marinades: Elevate your steak’s flavor by marinating it in your favorite mix of oil and spices before grilling.

Seasoning Tips

A seasoning of salt and pepper can enhance the flavor of a high-quality steak. However, you can also experiment with more complex seasoning blends:

  • Classic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
  • Herbaceous: Rosemary, thyme, oregano
  • Spicy: Cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika

Grilling Techniques

  • Direct Heat: Place the steak directly over high heat (450-500°F or 230-260°C) for a quick, intense sear.
  • Indirect Heat: For a more gentle cook, use indirect heat to slowly bring the steak to your desired temperature.
  • Reverse Sear: Combine both methods. First, cook the steak over indirect heat, then finish it with a quick sear over direct heat for a crispy crust.

Reverse Sear

The reverse sear deserves its own description. While a more advanced grilling method, it should be fairly simple for experienced grillers. This technique will give your filet mignon a nice, crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

We recommend this method if you prefer your steaks on the rarer side, such as medium rare or less. To use the reverse sear method, you need to be careful about how you heat your grill. At a minimum, you should have one burner set to high heat for the searing step.

Start by preheating your gas grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the steaks on the grill, starting with low to medium heat, and close the lid.

The goal is to gradually raise the internal temperature of the steak. Use a meat thermometer to get a perfect steak.

Grilling Your Filet Mignon to Perfection

  1. Prepare the Grill
  • Preheat your grill to high heat (around 445-500°F or 230-260°C).
  • Clean the grill grates to ensure even heat distribution.
  1. Prepare the Steak
  • Don’t forget to bring the steak to room temperature before grilling. This helps ensure even cooking.
  • Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs.
  1. Grill the Steak

Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a medium-rare consistency.

  • For a thicker steak, you may need to cook for an additional minute or two per side.
  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure your steak is cooked to perfection.
  1. Let it Rest
  • Once the steak reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the grill. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Checking for Doneness

    • Meat Thermometer: The most accurate method. Aim for the following internal temperatures:Rare: 125°F (52°C)
    • Medium-Rare: 135°F (57°C)
    • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
    • Medium-Well: 150°F (65°C)  

Pan-Searing Your Filet Mignon

Hey, not everyone has a grill. If that’s the case, we’ll just use what we’ve got. Don’t worry, a delicious steak can be cooked in a pan. Follow these steps:

  1. Heat the Pan: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
  2. Season the Steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Reduce Heat, Finish Cooking: Lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-5 more minutes per side, or until done.

Tips for the Perfect Filet Mignon

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lower the temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
  • Don’t Press Down on the Steak: Resist the urge to press down on the steak with a spatula. This can squeeze out the juices.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure accurate cooking by using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
  • Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest before cutting into it. This will help the juices redistribute and make the steak more tender.
  • If you’re new to grilling steaks we would start at a medium internal temperature.

By following these tips, you can grill the perfect filet mignon every time! Now you know how long to grill filet mignon.

Mastering the art of grilling filet mignon requires a blend of technique, patience, and a keen eye for doneness. Keep these tips in mind to grill the perfect steak, every time.

Remember, the key to a great steak is a balance of heat, time, and rest. Let the meat cook slowly and evenly. Allow the grill work its magic.