How to Cook Filet Mignon on a Pellet Grill?
Introduction
Cooking filet mignon on a pellet grill is one of the best ways to achieve a mouth-watering steak that melts in your mouth. The smoky flavor from the pellets combined with the tender, buttery texture of filet mignon makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your filet mignon turns out perfectly cooked, juicy, and full of flavor.
Let’s dive into why the combination of a filet mignon and a pellet grill is a match made in grilling heaven and how to achieve restaurant-quality results at home!
What is Filet Mignon?
Definition and Cut of Filet Mignon
Filet mignon comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin, which is located near the spine of the cow. This cut is renowned for its tenderness since it’s a muscle that does very little work.
Filet mignon is usually lean, with very little fat or connective tissue, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked correctly.
Why It’s Considered One of the Best Cuts of Beef
Thanks to its unparalleled tenderness, filet mignon is often considered the “king of steaks.” While it may lack some of the marbling found in cuts like ribeye, the buttery softness more than makes up for it, especially when paired with a pellet grill’s smoky flavor infusion.
Why Use a Pellet Grill for Filet Mignon?
How a Pellet Grill Works?
Pellet grills use small, compressed wood pellets made from hardwood to create heat and smoke. The grill uses an auger to feed pellets into a firebox, where they burn and produce both heat and smoke.
The fan circulates the smoke and heat evenly around the grill, creating a perfect convection environment for cooking meat.
Benefits of Grilling Filet Mignon on a Pellet Grill
- Consistent Heat: Pellet grills maintain steady temperatures, ensuring your filet mignon cooks evenly.
- Smoky Flavor: The wood pellets infuse the meat with a subtle, natural smoky flavor that’s hard to achieve with gas or electric grills.
- Versatility: You can both grill and smoke on a pellet grill, offering multiple ways to prepare your filet.
Preparing Filet Mignon for the Pellet Grill
Choosing the Right Filet Mignon
Look for filet mignon cuts that are bright red with little to no discoloration. The best cuts will have some marbling (thin streaks of fat) which adds to the flavor. Opt for USDA Prime or Choice grade for the highest quality.
Trimming and Seasoning the Filet
Before grilling, trim any excess fat from the edges of the filet. Although filet mignon is naturally lean, some cuts may have a fat cap that you’ll want to remove for even cooking. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper or add your preferred steak rub for extra flavor.
Setting Up Your Pellet Grill
Choosing the Right Pellets
When grilling filet mignon, the type of wood pellets you choose matters. Some of the best flavors include:
- Hickory: Strong and bold, it adds a hearty, smoky flavor.
- Cherry: A milder wood that adds a hint of sweetness.
- Mesquite: Best for those who love an intense smoke flavor.
Preheating the Pellet Grill
Set your pellet grill to around 225°F and allow it to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. Proper preheating ensures your grill reaches an even temperature, which is crucial for cooking filet mignon evenly.
Cooking Filet Mignon on a Pellet Gril
Reverse Searing Method
The reverse sear method is ideal for cooking filet mignon on a pellet grill. Here’s how it works:
- Cook Low and Slow: Start by cooking the filet at a low temperature (around 225°F) until the internal temperature reaches about 10-15 degrees below your desired doneness.
- Sear at High Heat: Once the filet has cooked through, remove it from the grill, crank up the heat to 450-500°F, and then sear each side for about 2-3 minutes. This creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Direct Grilling Method
If you’re short on time, you can grill the filet directly at a higher temperature (around 375°F). Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. However, this method may not provide the same depth of flavor as reverse searing.
Cooking Time and Temperature for Filet Mignon
Understanding Internal Temperatures
To get the perfect filet mignon, you need to focus on internal temperature rather than just time. Here’s a quick guide:
- Rare: 120°F (soft and red center)
- Medium Rare: 130°F (warm red center)
- Medium: 140°F (pink center)
- Medium Well: 150°F (slightly pink center)
- Well Done: 160°F (fully cooked with no pink)
Recommended Cooking Times
For a 1.5-inch thick filet mignon, follow these general time guidelines:
- Rare: 15-18 minutes total
- Medium Rare: 18-20 minutes total
- Medium: 20-23 minutes total
- Well Done: 25-28 minutes total
Achieving the Perfect Sear
Searing on a Pellet Grill
To get a great crust on your filet mignon, ensure your grill is hot (at least 450°F) when you start searing. For extra flavor, you can also use cast iron grates or place a cast iron skillet directly on the grill.
Resting the Filet Mignon
Resting your filet mignon is essential to lock in the juices. When you cook steak, the juices are pushed towards the center. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
Conclusion:
Cooking filet mignon on a pellet grill combines the precision of wood-fired smoking with a rich, tender cut of beef. By preheating the grill to a moderate temperature and using a reverse-sear method, you can achieve a perfect balance of smoky flavor and a juicy, tender interior.
Start by seasoning the filet mignon with your favorite spices, then slowly cook it at a lower temperature (around 225°F) until the internal temperature reaches about 10-15°F below your desired doneness.
Afterward, increase the heat to 450°F or higher to quickly sear both sides, creating a flavorful crust.
For the best results, always use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy in reaching your desired level of doneness, whether it’s medium-rare or well-done.
Let the filet mignon rest for a few minutes before serving, which allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the flavor and tenderness. With this method, the pellet grill delivers a consistently flavorful, restaurant-quality filet mignon every time.
