Filet Mignon Charcoal Grill Recipe

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Filet mignon is a popular and tender cut of beef that is often served in high-end restaurants, but you can also prepare it at home on your charcoal grill. Grilling filet mignon on a charcoal grill can impart a delicious smoky flavor to the meat and create a mouthwatering crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This recipe is a great way to impress your guests or indulge in a special meal at home.

What is Filet mignon?

Filet mignon is a cut of beef that comes from the tenderloin, which is a long, cylindrical muscle that runs along the spine of the cow. It is one of the most tender cuts of beef and is highly prized for its tenderness and mild flavor.

Filet mignon is often considered a luxury cut of meat and is commonly served in high-end restaurants. It is typically cut into thick, round or oval-shaped steaks, which can be grilled, broiled, or pan-seared to perfection. Because filet mignon is so tender, it is best served rare to medium-rare to avoid overcooking and toughening the meat.

Why should you use a charcoal grill for grilling filet mignon on charcoal grill?

Using a charcoal grill to grill filet mignon has several advantages:

  1. Smoky flavor: Charcoal grills impart a delicious smoky flavor to the meat that cannot be achieved with gas grills.
  2. High heat: Charcoal grills can reach higher temperatures than gas grills, which is important for achieving a good sear on the outside of the filet mignon.
  3. Versatility: Charcoal grills allow you to cook your filet mignon using direct heat or indirect heat methods, depending on your preference and the thickness of the steak.
  4. Cost-effective: Charcoal grills tend to be more affordable than gas grills, and charcoal is also less expensive than propane or natural gas.
  5. Charred crust: Charcoal grills can create a charred crust on the outside of the filet mignon, which adds flavor and texture to the meat.

Overall, grilling filet mignon on a charcoal grill can produce a delicious and flavorful meal that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings.

How to grill filet mignon on charcoal grill

Grilling filet mignon on a charcoal grill requires a little bit of attention, but the results are worth it. Here are the steps to grill filet mignon on a charcoal grill:

  1. Choose your meat: Select high-quality filet mignon steaks that are at least 1 1/2 inches thick, which will help ensure that they cook evenly and retain their juiciness.
  2. Season the meat: Season the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.
  3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your charcoal grill to high heat (around 450-500°F).
  4. Create a two-zone fire: Divide the coals on one side of the grill, creating two zones. One zone will be high heat for searing the steaks and the other will be lower heat for finishing the cooking process.
  5. Sear the steaks: Place the filet mignon steaks on the high heat zone and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure to get a nice sear on each side for a flavorful crust.
  6. Move the steaks: Move the steaks to the lower heat zone and continue grilling for another 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, which should read 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium.
  7. Rest the meat: Once the filet mignon steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak.

With these simple steps, you can grill a delicious filet mignon on your charcoal grill and impress your friends and family with your grilling skills.

Types of wood for grilling filet mignon on charcoal grill

When grilling filet mignon on a charcoal grill, you can use a variety of wood chips or chunks to add a smoky flavor to the meat. Here are some popular wood options:

  1. Mesquite: Mesquite wood has a strong and slightly sweet flavor, which pairs well with the richness of filet mignon.
  2. Hickory: Hickory wood has a strong, smoky flavor that can be overpowering if used in excess, but adds a delicious depth of flavor to filet mignon when used in moderation.
  3. Cherry: Cherry wood has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that complements the tenderness of filet mignon without overpowering it.
  4. Oak: Oak wood has a subtle, smoky flavor that can be used to enhance the natural flavor of the meat without being too dominant.
  5. Apple: Apple wood has a sweet and fruity flavor that works well with the natural sweetness of filet mignon.

When using wood chips or chunks, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the charcoal. This will help create a smoky flavor that permeates the meat without burning the wood chips or causing them to flare up.

How long does it take to grill filet mignon on charcoal grill?

The cooking time for filet mignon on a charcoal grill can vary depending on a few factors, such as the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. However, a general guideline for cooking filet mignon on a charcoal grill is:

  1. Preheat your charcoal grill to high heat (around 450-500°F).
  2. Place the filet mignon steaks on the high heat zone and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Move the steaks to the lower heat zone and continue grilling for another 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, which should read 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium.
  4. Once the filet mignon steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Generally, for a 1-inch thick filet mignon, it will take around 8-12 minutes total cooking time on a charcoal grill to reach medium-rare. For a thicker cut, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind that the temperature of the grill and the thickness of the steak can affect cooking time, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accurate results.

Tips for grilling filet mignon on charcoal grill

Grilling filet mignon on a charcoal grill can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

  1. Start with high-quality meat: Choose fresh, high-quality filet mignon steaks that are well-marbled and at least 1 inch thick for the best flavor and tenderness.
  2. Let the meat come to room temperature: Take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before grilling. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly.
  3. Season the steaks: Rub the steaks with a little bit of olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also use your favorite seasoning blend or marinade for added flavor.
  4. Preheat the grill: Make sure to preheat your charcoal grill to high heat (around 450-500°F) before adding the steaks. This will help create a nice sear and prevent sticking.
  5. Use a two-zone fire: Set up your charcoal grill with a two-zone fire, with one side at high heat for searing and the other side at lower heat for cooking through.
  6. Sear the steaks first: Sear the steaks on the high heat side of the grill for 2-3 minutes per side to create a nice crust.
  7. Finish cooking on lower heat: Move the steaks to the lower heat side of the grill to finish cooking to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak, which should read 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for medium.
  8. Let the meat rest: Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender and juicy steak.

Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly grilled filet mignon on a charcoal grill every time.

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