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Grilling filet mignon is a culinary adventure that combines the finesse of premium beef with the excitement of outdoor cooking. This tender, succulent cut is known for its exquisite flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
While it may seem like a daunting task to cook such a prized steak perfectly, with the right techniques and a little practice, you can elevate your grilling skills and create a memorable dining experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of grilling filet mignon, from selecting the right cut to achieving the ideal level of doneness.
Selecting the Perfect Cut
Before you even fire up the grill, it’s crucial to choose the right cut of filet mignon. Filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin, a muscle located near the spine of the animal. This muscle doesn’t do much work, which contributes to the tenderness of the meat.
When selecting filet mignon, look for well-marbled cuts with a deep red color. Marbling, the fine lines of fat running through the meat, adds flavor and juiciness. The size and thickness of the steak are also important considerations, as they will affect cooking times and techniques.
Preparing the Steak
Proper preparation is key to grilling the perfect filet mignon. Follow these steps for an optimal start:
- Remove the Steak from the Fridge: Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling. Allowing it to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking.
- Seasoning: Generously season the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add complementary herbs and spices, like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor.
- Oil the Steak: Lightly brush the steak with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautiful sear.
Setting Up the Grill
Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, achieving the right temperature is crucial for grilling filet mignon.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to high heat, around 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C). This high heat will sear the steak quickly, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Two-Zone Cooking: If using a gas grill, turn off one burner to create a two-zone cooking area. For charcoal grills, bank the coals to one side. This setup allows you to sear the steak over direct heat and finish cooking it over indirect heat, preventing overcooking.
Grilling Techniques
Now comes the exciting part – grilling the filet mignon to perfection.
1. Searing: Place the seasoned steak on the hottest part of the grill and let it sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. This will create a delightful crust while locking in juices.
2. Indirect Heat: After searing, move the steak to the cooler part of the grill to continue cooking indirectly. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Aim for the following doneness levels:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (65°C)
3. Resting: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
Serving and Enjoying
When serving your perfectly grilled filet mignon, consider the following tips to enhance the experience:
- Slice and Serve: Slice the filet mignon against the grain into thin strips. This makes the steak more tender and easier to eat.
- Sauces and Accompaniments: Consider pairing your filet mignon with flavorful sauces like béarnaise, red wine reduction, or chimichurri. Complement the dish with sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad.
- Wine Pairing: A red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, can beautifully complement the richness of the filet mignon.
Grilled Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Here’s a delicious and simple recipe for grilling filet mignon:
Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks, about 8 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. Transfer the herb butter onto a piece of plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and refrigerate until firm.
2. Prep the Filet Mignon:
- Take the filet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
3. Season the Steaks:
- Brush each steak with olive oil on both sides. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to high heat, around 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C). If you’re using a gas grill, create a two-zone cooking area by turning off one burner. For charcoal grills, bank the coals to one side.
5. Sear the Steaks:
- Place the steaks on the hottest part of the grill. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you achieve a nice crust with grill marks.
6. Move to Indirect Heat:
- Once the steaks are seared, move them to the cooler part of the grill (indirect heat). Continue cooking until they reach your desired level of doneness:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (65°C)
7. Add the Herb Butter:
- During the last couple of minutes of cooking, place a slice of the chilled herb butter on top of each steak. The heat from the grill will melt the butter and infuse the steaks with the aromatic flavors.
8. Rest and Serve:
- Once the steaks have reached your preferred doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with any remaining herb butter on top.
Enjoy your perfectly grilled filet mignon with the rich flavors of the herb butter! Pair it with your favorite side dishes and a glass of red wine for a memorable dining experience.
Grilling filet mignon is an art that requires a blend of technique, attention to detail, and a passion for culinary excellence. By selecting the right cut, mastering the grill setup, and following precise cooking techniques, you can create a dining experience that’s sure to impress your guests and elevate your grilling prowess.
So, fire up the grill, channel your inner chef, and embark on a journey to savor the exquisite flavors of perfectly grilled filet mignon.
