How to Grill the Perfect Filet Mignon

This month, we’ve given you 31 Ways to Filet, covered The Way We Filet: A Guide to Filet Mignon, and now, for the coup de grace of Filet Mignon Month, we’re giving you the simple steps for how to grill a perfect Filet Mignon.

It doesn’t take much work, but it does take some precision. Filet Mignon is one of the sweetest cuts of meat out there, and that petite little cut of beef tenderloin will do most of the work for you. That’s how it became the centerpiece of romantic moments and has captured the hearts of chefs and steak connoisseurs everywhere. 

So, we’ve pulled together these sizzling steps on how to grill Filet Mignon using a gas or charcoal grill:

1. Let the steak sit out for 30 minutes and come to room temperature. If you’re going to add bacon, now is the perfect time.
2. While the steak sits, it’s time to warm up the grill, so start your coals or turn on your gas burners. If charcoal, create an area that will have more direct heat from the charcoal. For a gas grill, expect to adjust the burners as you go. Your goal is to get your grill to around 450 degrees.
3. Pick and/or prep your spices at this point. Once the grill is ready, rub down the steak right before placing on the grill.
4. Once the grill is ready, put the steak over the part of the grill with the most direct heat and sear the Filet on both sides. This is the same as creating a pan sear, but you’ll be doing it on the grill. Each side should take 2 to 3 minutes. Remember, the sear is only to seal in the juices and keep the meat from becoming dry.
5. Once the Filet is seared, move it to a cooler area of the grill. On a gas grill, it’s a good idea to have one of the burners already turned down significantly. Cover the grill and let the steak rise to desired doneness (We recommend 135°F for medium rare) – checking as necessary. Once at desired doneness, remove from heat.
6. Let steak rest for 10 minutes, and then bon appétit.

Bonus: Don’t forget to add the perfect side to a Filet Mignon. Try mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, some greens or even a couple of onion rings.

Enjoy, steak lovers!