There's nothing quite like a perfectly cooked filet mignon to elevate your culinary skills. When you bring a pellet smoker into the mix, you unlock a flavor potential that's simply unmatched. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the filet mignon pellet smoker recipe to ensure that your next cookout is a smashing success.

Why Choose a Filet Mignon?

A filet mignon is renowned for its tenderness and flavor. This cut of beef is taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin, and despite its relatively light marbling, the meat can be buttery smooth when cooked correctly. These traits make it an ideal candidate for a pellet smoker, which imparts a rich, smoky flavor that brings out the best in any beef cut.

The Magic of a Pellet Smoker

Pellet smokers take the guesswork out of smoking by providing consistent heat and smoke throughout the cooking process. This is achieved by burning wood pellets, which come in various flavors like hickory, apple, and cherry, each adding a unique taste to your meat. Additionally, pellet smokers are versatile; they can smoke, grill, roast, and even bake!

When choosing a smoker, consider the Pellet Grill, which is highly recommended for its efficiency and quality.

Ingredients

Preparation and Setup

Preparation is key to achieving the perfect filet mignon pellet smoker recipe. Start by taking your filet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to start cooking. Letting the steaks come to room temperature ensures that they will cook more evenly.

While the steaks are coming to temperature, prepare your pellet smoker. Load it with your choice of wood pellets; for a hearty, smoky flavor, we recommend hickory or oak pellets. Preheat your smoker to 225F, which is the optimal temperature for achieving that sought-after smoke ring.

Meanwhile, coat the filet mignon steaks with a thin layer of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, and then apply your steak rub. The olive oil helps the rub adhere to the meat and ensures a beautiful crust. Don't forget to mince your garlic and gather the rosemary sprigs, as these will be used for basting later on.

Before you proceed, you might want to read up on Pros and Cons of grilling to set your expectations.

Smoking the Filet Mignon

Once your smoker is preheated and your steaks are seasoned, it's time to smoke the filet mignons. Place the steaks directly on the smoker grates, ensuring they are spaced evenly for the smoke to circulate properly. Insert a meat thermometer probe into one of the steaks to monitor the internal temperature throughout the cooking process.

Smoke the steaks for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they reach an internal temperature of 110F. This is the ideal temperature for the next step: the reverse sear.

The Reverse Sear

The reverse sear is a technique that involves initially cooking the meat at a low temperature and then finishing it off with high heat for a perfect crust. This method ensures that your filet mignon is cooked evenly throughout while still achieving a deliciously charred exterior.

To achieve the reverse sear, remove the steaks from the smoker when they reach 110F. Preheat a high-heat grill or cast-iron skillet. If you're using a grill, crank it up to its highest setting. If using a skillet, let it get smoking hot before adding the steaks.

Meanwhile, melt some unsalted butter in a small pan and add the minced garlic and rosemary. This aromatic mixture will be used to baste the steaks during the sear.

Place the steaks on the hot grill or skillet and sear them for about 1-2 minutes on each side, basting with the garlic-rosemary butter. Once the steaks have a beautiful crust and have reached an internal temperature of 125F (for medium-rare), remove them from the heat and let them rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an extremely juicy and flavorful filet mignon.

If you want more tips, here are some Grill Cleaning Steps.

Serving Your Filet Mignon

Now that your filet mignon is perfectly cooked and rested, it's time to serve. A simple, elegant plate presentation can elevate the dining experience. Consider serving the steak alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Slicing your filet mignon with the right knife is crucial. Use a sharp, high-quality knife to cut the meat crosswise into thick medallions. This ensures that each bite is as tender as possible.

Don't forget to drizzle some of the melted garlic-rosemary butter over the steak medallions for added flavor. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary as a garnish to enhance the dish's visual appeal.

Pairing Your Filet Mignon

A perfectly cooked filet mignon deserves an equally exceptional wine pairing. Red wines with full-bodied flavor profiles, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Malbec, complement the rich flavors of the steak.

If you prefer white wine, opt for a Chardonnay with a rich, buttery texture to match the filet mignon's tenderness. For those who enjoy spirits, a smooth bourbon or scotch can also be an excellent accompaniment.

For an additional flavor boost, consider this Barbecue Sauce recipe.

Cleanup and Maintenance

Maintaining your grilling and smoking equipment is essential for longevity and performance. After the feast, take the time to clean your pellet smoker and any cookware used.

Invest in quality cleaning products like BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil to keep your smoker in top condition. Your cutting board will also need attention; Cutting Board Conditioner will help maintain its integrity.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the filet mignon pellet smoker recipe is a rewarding process that will take your grilling game to the next level. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can enjoy restaurant-quality filet mignon in the comfort of your backyard. Happy grilling!

Want to explore more grilling recipes? Check out Grilling4All.

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