how to grill the perfect filet mignon 🥩

Okay, so you've seen my quick guide to a PERFECT FILET MIGNON on the grill, but I know some of you might have more questions, especially about getting that steak just right for your preference! I've had my share of grilling experiments, and I've picked up some extra tips that I absolutely have to share. First off, let's talk thickness. Many of you asked about grilling thick filet mignon or specifically how long to grill filet mignon 2 inches thick. For a thicker cut, that 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare might need a slight adjustment. My go-to method for a 2-inch thick filet is usually searing for about 4-6 minutes per side on high heat to get a beautiful crust, then, if it’s still not quite at temperature, I'll move it to a slightly cooler part of the grill or even finish it in the oven at a low temperature (like 300°F) until it reaches the desired internal temperature. Using a meat thermometer is your absolute best friend here – seriously, don't skip it! For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F before resting. And speaking of doneness, I know some of you prefer your filet mignon well done. While I personally lean towards medium-rare to medium for maximum juiciness, achieving a well done filet mignon that isn't dry is totally possible! The key is still high heat searing for a crust, but then significantly lowering the heat or moving it to indirect heat to let it cook through slowly. You'll want an internal temperature of 160°F or higher for well done. Just remember to pull it off a few degrees before your target, as it will continue cooking while it rests. This slow-and-steady approach keeps it tender. A lot of you asked how to grill filet mignon on a gas grill specifically. Good news – my steps work perfectly for gas grills! Just make sure your grill is super clean and preheated to high. For those beautiful grill marks, sear directly over the flame. If you're dealing with a thicker cut as mentioned, you can use the multi-zone cooking method: sear on high, then move it to a lower-heat zone to finish cooking. This prevents the outside from charring before the inside is done. Now, about how long to cook filet mignon in oven at 350 – while my main recipe focuses on grilling, the oven is fantastic for finishing thicker steaks or if the weather isn't cooperating. If you've seared your filet on the stovetop or grill and want to finish it, pop it into a preheated 350°F oven. For a 1.5 to 2-inch thick steak, this might take an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. Again, thermometer, thermometer, thermometer! One last personal tip: don't underestimate the power of seasoning! Beyond salt and pepper, sometimes I'll rub in a little garlic powder and onion powder. And always let your steak rest! That 5 minutes is crucial for redistributing the juices, ensuring every bite of your PERFECT FILET MIGNON is succulent. Happy grilling, everyone!