Today I’m going to show you how to grill filet mignon. Filet mignon is one of the best cuts of steak, and it can be pretty expensive too. You will always see it on the menu at expensive restaurants. The reason it is so good, and pricey too, is because it is a lean, and tender cut of meat. Being a lean cut it does pose a problem for grilling.
The fat in steak gives it flavor, and helps it from drying out. Since filet mignon is really lean, we grillers need to be careful not to dry it out on the grill. Also since it lacks the fat, it can be a bit bland, but you can spice it up or marinate it as well. Another thing you can do is make bacon wrapped filet mignon.
Filet mignon is steak cut from the smaller end of beef tenderloin. It is such a tender cut and arguably the most expensive. For grilling filet mignon, you can either buy them already cut, or get yourself a beef tenderloin and cut the steaks yourself. If you get the tenderloin, cut the steaks into 2 inch thick steaks, and just save the tail end of the beef tenderloin for kebabs or something else.
I really like to marinate my filet mignon to add to the flavor and keep it from drying. So, use your favorite pre-made marinade or come up with your own. I’m pretty fond of teriyaki marinades, so I usually will make one or use a marinade from the store.
I also bacon wrap them, so even if you chose not to use a marinade, be sure to wrap them in bacon, as it will keep them moist. So, take your filet mignon, wrap them around the edges with one strip of bacon, securing with either a toothpick or preferably butcher’s string, then place them in a baking dish. Pour your favorite marinade over them, and let them sit in the refrigerator covered for 2 to 4 hours. You will want to turn them occasionally during this time.
Set up your gas or charcoal grill for high heat. We are going to grill the filet mignon directly over the heat source. Remove the steaks from the marinade and place them on the grill. We are going to grill them for approximately 4 to 6 minutes each side. This will give you medium-rare steaks. Adjust the time for your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare it will be 145F on an instant read thermometer stuck in the center. I use this thermometer.
Now, that they are grilled on both sides we are going to use a tongs and turn the steaks on their sides to crisp up that bacon. You will only need to grill it for around 2 or 3 minutes on each of the sides to crisp it up. After they are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
This is how to grill filet mignon that tender and juicy. Like I said, feel free to experiment with the marinades to find the flavor you love the best.
image courtesy of markomni/flickr