How to grill filet mignon

posted by Lyubomira on March 18, 2020

How to grill filet mignon – the best way to cook fillet mignon on a grill, plus a stove top and oven cooking option. Juicy, flavorful, tender and delicate. Ready in under 30 minutes This is a foolproof recipe on how to make the perfect filet mignon on a gas grill at home. Great for a romantic dinner with your favorite sides or just to add it to a fancy steak salad.

filet mignon cut through the middle on a plate

Make a restaurant quality meal at home – grilled filet mignon, served with grilled vegetables, salad or potatoes. So good and a lot less expensive than a steak you'll order at a restaurant. Once you try this grilled filet recipe, you'll never look any further.

What is filet (fillet) mignon?

Filet mignon is a cut of beef from the smaller end of the tenderloin. (In France it is called "beef filet", since the term "filet mignon" is used to call pork tenderloin). You may see it spelled both ways – "fillet" and "filet".

The tenderloin is the most tender cut of beef. This makes it one of the more desirable cuts (this subject is arguable!).

This as well as the small amount given by any one steer or heifer (no more than 500 grams), filet mignon is the most expensive cut of beef.

Filet mignon is not as flavorful as Prime Rib for example. This is why there are specific ways to season and cook it to get the most out of this tender cut of beef.

In the US, Filet Mignon are round steaks cut 1 to 2 inches (2.5 cm to 5 cm) thick and 2 to 3 inches (5 cm to 7.6 cm) round.

The average Beef Tenderloin yields eight, 8 oz. Filet Mignons.

You can find 6oz, 10 oz (283.5 g) or even 12 oz. (340.2 g) Filet Mignons at some grocery stores.

two raw fillets mignon on a plate

How to season filet mignon ?

You can season filet mignon steak with something as simple as salt and pepper and this is what I used in this recipe. Adding garlic powder to the salt and pepper is a good option.

Homemade or store bought steak seasonings work well with filet mignon. This cut of beef is also good for marinating, so you can bring some extra flavors to the meat.

Fillet mignon starts to loose its flavor when overcooked, this is why marinating it, if you plan to cook the steak to medium well or well done.

Generously season the steak on the outside. Let it sit with the seasoning on for at least 5 minutes before grilling or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

grilled filet mignon on a plate

How long does it take to grill filet mignon (on a gas grill)?

Grilling time varies depending on the size of the steak, the desired doneness and the type of grill used.

The average size of a filet mignon is 8 oz. As mentioned you may find smaller and larger cuts of it on the market. Like for example Costco's fillet mignons are often larger than 8 oz and may require additional seasoning and cooking time.

These filets are slightly tougher than what I get at my local butcher, but the price is great for the quality and I often get them for gatherings.

For  8 oz filet mignon grill at 450 F for 4 minutes per side, turning once for medium rare. The internal temperature of the meat should be 130 F.

Rare – 120 to 125 F

Medium rare -130 to 135 F

Medium – 140 to 145 F

Medium Well – 150 to 155 F

Well Done 160 F

What temperature should I grill filet mignon at?

Grill fillet mignon steaks at 450 F direct grill heat. You may grill it at slightly higher or lower temperature, since most grills can not support a constant temperature at all times.

For charcoal grills – grill over medium coals for the same amount of time.

How to cook filet mignon on the stovetop and finish it in the oven?

  1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
  2. Season fillet with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet on the stove top over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook fillet for 2 minutes per side.
  5. Immediately transfer pan to the oven and cook for 6 to 9 minutes, depending on the desired doneness. 7 minutes for rare, 8 medium-rare and 9 medium. Alternatively, check the temperature of the meat. Temperature may vary depending on the size of the fillet.
  6. Remove from the oven, transfer fillet to a plate. Cover with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. Slice.

two grilled filets mignon on a white plate

Recipe tips:

  • If grilling more than one fillets, choose steaks with the same size, so they take the same time to cook.
  • Take your filets out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling to bring them to room temperature.
  • Always clean the grates of the grill and oil with high burning point oil.
  • If you happen to have a probe grill thermometer, use it, it will help you achieve the desired doneness of the meat.
  • Don't overcook filet mignon, because it will get flavorless and tough.
  • If marinating in a liquid marinade, dry the filets before putting them on the hot grill.
  • To achieve those perfect grill marks on your filet mignon, start with a hot grill. Place your meat at a 45 degree angle directly on a hot spot. Half way through cooking, turn the steak another 45 degrees. This will create the crisscross grill marks.
  • After you remove the grilled filet from the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing (you can also tent it with foil).
  • Don't own a grill? Want to use a grill pan on the stove top? I don't recommend it as you may not be able to get it as hot as the grill grates and also the meat may start smoking at some point, before it is cooked to the desired temperature. Instead, try the stove top + oven method mentioned above.

More steak recipes:

  • Grilled skirt steak with chimichurri
  • Fillet Mignon Steak Salad
  • Grilled T Bone Steak

Filet Mignon Tender, juicy, flavorful.

  • one 8 oz filet mignon
  • salt and pepper to taste

  1. Preheat a gas grill to medium high heat (450 F).

  2. Season fillets with salt and pepper. Let them sit with the seasoning on for 5 minutes.

  3. Grill for 4 minutes per side for medium rare (130 F), Medium (140 F) 5-6 minutes per side, Medium Well to well done 150 to 160 F, 8-10m minutes per side.

  4. Remove from the grill, cover with foil and let the fillet rest for 5-7 minutes, then serve.

posted in Beef, Dinner
originally posted on March 18, 2020 last updated on May 21, 2022