Print

How to Grill Filet Mignon: A Foolproof Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 89 reviews

This foolproof grilled filet mignon recipe guides you through perfecting tender, flavorful steaks with a simple seasoning, grilling technique, and resting process to achieve the ideal medium-rare doneness every time.

Ingredients

Steaks

  • 16 ounces filet mignon steaks (2 8-ounce steaks, 2 inches thick)

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Additional

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: garlic and herb butter for topping
  • Kitchen string for tying steaks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Coat all sides with olive oil, then generously season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to promote even cooking.
  2. Tie the steaks: Wrap a piece of kitchen string snugly around the middle of each steak. This helps maintain the shape and promotes even cooking.
  3. Prepare the grill: For charcoal grills, set up a two-zone fire with coals on one side for direct heat and the other side empty for indirect heat. For gas grills, turn half the burners to high for direct heat and the other half to low for indirect heat.
  4. Clean, oil the grates, and preheat: Clean the grill grates using a grill brush to prevent sticking, then oil them with an olive-oil-soaked paper towel held with tongs. Preheat the grill to 450°F-500°F, which usually takes 10-15 minutes.
  5. Sear the steaks: Place steaks over direct heat and close the grill lid. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a flavorful crust.
  6. Cook to desired doneness: Move the steaks to indirect heat with the lid closed. Cook, turning occasionally, for 6-8 more minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer shows your preferred temperature (Medium-Rare: 130°F-135°F recommended).
  7. Let the steaks rest: Transfer steaks to a cutting board and loosely cover with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy result.
  8. Serve: Optionally, top each steak with garlic and herb butter and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Tying the steaks helps maintain a perfect round shape and even cooking.
  • Resting the meat after grilling is crucial for juiciness and tenderness.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer for best doneness accuracy.
  • Adjust grilling times based on steak thickness and grill temperature.
  • Garlic and herb butter is optional but adds extra richness and flavor.