How Long to Cook Filet Mignon on Grill - Few Easy Steps to Follow

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Filet mignon is one of the best cuts of steak to cook on a grill due to its tenderness and stunning, mellow flavor. It’s a perfect cut of meat to cook year-round and it can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. Today, we’ll take you through exactly how to grill a filet mignon to showcase its natural flavors. 

Mastering the filet mignon is truly an art form. As one of the most revered cuts of steak out there, filets often demand extra attention or effort on the part of the cook. That said, it’s not difficult to figure out exactly how to grill the perfect filet mignon.

 

Basic Instructions on Cooking Filet Mignon 

Because of the meat’s natural tenderness, the best way to cook it is with direct heat — particularly by grilling or pan-frying. If you slow cook filet mignon, you run the risk of draining the natural juices from the meat, drying it out and changing its texture. It’s a crime to overcook a filet mignon. This cut tastes best when cooked to medium-rare to medium doneness.

 

How Should I Choose A Cut of Filet Mignon?

Knowing what to look for at your local butcher is important. Butchers can cut a filet to your desired thickness which gives you a nice amount of agency over the cut of meat you’re purchasing. Most supermarkets also have filet mignon. 

Here are some important things to look for when choosing a steak: 

1. When examining the cut edges of a filet mignon, choose something with smooth edges as opposed to rough. This tells you about the meat’s quality and freshness.
2. If you’re buying packaged filet mignon, make sure you don’t see any liquids in the packaging to make sure it’s as fresh as possible.
3. The meat should look moist in the display case rather than dry but you don’t want it looking too wet.
4. Look for even coloring across the meat as a whole.

We typically recommend you purchase a filet mignon that ranges from 1-1.5 inches thick, however, larger cuts exist that best suit the needs of cooks who desire a thicker cut of meat. 

Let’s get into some more specific instructions for cooking filet mignon on your grill.

 

A How-To Guide to Grill a Filet Mignon

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We’ve put together a comprehensive filet mignon grilling technique that can be employed for any occasion! Fancy or casual, for guests or immediate family — we’ve got you covered. All you need to do is follow these instructions and you’re on your way to tasting the most delicious filet mignon you’ve ever made. 

Direct Grilling Tips: 

1. Cover your filet mignon as you grill it.
2. Grill your steak over medium heat to start — around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Only turn the filet once throughout the grilling process. Turning it more frequently or poking and prodding it around could hinder the cooking process and leave your steak with less flavor and moisture.
4. Refer to the following advice for our suggested grill times, based on the cut of the filet:

Grilling a One Inch Cut: Cooking Time 

For a medium-rare steak, grill your filet mignon for between 10-12 minutes. 

For a medium steak, grill your filet mignon for between 12-15 minutes.

 

Grilling A One-And-A-Half Inch Cut: Cooking Time 

For a medium-rare steak, grill your filet mignon for between 15-20 minutes. 

For a medium steak, grill your filet mignon for between 18-25 minutes. 

Note: After the steak is done grilling, make sure to give it time to sit and redistribute its moisture before serving. We recommend covering with foil for between five and ten minutes. 

Indirect Grilling Tips: 

1. The first thing you need to do when grilling your filet mignon with indirect heat is to prepare with a drip pan.
2. Grill your steak over indirect medium heat — again, this is around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Just as with the direct grilling tips, avoid unnecessarily poking and prodding while the meat is cooking. If you’re worried about the cooking time, using a meat thermometer is the best and most accurate way to determine whether or not it’s done. 

Grilling a One Inch Cut: Cooking Time

Image by RitaE from Pixabay

For a medium-rare steak, grill your filet mignon for between 15-20 minutes. 

For a medium steak, grill your filet mignon for between 20-25 minutes.

 

Grilling A One-And-A-Half Inch Cut: Cooking Time 

For a medium-rare steak, grill your filet mignon for between 20-25 minutes. 

For a medium steak, grill your filet mignon for between 25-29 minutes. 

Note: Remember that you don’t need to turn over your steak with an indirect grill. Steaks in indirect grills are done somewhat in the same vein as ovens due to their air circulation. 

Before serving, always test with a meat thermometer and let it sit for between five and ten minutes. 

Congratulations, you are now ready to serve your perfectly done filet!