Looking to grill the perfect filet mignon on your gas grill? Wondering how long it takes to achieve that tender, juicy perfection? Well, look no further! In this article, we’ll dive right into the answer to your burning question: how long to cook filet mignon on a gas grill. From the initial sear to the final resting time, we’ll guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your filet mignon is cooked to perfection every single time. So, let’s get those grills fired up and start cooking up a delicious meal that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
How Long to Cook Filet Mignon on Gas Grill
When it comes to cooking filet mignon on a gas grill, the key lies in achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Filet mignon, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste, is a prized cut of beef that deserves special attention. Cooking it on a gas grill allows for precise control over the temperature, resulting in a delicious and evenly cooked steak. In this article, we will explore the optimal cooking times, temperatures, and techniques to ensure your filet mignon is grilled to perfection.
Choosing the Right Filet Mignon
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to start with high-quality filet mignon. Here are a few tips for selecting the best cuts:
- Look for filet mignon that is evenly marbled with thin streaks of fat throughout the meat. This marbling adds flavor and helps keep the steak tender.
- Opt for steaks that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. This thickness allows for a juicy and evenly cooked steak.
- Choose filet mignon that has been aged for at least 21 days. Aging enhances the tenderness and flavor of the meat.
- Consider opting for grass-fed filet mignon for a more natural and robust flavor profile.
Once you have your perfect cuts of filet mignon, it’s time to fire up the gas grill and get cooking.
Preparing the Gas Grill
To ensure the best results when grilling filet mignon, proper preparation of the gas grill is crucial. Follow these steps to set up your grill:
- Clean the grates: Preheat the gas grill on high for about 10-15 minutes. Once it’s hot, use a grill brush to thoroughly clean the grates and remove any leftover residue from previous grilling sessions.
- Oil the grates: Dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil and, using tongs, rub it over the grates. This helps prevent the steaks from sticking to the grill.
- Control the heat: If your gas grill has multiple burners, light the outer burners and leave the center one off. This indirect heat setup allows for more controlled cooking and avoids flare-ups.
- Preheat to the right temperature: For filet mignon, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (204-232°C). This temperature ensures a juicy and perfectly cooked steak.
Grilling Filet Mignon to Perfection
Now that the grill is prepped and ready, it’s time to cook the filet mignon. Follow these steps for grilling perfection:
- Season the steaks: Prior to cooking, generously season the filet mignon on all sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other desired seasonings like garlic powder or herbs.
- Grill with the lid closed: Place the seasoned filets directly on the preheated grill grates. Close the lid to retain the heat and ensure even cooking.
- Flip and rotate: After 3-4 minutes, use tongs to flip the steaks. Additionally, rotate them 45 degrees to achieve beautiful grill marks. Close the lid again.
- Check the internal temperature: The best way to determine the doneness of your steak is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the filet mignon, avoiding any bones. Here are the target temperatures for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
- Medium rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
- Medium well: 145-155°F (63-68°C)
- Well done: 155°F (68°C) and above
- Remove from the grill and rest: Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the filet mignon from the grill and place it on a plate. Allow the steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Tips for Success
To take your filet mignon grilling skills to the next level, keep these tips in mind:
- Invest in a meat thermometer: A reliable meat thermometer is essential for achieving the perfect level of doneness.
- Avoid excessive flipping: Flipping the steaks too frequently can prevent them from developing a nice crust.
- Use a timer: Set a timer to keep track of the cooking time and avoid overcooking the filet mignon.
- Experiment with marinades and rubs: While filet mignon is incredibly flavorful on its own, you can add extra dimensions by marinating or applying dry rubs before grilling. Just be cautious not to overpower the natural taste of the steak.
- Practice makes perfect: Grilling filet mignon is a skill that develops over time. As you gain experience, you’ll be able to fine-tune the cooking process to achieve your desired level of doneness and flavor.
With these guidelines in mind, you’re ready to master the art of cooking filet mignon on a gas grill. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and savor every tender and juicy bite of this exceptional cut of beef. Happy grilling!
How to Cook Filet Mignon on the Grill
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook filet mignon on a gas grill?
The recommended cooking time for filet mignon on a gas grill depends on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, you can follow these cooking times:
- Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 5-6 minutes per side
- Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
- Medium-well: 7-8 minutes per side
- Well done: 8-9 minutes per side
How do I know when the filet mignon is cooked to my liking?
The most accurate way to determine the doneness of a filet mignon is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. The following temperatures indicate the level of doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well done: 160°F (71°C)
Should I preheat the gas grill before cooking filet mignon?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the gas grill for about 10-15 minutes before cooking filet mignon. Preheating ensures that the grill reaches the desired cooking temperature and helps sear the steak properly.
Do I need to oil the filet mignon before grilling?
It is not necessary to oil the filet mignon before grilling. The steak has enough natural fats that will render during cooking and prevent sticking. However, you can lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking if desired.
Can I cook filet mignon directly from the refrigerator?
It is best to let the filet mignon sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This allows for more even cooking and helps the steak cook faster. However, if you’re short on time, you can still cook it directly from the refrigerator, just keep in mind that it might take slightly longer to cook.
Should I flip the filet mignon multiple times while grilling?
For the best results, it is recommended to only flip the filet mignon once during grilling. Flipping too often can prevent the steak from developing a nice crust. Allow each side to cook for the recommended time, then flip it and continue cooking until it reaches the desired doneness.
Final Thoughts
To achieve the perfect filet mignon on a gas grill, it’s crucial to know the ideal cooking time. The recommended time to cook filet mignon on a gas grill is about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 5-6 minutes per side for medium doneness. Remember to preheat the grill to high heat, sear the steaks for a few minutes on each side, and then move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Resting the steaks for a few minutes before serving will help retain their juices. So, when it comes to how long to cook filet mignon on a gas grill, follow these guidelines for a deliciously cooked steak.
