Filet mignon, known for its incredibly tender texture, is a luxurious cut of beef perfect for grilling. While its tenderness makes it forgiving, achieving that perfect sear and juicy interior requires attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you grill the most delicious filet mignon of your life.
Preparing Your Filet Mignon
Before you even think about firing up the grill, proper preparation is key. This ensures a flavorful and evenly cooked steak.
Selecting the Right Cut
- Size Matters: Opt for a filet mignon that's about 1-1.5 inches thick. This thickness allows for a good sear while preventing overcooking. Thicker cuts will require longer grilling times.
- Quality Counts: Look for well-marbled meat. Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat, which contributes significantly to the flavor and juiciness of your steak. A higher grade of beef will generally yield better results.
Pat it Dry & Season Generously
- Dry is Key: Pat your filet mignon completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a superior sear. Moisture inhibits browning.
- Seasoning is Everything: Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. At least 30 minutes before grilling is ideal, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak rub.
Grilling Your Filet Mignon to Perfection
Now for the fun part! Here's how to grill your filet mignon to your preferred doneness:
Preheat Your Grill
- High Heat is Best: Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450-500°F). A screaming hot grill is crucial for a beautiful sear.
Sear the Steak
- Direct Heat: Place the filet mignon directly over the hottest part of the grill.
- Don't Move It: Resist the urge to move the steak around. Let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a nice crust.
Reduce Heat & Cook to Desired Doneness
- Indirect Heat: Once seared, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat) or reduce the heat to medium. This prevents burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks evenly.
- Use a Thermometer: For consistent results, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak to monitor the internal temperature.
- Doneness Guide:
- Rare: 125-130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 140-145°F
- Well-Done: 145°F and above
Rest the Steak
- Crucial Step: Once cooked to your desired temperature, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Serving Your Masterpiece
Your perfectly grilled filet mignon is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Grill Success
- Clean your grill grates: Clean grates before grilling to prevent sticking.
- Oil the grates: Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Leave space between the steaks for even cooking.
- Use a grill brush: A good grill brush is essential for maintaining clean grates.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to grilling the perfect filet mignon every time. Enjoy!
