How to Grill Filet Mignon: Best Steak Recipe to Try This Year
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What Makes Filet Mignon Special
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How to Prepare Filet Mignon for the Grill
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How to Prep Your Grill
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Step-by-Step: How to Grill Filet Mignon
- Sear the Steaks
- Move to Indirect Heat
- Rest the Steak
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Simple Butter Topping (Optional)
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Best Grilled Filet Mignon Recipe (Easy Version)
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Extra Tips for Great Results
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Why This Recipe Works
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Final Thoughts
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.
Grilling a filet mignon may look hard, but it is one of the easiest steaks to cook once you know the steps.
This cut is tender, mild, and cooks fast over high heat.
If you want a simple guide that anyone can follow, this recipe will show you exactly how to grill filet mignon the right way.
It uses clear steps, easy timing, and simple flavors that help the steak shine.
What Makes Filet Mignon Special
Filet mignon comes from the tenderloin.
This part of the cow does not get much use, so the meat stays soft.
It has little fat, which means it stays lean and cooks fast.
Many people love filet for its soft bite.
Others like it because it pairs well with butter, herbs, or pepper.
Since it is lean, a filet can dry out if cooked too long.
That is why timing and heat control matter so much.
If you want to make your steak even more tender before grilling, you can learn how to wet age your steak at home with this helpful guide:
➡️ How to Wet Age Steak at Home:
https://behindthegrill.com/blog/how-to-wet-age-steak-at-home
How to Prepare Filet Mignon for the Grill
Take the steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling.
Letting them rest brings them to room temperature.
This helps them cook evenly.
Pat each steak dry with a paper towel.
Dry steaks sear better.
Season with salt and pepper.
You can also add garlic powder or a light steak rub, but do not overdo it.
Too many flavors can hide the taste of the meat.
Brush a little oil on the steak, not the grill.
This helps the seasoning stick and reduces flare-ups.
How to Prep Your Grill
Filet mignon likes high heat.
You want a grill that reaches 450°F to 500°F.
This heat gives you a nice crust without drying the steak.
If you want to understand why these temps matter, you can explore this guide:
➡️ The Best Temperature for Searing Steak:
https://behindthegrill.com/blog/the-best-temperature-for-searing-steak
Before you heat the grill, scrape the grates clean.
Old grease burns and gives off-bitter smoke.
This also stops the steak from sticking.
A safe and simple tool for this job is the Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper:
After cleaning, heat the grill with the lid closed for at least 10 minutes.
This ensures the grates are hot enough for a strong sear.
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Filet Mignon
Sear the Steaks
Set the steaks on the hottest part of your grill.
Close the lid.
Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes without moving them.
Flip them and repeat for another 2 to 3 minutes.
The steak should now have deep grill marks and a brown crust.
Move to Indirect Heat
Filet mignon is thick.
After searing, move the steaks to a cooler part of the grill.
Close the lid and let them cook through.
The best way to know when they are ready is to use a meat thermometer:
Rare: 120°F
Medium-rare: 130°F
Medium: 140°F
Medium-well: 150°F
Most people pick medium-rare.
This keeps the center warm, pink, and juicy.
Rest the Steak
When the steaks reach your target temperature, take them off the grill.
Let them rest for 5 to 8 minutes.
This step helps the juices settle back into the meat.
Simple Butter Topping (Optional)
A small pad of butter melts fast on a hot filet and adds smooth flavor.
You can use plain butter or mix one with herbs.
Garlic butter, chive butter, rosemary butter, or pepper butter all work well.
To make a fast version, mix soft butter with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.
Spread a teaspoon on the steak while it rests.
Best Grilled Filet Mignon Recipe (Easy Version)
Here is the quick recipe in one place:
You Need:
Filet mignon steaks (1.5–2 inches thick)
Salt
Pepper
Oil
Butter (optional)
Steps:
Bring steaks to room temp for 30 minutes.
Dry, season, and oil the steaks.
Heat grill to 450°F–500°F.
Sear 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Move to indirect heat and cook to target temp.
Rest 5 to 8 minutes.
Add butter if you want.
This method works on gas grills, charcoal grills, and pellet grills.
Extra Tips for Great Results
A filet cooks fast, so stay near the grill.
Thin steaks can move from medium-rare to well-done in one minute.
Keep your lid closed as much as possible to hold in heat.
Also remember not to press the steak with your spatula.
This pushes out the juices.
If you are cooking for a group, try to pick steaks that are all the same thickness.
This helps them finish at the same time.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe keeps things simple.
It uses high heat to get a crust, lower heat to cook the inside, and a short rest to lock in juices.
These steps match what most top BBQ sites and grill chefs recommend.
It is reliable even for new grillers.
Using a clean grill is also part of this success.
Stuck-on food burns and creates bitter smoke.
Clean grates give you a smooth sear and make flipping easy.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to grill filet mignon in a simple and clear way.
This recipe is easy to learn and easy to repeat.
With only a few ingredients and the right heat, you can serve a steak that feels like a special meal every time.
If you want to keep your grill clean and ready each time you cook, click the image to check out our Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper.
-
What Makes Filet Mignon Special
-
How to Prepare Filet Mignon for the Grill
-
How to Prep Your Grill
-
Step-by-Step: How to Grill Filet Mignon
- Sear the Steaks
- Move to Indirect Heat
- Rest the Steak
-
Simple Butter Topping (Optional)
-
Best Grilled Filet Mignon Recipe (Easy Version)
-
Extra Tips for Great Results
-
Why This Recipe Works
-
Final Thoughts
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.