Mastering the Art of Grilling: How to Cook Filet Mignon on a Gas Grill

If you're passionate about grilling or just eager to experience a perfectly grilled steak, learning how to cook filet mignon on a gas grill can be transformative. The filet mignon, a top-tier cut known for its tenderness and rich flavor, requires a certain finesse. But with the right techniques, you can recreate restaurant-quality results in your backyard. This comprehensive guide covers everything about grilling filet mignon on a gas grill, from preparation to execution, ensuring your next barbecue is exceptional.

Why Filet Mignon?

Often hailed as the king of steaks, filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin, a part of the cow that does minimal work. This results in a lean yet incredibly tender piece of meat. When you grill filet mignon on a gas grill, its more than just a meal; it's a culinary masterpiece. Why choose filet mignon? Its tenderness and buttery texture that melts in your mouth make it a favorite. Its mild flavor is versatile, perfect for various marinades and seasonings, allowing for a customizable grilling experience.

Essential Tools and Ingredients

Before you start grilling, it's crucial to gather the right tools and ingredients. Proper equipment ensures safety and enhances the cooking experience, leading to the best results.

Tools

1. Gas Grill: Essential for precise temperature control and even cooking.

2. Knife: A sharp, high-quality knife for trimming filet mignon and ensuring clean cuts.

3. Cutting Board: A sturdy board for a stable surface while preparing the meat.

Ingredients

Preparing the Filet Mignon

Preparation is key to successfully grilling filet mignon on a gas grill. Attention to detail at this stage can significantly impact the final result. Start by selecting high-quality filet mignon steaks, preferably aged for tenderness and flavor. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, aiding in a beautiful sear.

Trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups on the grill, which can cause uneven cooking. Generously season the steaks with salt and pepper, coating all sides. For an extra flavor layer, rub the steaks with minced garlic and fresh herbs. Let the seasoned steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, helping them cook evenly and reducing the risk of a cold center.

Preheating the Gas Grill

Properly preheating the gas grill is crucial for the perfect sear on your filet mignon. Turn on the gas grill and set it to high heat, preheating for at least 10-15 minutes. This ensures the grill grates are hot enough to create those desired grill marks and caramelize the steaks exterior.

While preheating, clean the grates to prevent sticking and ensure a consistent sear. Use a grill brush to remove residual debris. Prepare an indirect heat zone by turning off one burner or setting it to low, creating a two-zone setup; this allows you to sear over high heat and finish cooking over indirect heat, ensuring a perfect doneness.

Grilling the Filet Mignon

With the preheated grill and prepped steaks, start grilling. Place the filet mignon steaks directly on the hot grill grates over the high-heat zone. Close the lid and let the steaks sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to create a flavorful crust and those beautiful grill marks. Use tongs to flip the steaks, searing the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

After searing, move the steaks to the indirect heat zone and continue cooking with the lid closed. This method ensures even cooking without burning the exterior. The cooking time depends on the steaks thickness and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for an additional 4-5 minutes per side, aiming for 130-135F with a meat thermometer. For medium or well-done steaks, increase the cooking time and target temperature accordingly.

Resting and Serving the Filet Mignon

Once the steaks reach the desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. During this time, you can add a pat of butter on each steak, enhancing the flavor further.

To serve, slice the filet mignon against the grain into thick medallions, maintaining tenderness and creating an elegant presentation. Pair your perfectly grilled filet mignon with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh garden salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Filet Mignon

Grilling filet mignon on a gas grill is an art and science blend. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your steaks turn out perfectly every time:

Choosing the Right Steak

Opt for USDA Prime or Choice grade filet mignon for top quality. Look for steaks with good marbling, as this fat content adds flavor and keeps the meat moist during grilling. If possible, buy steaks that are at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Thicker steaks allow you to achieve a nice sear without overcooking the interior.

Seasoning

While simple salt and pepper seasoning is often sufficient, experiment with different spice blends or marinades. Try a balsamic vinegar marinade or a dry rub with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Ensure to pat the steaks dry before grilling to get a good sear.

Grill Maintenance

Maintaining your gas grill can significantly affect your grilling results. Regularly clean the grates with a grill brush to remove buildup. Periodically check the gas lines and burners to ensure they function correctly.

Using a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is invaluable for grilling steaks to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check the internal temperature, avoiding any bones or fat. This ensures you achieve the desired doneness without overcooking.

Conclusion

Grilling filet mignon on a gas grill is a rewarding experience that, with practice and attention to detail, can result in a meal as good as any high-end steakhouse. From selecting quality steaks to mastering grilling and serving the perfect filet mignon, every step contributes to the end result. Remember, the key lies in preparation, temperature control, and resting the meat. Explore more grilling inspirations and delicious recipes like Trout on Griddle and T-bone Steak. For other great recipes, dont forget to check out Easy St. Louis Pork Ribs.

Recommended Cookware Cleaner and Maintenance

After enjoying your delicious grilled filet mignon, maintaining your cookware ensures it stays in great shape for future use. Proper Cookware Cleaner helps clean your gas grill efficiently. Keeping your cutting boards in good condition by applying Cutting Board Oil ensures they remain durable and safe for culinary adventures.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.