How to Grill a Filet Mignon at Home?

Introduction

Grilling a filet mignon can be a great way to add delicious flavor and texture to this tender cut of steak. Whether you prefer your meat cooked rare, medium, or well-done, a few important tips can help ensure that your filet turns out perfectly each time.

What Is Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon is a tender cut of beef from the cow’s loin section. It is prized for its rich flavor and buttery texture, making it a favorite among steak lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 filet mignon steak, preferably one that is at least 1 inch thick
• Olive oil or butter for greasing the grill surface
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Other seasonings or marinades of your choice, if desired

Preparing The Grill

Before you begin grilling your filet mignon, it is important to prepare your grill to reach the ideal cooking temperature. To do this, turn on your grill and let it heat up for at least 10-15 minutes. Then, brush any excess debris off the surface to ensure your meat does not stick as it cooks.

Preparing the Filet Mignon

Choose high-quality beef for your filet mignon. Look for cuts that are thick and evenly marbled with fat throughout the meat, as these will provide the most tender and juicy results when grilled.

Once you have selected your filet mignons and preheated your grill, it is time to prepare the meat.

Begin by trimming any excess fat or connective tissue from the edges of your steaks, as this can make it difficult for the heat to penetrate through the meat.

Generously season both sides of each steak with salt and pepper, coat all visible surfaces for maximum flavor.

What temperature should filet mignon be cooked at?

Most cooks recommend grilling your filet to medium-rare or medium to ensure it remains juicy and tender. The desired temperatures are as follows:

• Rare = 120°F
• Medium rare = 130°F
• Medium = 140°F
• Medium well = 150°F
• Well done = 160°F

To check whether your filet is done cooking, use a meat thermometer or carefully slice it into the center of the steak to see how pink it is inside.

You can also rely on visual cues, such as lightly browned grill marks and a slight springiness when you press gently on the surface of the meat with your finger.

Once your filet mignon reaches the desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

How long should a filet mignon be on the grill?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as how long it takes for a filet mignon to cook on the grill will depend on various factors, including the size and thickness of your steak, the temperature of your grill, and how you prefer your meat cooked.

Most cooks recommend grilling a filet mignon for 4-7 minutes per side for medium-rare or medium results. However, it may be best to start grilling your filets more gently and with less time to prevent overcooking and dryness.

You can then gradually increase the heat and cooking time until you reach your desired level of doneness. Always be sure to use a meat thermometer.

Grilled Filet Mignon Tips and Tricks

Some other tips and tricks can help you grill the perfect filet mignon every time. Some of these include:

• Using quality beef with good fat marbling throughout to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
• Choosing steaks that are at least 1 inch thick will provide more even cooking throughout and prevent the center from overcooking or drying out.
• Let your grill come up to temperature before grilling by preheating it for 10-15 minutes, cleaning any debris off the surface, and lightly greasing it with oil or butter to reduce sticking.
• Generously season both sides of your filet mignon steak with salt and pepper before grilling, coat all visible surfaces for maximum flavor.

Side dishes for Filet Mignon

If you are looking for some delicious side dishes to go with your grilled filet mignon, try these classic favorites:

• Grilled asparagus
• Roasted potatoes
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Garlic butter bread
• Steamed rice or pasta
• Arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• Creamy coleslaw or potato salad
• Chimichurri sauce or bearnaise sauce for drizzling over the top of your steak.

With so many delicious options, you will surely find a side dish that everyone at the table will love.

How to store grilled filet mignon

Once your filet mignon has been grilled to perfection, you will likely want to store any leftovers for future meals. Let the steak cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight or resealable bag. Be sure to avoid packing the meat too tightly, as this can cause it to lose its flavor and become soggy.

You should also try to minimize how long your leftover grilled filet mignon is stored in the fridge, as keeping it there for more than a day can lead to food spoilage or bacterial growth. For best results, consume your leftover steak within 24 hours of grilling.

Alternatively, you may wish to freeze the meat after cooking. To do this, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Then, you can safely store your leftover filet mignon in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw your steak in the fridge overnight and cook it on the grill until heated.

Grilled Filet Migon Recipe FAQs:

How do you tenderize a filet mignon?

You can use a few different methods to tenderize a filet mignon. These include pounding the meat with a mallet or rolling pin, marinating it in an acidic liquid like lemon juice or vinegar, and using a special tool to slice into the steak and open up small pockets within its fibers.

Is filet mignon better on grill or pan?

Many cooks find that grilling the steak over an open flame provides a delicious smoky flavor and results in a perfectly caramelized crust on the outside.

Alternatively, pan-searing can help lock in moisture and produce juicy and tender meat.

Should I oil filet mignon before grilling?

Yes, oiling your filet mignon before grilling will help prevent it from sticking to the grill and ensure evenly cooked and flavorful meat. You can use high-heat oil like vegetable, avocado oil, or even butter. Just be sure to do it sparingly, as too much oil can inhibit the formation of a tasty crust outside the steak.

Should you salt filet mignon before cooking?

Yes, salting your filet mignon before cooking can help to enhance its flavor and make it more tender and juicy. Some cooks recommend salting the meat several hours in advance to allow the salt time to penetrate the steak, while others prefer to do this just before grilling for maximum flavor.

Should you Marinate filet mignon before grilling?

Marinating your filet mignon before grilling can help flavor and tenderize the meat and add a delicious smoky or savory note to its taste.

You can try many different marinade recipes, ranging from simple combinations of olive oil and herbs to more complex blends incorporating soy sauce, spice rubs, or citrus juices. Just be sure to follow any specific instructions included with your marinade recipe for optimal results.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook filet mignon?

Gordon Ramsay is one of the most renowned chefs in the world, with decades of experience cooking a wide variety of different cuts and types of steak, including filet mignon. To cook his signature filet mignon dish, Ramsay starts by lightly seasoning the meat with salt and pepper to taste.

He grills it over high heat in a cast iron skillet until it is browned and seared on the outside but still medium-rare on the inside. Finally, he finishes the steak with a quick balsamic vinegar or other flavorful liquid before serving.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting, this delicious and simple filet mignon recipe will surely become one of your favorites!

Conclusion

Whether you are an experienced griller or a novice cook looking to learn how to grill the perfect filet mignon, plenty of tips and tricks can help you achieve delicious, juicy results every time. From choosing the right cut of beef to seasoning and cooking your steak to perfection, you can become a master at grilling filet mignon like a pro with a little practice and patience. So why not fire up the grill today and give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!

More Filet Mignon Recipes:

– Grilled filet mignon with compound butter

– Pan-seared filet mignon with mushroom sauce

– Pan-fried filet mignon with red wine reduction sauce

– Slow cooker filet mignon stew

– Roast beef filet mignon with onion gravy

– Crispy filet mignon tacos with chimichurri sauce

– Cheesy stuffed filet mignon burger sliders

– Creamy parmesan baked filet mignon pasta

– Bacon-wrapped filet mignon bites with bbq dipping sauce

– Filet mignon quesadilla with avocado salsa

– Red wine poached filet mignon with creamy polenta

– Seared filet mignon skewers with chimichurri sauce

– Blue cheese-crusted filet mignon sliders

– Grilled fig and prosciutto stuffed filet mignon

– Roasted rosemary and garlic filet mignon with creamy mashed potatoes

– Filet mignon pot pie with wild mushrooms and leeks

– Breaded and fried filet mignon bites with garlic aioli sauce

– Cheesy chipotle stuffed filet mignon burgers

– Filet mignon and potato au gratin casserole

– Slow cooker balsamic glazed filet mignon

– Beef Wellington with filet mignon and mushrooms

– Crispy bacon-wrapped filet mignon bites with creamy horseradish dipping sauce

– Chimichurri butter-topped filet mignon steaks

– Maple bourbon whiskey glazed filet mignon sliders

– Pan-seared filet mignon tacos with tomato salsa and guacamole

– Firecracker stuffed filet mignon burgers with jalapeno ranch dipping sauce

– Cheesy bacon-wrapped filet mignon skewers with balsamic glaze

– Maple brown sugar-seared filet mignon with sweet potato fries

– Miso butter seared filet mignon steaks with fried Brussels sprouts and Asian slaw

– Savory Parmesan crusted filet mignon steaks with garlic mashed potatoes

– Smoky barbecue glazed filet mignon burgers with crunchy onion rings

– Sticky hoisin ginger soy glazed filet mignon steaks

– Sweet chili mango chutney topped filet mignon skewers

– Thai basil and red curry glazed filet mignon skewers

– Vietnamese lemongrass and chili glazed filet mignon with fragrant rice noodles

– Zesty pomegranate molasses-topped filet mignon skewers

– Herb-crusted grilled Filet Mignon with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, and a red wine reduction sauce.