When it comes to steak rankings, filet mignon is top tier. It’s one of the best cuts you can buy (and eat), which is why it’s essential to follow these grilling steps.
STEP 1: Choose High-Quality Steak
Filet mignon is pretty pricey, so if you want to get bang for your buck, you have to master the art of choosing high-quality meat… And I’m here to show you how.
Firstly, look for a cut that’s around 1.5 to 2 inches thick, with abundant marbling of fat throughout. This is what will give it so much tenderness and flavor.
Secondly, look for these details in the packaging:
- 100% raised and harvested in the US
- No antibiotics or synthetic hormones
- Use of regenerative agriculture methods
- USDA-inspected
And lastly, if you want to get optimal nutritional benefits, go for products that are 100% organic, all-natural, grass-fed, and grass-finished.
STEP 2: Season to Perfection
After buying your steak, season the beef cut just the way you like it.
I usually go for a simple blend of salt and pepper. But, if you have a favorite steak seasoning at home, you can use that instead.
STEP 3: Cook
There are two ways to grill your steak: you can use a charcoal grill or a gas grill.
- Gas Grill: Between the two, a gas grill is more user- and beginner-friendly. You can prep it in as little as 10 minutes and proceed to cooking right after that!
- Charcoal Grill: A charcoal grill requires a bit more work upfront. Getting the grill piping hot can take 30 to 45 minutes, but you’ll get the “smoky” flavor that every grill master loves.
Both options have their advantages, and no matter which one you choose, you can still produce a tasty filet mignon.
STEP 4: Let It Rest
I know how irresistible a serving of fresh-off-the-grill filet mignon is, but be patient. Transfer your cooked beef to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
While the steak is resting, its internal temperature will keep rising, so give it some time to settle. Once it does, you can cut into it and dig in!
STEP 5: Serve It With Some Sides!
I usually like to pair it with a complementary side dish to elevate the whole dining experience.
Some of my favorite recipes include
- Sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs
- Grilled asparagus
- Charred broccoli with blue cheese dressing
- Garlic and herbs mashed potatoes
- Tomato salad with arugula pesto
I can go on and on about the different side dishes, but you get the gist. Filet mignon tastes so much better with a plate of veggies.
Classic Grilled Filet Mignon
Nothing beats a simple filet mignon, so get your grills fired up because it’s time to whip up this delicious yet super easy classic recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 1½-inch thick filet mignon steaks (around 8 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or salted butter
- Store-bought bearnaise sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Before grilling, take your filet mignon out of the fridge to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In the meantime, turn your grill up to high.
- Sprinkle your salt and pepper on all sides of your steak, making sure to press the spices gently to create a light coating all around.
- Once your grill is hot enough, brush some butter or oil on the grates before placing your filet on top. Leave it to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes before flipping it over and doing the same on the other side. Take note: flip your steak only once. Turning it over multiple times can prevent your beef from cooking evenly.
- After it’s done grilling, transfer your steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Be patient!
- When the timer’s up, slice against the grain and serve your filet mignon with bearnaise sauce and any side dish you want!
Notes
Image credit to @chef_gason.
Featured image credit to @grilling4family.
