Perfectly grilled filet mignon is one of the easiest grilling recipes to make at home. A tender cut of organic, pasture-raised steak such as filet mignon does not need many seasonings or require much fuss. Filet mignon is perfect when simply seasoned with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Enjoy this steakhouse-worthy Grilled Filet Mignon with grilled veggies or a simple side salad. This recipe is great for entertaining special guests or as a delicious family dinner on a nice summer night. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo, so it is sure to become one of your go-to, special occasion meals that is suitable for any meat-friendly elimination diet.
What makes Grilled Filet Mignon a healthy choice?
Filet mignon is a boneless cut of steak that comes from the inside of the tenderloin. It has almost no fat so it is considered a very lean cut of meat. Filet mignon has a beautiful texture, that is so tender and easy to slice into despite being more lean.
If you are going to enjoy red meat, filet mignon is one of the best cuts of beef you can get. It may be more expensive, yet filet mignon is worth it for those times when you really want to enjoy a rich, meaty meal.
Filet mignon also offers exceptional health benefits. It is high in protein and contains amino acids that help repair and rebuild muscle and tissue. Like all red meat, it contains iron which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and avoiding anemia. Red meat is also high in zinc and essential B-vitamins, such as vitamin B-6, B-12, niacin, and riboflavin. These nutrients can all help promote a healthy immune system, nervous system, and digestive system.
How to season Grilled Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is a thicker cut of meat which needs to be seasoned very well with salt and pepper in order to bring out its flavor. I recommend using a coarse salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt to season filet mignon. I also recommend using freshly ground black pepper for the most flavor.
With just these seasonings, you can see how preparing this meal at home does not have to be complex. Here are some tips to help you nail a perfect Grilled Filet Mignon every time.
Tips for Grilled Filet Mignon
- Remove the filet mignon from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking. You can let the grill preheat during this time. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly. It also releases some water during this time, which results in a nice, brown crust.
- Pat the steak dry to remove moisture from the surface of the meat. This will help the seasonings stick to the steak instead of dripping off when placed on the grill.
- Season your filet liberally. The salt will help tenderize the filet mignon and the pepper will bring out the flavor of the steak.
- Let the filet mignon rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This will help seal in the juices and keep the filet mignon nice and tender.
Temperature clues for your perfect filet
Filet mignon offers the most flavor and the best texture when it’s cooked no higher than medium-well. You want this cut of meat to remain tender and slightly pink on the inside. Use a meat thermometer to check the filet mignon after flipping it, and don’t let it overcook.
Below are the temperature ranges for cooking steak:
Medium rare: 130-135°
Medium: 135-145°
Medium well: 145-155
What to serve with Grilled Filet Mignon
Filet mignon pairs well with a wide variety of vegetables. You could always enjoy it with a simple side salad, however I love using the grill to cook my veggies when it’s already fired up for the main dish anyway. Sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and onion can be grilled in the same amount of time as filet mignon, making them perfect to throw on the grill while the filet is cooking.
Slice the zucchini diagonally (so you have larger pieces that don’t fall through the grill), brush the sliced zucchini with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place on the grill. Flip the zucchini when you flip the steak.
Alternatively, you could try other vegetables including artichoke hearts, asparagus, Brussel’s sprouts, or cauliflower. They may take longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
Steak and vegetables — it’s a perfect dinner.
Leftover grilled vegetables can always be stored in an airtight container for another meal. However, I don’t recommend planning to meal prep Grilled Filet Mignon. It’s best to serve and enjoy this main dish about 5 minutes after removing it from the grill.
That being said, I hope you take the chance to fire up the grill and indulge in a delicious and healthy Grilled Filet Mignon!
Grilled Filet Mignon
Course:
Protocol:
Servings
2
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 oz 177.44 ml grass-fed filet mignon or 2 cuts
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml sea salt (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml ground black pepper coarsely ground (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup 60.00 ml Avocado oil
Instructions
- Remove the filet mignon from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature while the grill heats.
- Preheat the grill to high heat. Brush the grill with avocado oil by dipping a paper towel into the oil and use a pair of tongs to brush the oil on the grill.
- Pat the filet mignons dry on all sides with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Season well with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the filet mignon on the grill, cover, and allow to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, use tongs to rotate the steaks 45 degrees and cook for another 5 minutes. Flip the steaks and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired internal temperature (use a meat thermometer to check).
- Remove the filet mignon from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
