Grilling Filet Mignon: How to Master the Perfect Steak

Not much compares to a perfectly grilled filet mignon. Tender, juicy, with exceptional flavor in every bite, this cut of meat is a favorite among steak enthusiasts.

Whether you're grilling for a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself and loved ones to top tier weeknight dining, filet mignon is always a good choice.

Keep reading because we’re about to cover everything you need to know about our favorite way of cooking filet mignon: on the grill! Including the best seasoning options, how to choose between gas and charcoal grills, and an alternative cooking method when you’d rather not fire up the grill.

Either way, get ready to impress your taste buds!

How to grill filet mignon

Here's how to make restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own backyard:

Step 1: Choose a quality meat source

Look for filet mignon that is about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, with good marbling for flavor and tenderness. For improved nutritional benefits and taste, we highly recommend opting for a grass-fed and grass-finished filet mignon.

Also look for these other important details that indicate premium quality:

• Regenerative agriculture methods
• No synthetic hormones or antibiotics
• 100% born, raised, and harvested in the USA

Step 2: Season

To appreciate the complex flavor of a well-grilled filet mignon, we suggest keeping it simple with just salt and pepper. Or if you have a favorite steak seasoning, use that instead.

Rub the seasoning into the meat and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.

Step 3: Preheat

Preheat your grill to high heat for at least 10 minutes before grilling the steak.

Step 4: Grill

Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, which can be measured with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Rest

Once achieving your desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

How long to grill filet mignon

Like all grass-fed steak, filet mignon doesn’t require a particularly long cooking time so we strongly suggest you remain vigilant and attentive throughout the cooking process.

Our cook time recommendations based on various levels of doneness are:

Rare (120-125°F or 49-52°C internal temperature):

• Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
• Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or lower the heat, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally.

Medium-Rare (130-135°F or 54-57°C internal temperature):

• Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
• Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or lower the heat, and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally.

Medium (140-145°F or 60-63°C internal temperature):

• Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
• Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or lower the heat, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Medium-Well (150-155°F or 65-68°C internal temperature):

• Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
• Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or lower the heat, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.

Well-Done (160°F or 71°C and above internal temperature):

• Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
• Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or lower the heat, and cook for an additional 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The additional cooking time might be considerably shorter if you close the lid of the grill to contain the heat.

Of course, these times are approximate and may need to fluctuate based on the heat source you’re using and the thickness of the steak. Relying on a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your filet mignon reaches your desired internal temperature.

And always let steak rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute. Skipping this step can significantly impact the quality of your dining experience.

Filet mignon grill temperature & time chart

Bookmark this blog post to reference the cooking times and instructions whenever you need it.

Grilling filet mignon on gas grill

Grilling filet mignon on a gas grill offers convenience and precise temperature control, allowing for consistent results with minimal effort.

The primary advantage of a gas grill is that it heats up quickly and maintains a steady temperature, making it easier to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness.

The basic steps for a gas grill are:

1. To prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks, clean the grates with a grill brush before cooking, and lightly oil them using a cloth or paper towel soaked in vegetable oil
2. Preheat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes. This ensures the grates are hot enough to sear the meat, creating a flavorful crust
3. Sear the steak on high heat over direct flames for 2-3 minutes per side
4. Move the steak to a cooler area of the grill or reduce the heat to medium, and cook until reaching your desired internal temperature
5. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Grilling filet mignon on charcoal grill

On the other hand, a charcoal grill imparts a distinct smoky flavor and aroma that many people find desirable. However, please consider that managing a charcoal grill well requires more skill and attention to control the heat, as well as additional time for lighting and preparing the charcoal.

This convenience factor is something to keep in mind if you’re looking for the easiest and fastest way to arrive at a tasty steak…

The basic steps for a charcoal grill are:

1. Set up a two-zone fire by arranging the charcoal in your grill to create a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for indirect cooking
2. Light the charcoal and wait for it to become covered in white ash before adding meat
3. Since charcoal grills can be more difficult to control temperature-wise, make sure to have a reliable meat thermometer handy. Monitor the steak's internal temperature to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. Adjust the grill's vents as needed to maintain the desired cooking temperature.
4. Regardless of the type of grill, always let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling

Our favorite grilled filet mignon recipe

When a recipe looks and tastes like it belongs on the best Parisian bistro’s tasting menu, we sit up and pay attention. That’s what happened when we were introduced to this recipe:

Filet Mignon with Cured Asparagus and Lemon Brown Butter

Delicate notes of thyme and lemon enhance but don’t overpower the steak’s natural flavors. The distinctive cured asparagus recipe that’s included creates a simple and sophisticated result that even the most experienced home chefs will appreciate. But even if you’re a novice, Chef Phillip Schaaf’s detailed instructions will walk you through every step.

Enjoy this meal for dinner, or add a poached or fried egg on top to make it an elegant breakfast or brunch.