Jillian Hamill, a culinary savant with a deep passion for grilling and barbecuing, holds an esteemed degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Prior to her decision to divulge her unique grilling methods to the world, she honed her skills in multiple Michelin-starred establishments. Jillian's expertise, now available through Grill Matey, embodies the perfect blend of professional training and practical experience.
Grilling the perfect filet mignon requires precise temperature control to achieve that juicy, tender, and flavorful result. The ideal grilling temperature for filet mignon is between 400°F and 450°F.
When grilling filet mignon, it's important to start with a preheated grill. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and develops a delicious sear on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Preheating the grill to the ideal temperature allows for the perfect balance of heat and cooking time.
To achieve this temperature range, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the grill: Clean the grill grates thoroughly to remove any residue from previous grilling sessions. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. If using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until it reaches a white ash. For gas grills, preheat the grill with all burners on high.
2. Season the filet mignon: Before placing the filet mignon on the grill, season it generously with salt and pepper or your favorite dry rub. This enhances the flavor and forms a delicious crust when grilled.
3. Oil the grill grates: To prevent the filet mignon from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grill grates. Use a high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil and a pair of tongs with a folded paper towel to apply the oil.
4. Grill the filet mignon: Place the filet mignon on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. For medium, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side. Remember to only flip the steak once to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
5. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the filet mignon reaches the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F, while medium should be around 145°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone or grill grates.
6. Rest and serve: Once the filet mignon reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve the filet mignon with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Remember, these grilling times and temperatures are just guidelines. Factors such as the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill can affect cooking times. It's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your filet mignon is cooked to perfection.
So, the next time you're grilling filet mignon, remember to preheat your grill to the ideal temperature range of 400°F to 450°F. With these grilling tips and techniques, you'll be able to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering filet mignon that's cooked to perfection. Happy grilling!
For more grilling tips and techniques, be sure to check out Grill Matey, your ultimate guide to perfect grilling.