Preparing a Beef Filet Mignon for the Grill
Cooking filet mignon on your Pit Boss Pellet Grill is one of the best ways to make sure that you get a melt-in-your-mouth experience. What's more, it doesn't take long because the grill heats up quickly and cooks evenly. This article will go over all of the steps involved with cooking this particular cut of meat on your pellet grill.
How to Cook Filet Mignon on the Pit Boss Pellet Grill?
Whether you're cooking a grilled filet mignon for Valentine's Day, Wedding, or any other special occasion, the Pit Boss makes it extremely easy to prepare. Once you grill it on the pellet grill, you'll never want it cooked any other way.
In this article, I'll walk you through the entire process of grilling the perfect filet mignon your family and guests will love. The tutorial is geared towards Pit Boss but will work for any other pellet grill.
To cook the perfect filet mignon, here's what you'll need:
- Pit Boss pellet grill (or whichever brand you own)
- Filet Mignon (at least one)
- The proper cooking method
- Your favorite spices and seasoning
- Handheld thermometer
- Tongs
- Some great sides you enjoy
What Is A Filet Mignon?
The filet mignon is a cut that comes from the beef tenderloin, making it the most difficult cut for butchers. It is known for being the most tender cut of meat.
A 6 ounce USDA Prime filet can easily cost $50 depending on where you purchase it.
Ordering one at a restaurant will be expensive, and there's nothing special about the way they cook it, in fact, you can cook your own at home that tastes the same or better.
Plus, you'll know what your steak is seasoned with and you'll only pay a fraction of the price you would at the restaurant.
Once you see how easy it is to cook a filet mignon on a pellet grill, you'll never order one at a restaurant ever again.
Can You Cook A Filet Mignon on the Pit Boss?
The Pit Boss pellet grill is a versatile cooker that does a great job at grilling, baking, low and slow cooking, or searing making it the perfect way to cook a filet mignon or anything else.
While cooking on indirect heat, it will infuse the meat with smokey flavor via the burning wood pellets.
Cooking A Filet Mignon on the Pit Boss Pellet Grill
One of the secrets to cooking the perfect filet mignon is to get the grill hot before placing the steak on it. This will ensure the meat doesn't stay on the grill very long.
The filet mignon is a tender cut and doesn't need to stay on the grill very long. Unlike a ribeye, it is less marbled, therefore contains less fat. Overcooking it will result in an extremely dry steak that will be a waste of money.
What Temperature To Cook A Filet Mignon on a Pit Boss?
To cook a filet mignon, set the temperature to 450°F or higher. If you are going to reverse sear the steak, start out with a cooler grill around 350°F and then blast it with more heat at the end.
Can You Smoke A Filet Mignon on a Pit Boss?
Yes, a filet mignon can be either hot or cold smoked. To hot smoke, it set the temperature on the Pit Boss to 200°F on indirect heat and allow the smoke to penetrate the steak. When the internal temperature reaches 120°F, remove them from the smoker and tent with aluminum foil.
I've only cold smoked cheese, but this thread will answer most of your questions about cold smoking a filet mignon.
Turn the heat up to 450-500°F, when the grill reaches the set temperature, put the steaks back on the grill and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F.
Remove them and tent with foil. During the resting period, add some Garlic Herb Butter (or any other flavor) to allow the flavor to penetrate the meat.
Prepping The Filet Mignon
There's no need to spend a lot of time seasoning a filet mignon. Salt and pepper are enough, as the steak will already be flavorful.
I always prefer to allow people to season their own food after cooking it. This way, the steak doesn't come out too salty.
Season with salt and pepper and place in the refrigerator about an hour before cooking. The preseasoning method will help draw out the moisture from the steak, which helps achieve a golden crust.
Cooking a Filet Minon on a Pit Boss
Preheat The Pit Boss
While prepping the steak, preheat the Pit Boss to 450°F/232°C. This will ensure the grill is hot, before placing the meat on it. Close the sear plate, as you'll be cooking the filet over indirect heat.
If you want to smoke the steak before cooking, set the Pit Boss on the "Smoke" setting which is 180°F. Follow the smoke directions above, to infuse the meat with a flavorful smokey flavor.
That said, even if you don't smoke the filet, it will still have a smokey flavor to it. So don't feel like you always have to smoke everything you cook.
What P-Setting to Use?
Unless you're smoking the meat, you won't have to worry about the P-Setting. If smoking the filet, leave the P-4 setting on the default factory setting.
The only time you have to change the P-setting is when you're smoking food in extremely cold weather.
Place The Filet Mignon on the Grill
Once the grill has reached the desired cooking temperature, place the filet directly on the rack. Some people prefer it pan-seared and will use a cast-iron skillet. If using cast iron, allow the pan to preheat in the grill, so it's hot when you put the meat in it.
Do You Flip the Filet Mignon?
Flipping the steak is a personal preference. Some people say to do it, while others say it's not necessary. I always flip my steaks halfway through the cook, to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Plus, flipping them ensures that the grill marks are on both sides, making them look amazing.
Monitor The Filet Mignon
It doesn't take long for a filet mignon to cook, so make sure you have a handheld thermometer on hand to know when it's done.
The USDA recommends roasts and steaks be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.
How Long Does It Take to Cook A Filet Mignon on a Pit Boss?
It will take about 15 minutes total to grill a filet mignon. However, cooking time will vary depending on the thickness, number, level of doneness, cooking temperature, and ambient weather.
Regardless of how long it takes, it's vital to cook them to the proper internal temperature. Undercooking them can cause food poisoning. Cooking it too long will result in a tough dry mess.
How Do You Know When the Filet Mignon Is Cooked?
The best way to know when the steak is cooked is to use a handheld thermometer. I use the Thermapen and it's one of the most accurate thermometers on the market.
Every backyard griller should have a favorite handheld thermometer in its grilling arsenal. Check out our recommended grilling thermometers page.
Here's a video that will help you check for the level of doneness using your hand.
Below is a table of the different levels of doneness for steak.
| Doneness | Temperature | Look |
| Bleu | 110°F / 43°C | Relatively unchanged, warm |
| Rare | 125°F / 51°C | Cool or Warm Red Center |
| Medium Rare | 135°F / 57°C | Bright Warm Red Center |
| Medium | 145°F / 62°C | Clear Warm Pink Band Middle |
| Medium Well | 150°F / 65°C | Mostly Gray-Brown Center |
| Well | 160° / 71°C | Brown Middle, Chewy |
Best Pellets to Use for Filet Mignon?
Opt for hickory or mesquite, as the woods pair great with beef. This is a fast cook, so it's best to avoid subtly flavored woods, as the stronger woods will infuse the meat with a smoky flavor, even though they won't be on the grill long.
How Long Do I Let The Filet Mignon Rest?
Allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes is enough for an 8-ounce steak, before cutting into it. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and juicy.
For larger cuts of beef, increase the resting period to 15 minutes or more.
What Sides to Serve With Filet Mignon?
The most traditional sides to serve with a steak are greens and potatoes. No matter your dietary needs, there is an endless possibility of side dishes that go well with a filet mignon.
What To Do With Leftovers?
Chances are you won't have any leftovers, but if you do, it's best to eat them the following day. Be aware, the filet mignon tastes best the same day it's cooked since it's the freshest.
According to the USDA, cooked beef will last 3-4 days when refrigerated (40°F or less).
The refrigeration process slows down bacterial growth. I don't recommend, freezing the leftovers. This cut of meat is tender and expensive and won't taste the same when thawed out and reheated.
That said, if it needs to be frozen, ensure you vacuum pack the meat, and put the date on it. The last thing you want is the meat to get the freezer burned.
Final Word
The Pit Boss pellet grill makes it extremely easy to cook or smoke a filet Mignon to your desired level of doneness. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars ordering a filet mignon at your favorite restaurant, try cooking your own.
Whether it's a special occasion or you're just craving a filet, cook it at home and see how easy it is to cook your own.
Related Articles
- How to Cook Steaks On A Pit Boss Pellet Grill?
- How to Smoke A Beef Brisket On A Pit Boss?
Source: https://smokergrillgirl.com/how-to-cook-filet-mignon-on-pit-boss-pellet-grill/
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