Grilling Filet Mignon to Perfection: How-to, Tips, & More

Curious about how to grill filet mignon? Better yet, what exactly is filet mignon, and why is it such a sought-after cut of beef? This ultimate guide to grilling filet mignon will answer all your questions, including how to choose the best cut, whether to use a gas or charcoal grill, the best seasonings, and how to know when your steak is perfectly cooked.

The truth is, grilling a steak is easy once you master the technique and follow a few simple steps. Let The Carnivore Market be your guide, helping you gain the confidence to grill like a pro all year long.

Choosing the Right Filet Mignon

When shopping for filet mignon, you’ll likely find more options than expected. While grocery stores may only offer one type, specialty meat providers like The Carnivore Market offer a variety of premium options.

Before purchasing, consider the following:

• What grade do you prefer? The USDA Prime designation indicates the highest quality beef on the U.S. market (excluding Wagyu, which has its own grading scale). Prime beef is well-marbled, tender, and incredibly juicy. If you want even more marbling and buttery texture, American Wagyu is an excellent choice.

• Bone-in or bone-out? While boneless filet mignon is the classic choice, trying a bone-in filet at least once is worth it. The bone adds moisture and flavor, though it takes longer to cook.

• What’s your recipe? The size and type of filet mignon you buy may depend on how you plan to prepare it. For example, a filet Oscar calls for a USDA Prime filet topped with crab, asparagus, and bearnaise sauce. The Carnivore Market also offers bacon-wrapped filet mignon and surf-and-turf options like filet paired with crab legs or lobster.

Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill

Your choice of grill will impact your cooking experience and the flavor of your filet mignon.

Gas Grills

• Quick and easy to use—ready to cook in about 10 minutes.

• Offers precise heat control.

• Produces a clean beef-forward flavor without added smokiness.

• Requires a gas line hookup or propane tank.

Charcoal Grills

• Infuses steaks with a rich, smoky flavor.

• Requires more time—about 30 minutes to reach high heat.

• Needs extra accessories like charcoal, lighter fluid, and a safe way to dispose of ashes.

• Offers a more traditional, hands-on grilling experience.

How to Grill Filet Mignon

Once you’ve got your steak and grill ready, follow these steps to achieve steakhouse-quality results:

1. Prep Your Meat – Remove the steaks from the fridge about an hour before grilling. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

2. Prep the Grill – Clean the grill grates, fire up the heat source, and oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking.

3. Preheat the Grill – A hot grill is essential for achieving a perfect sear.

4. Start Grilling – Cook your steak for the recommended time per side (see chart below). Avoid moving it too much.

5. Add Toppers (Optional) – In the final minutes of cooking, top your steak with blue cheese or a pat of compound butter for extra flavor.

6. Rest the Meat – Let your steak rest for at least half the total cooking time before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite.

Grilling Tips from the Pros

• Let your steak rest before and after cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness.

• Season generously either 30-40 minutes before grilling or right before placing the steak on the grill.

• Monitor cooking closely using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

• Use the reverse sear method for extra control—cook low and slow before finishing with a high-heat sear.

• Experiment with flavors like black truffle butter or herb-infused compound butters.

Time & Temperature Guide

Grilling Filet Mignon FAQs

How thick should a filet mignon be?

Most filet mignon steaks are cut 1.5 to 2 inches thick, allowing for a good sear without overcooking.

How to season filet mignon?

A simple seasoning of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is classic, but you can add herbs like rosemary, garlic, or thyme for more depth.

How long does it take to grill a filet mignon?

It depends on thickness and desired doneness. A 1.5 to 2-inch filet takes about 3-4 minutes per side for rare, 3.5-4.5 minutes for medium rare, and 4-5 minutes for medium.

What temp should you grill a filet mignon?

For the perfect doneness:

• Rare: 110-120°F

• Medium Rare: 120-130°F

• Medium: 130-140°F

Shop High-Quality Filet Mignon at The Carnivore Market

Grilling filet mignon doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little practice, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

For the best cuts, shop premium filet mignon at The Carnivore Market and enjoy the finest beef delivered straight to your door.