Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my grilled filet mignon recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
How To Grill Filet Mignon
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
How Long To Grill Filet Mignon?
For 1.5-inch-thick medium-rare steak, I sear the filet mignon on the grill for 2 minutes per side on high heat first. Then, keep grilling on medium-low for another 2-3 minutes, or until it hits 130 degrees F inside. Below are my tips specifically for grilling filet mignon, but I also have more tips for cooking this cut in my oven filet mignon and air fryer filet mignon posts.
Preheat your grill well. It’s important that it’s very hot to get that nice sear and grill marks on the outside. Some people grill filet mignon over medium-high heat, but I find that starting with high heat and then reducing heat to finish works best. Plus, my method prevents your steaks from sticking to the grill grates. Don’t move the steaks around. I flip often when I’m cooking a steak exclusively on the stovetop, like my ribeye steak, but when grilling filet mignon, keep them in one spot except when flipping (just once). Don’t squeeze or pierce the meat when flipping. Use a turner or gently use tongs to keep the juices inside. Times can vary depending on exactly how hot your grill gets and how long you keep the lid open (to add the steak and flip it). This is why I highly recommend this probe thermometer, which beeps at the right temp, so I don’t have to keep checking. I insert it right before step 4. After reducing heat in step 4, try to keep the grill temp around 400-425 degrees F. You may have to adjust it back up to medium after a couple of minutes. Having the heat too high can burn your steaks, but if it’s too low, it will take longer and can make them tough.
You know I like a good chart, so here it is! Use my filet mignon grill time and temp chart below to get any doneness you want. These times are based on 1.5 inch thickness. 1-inch steaks will be 1-2 minutes faster, and 2-inch ones will take 1-2 minutes longer.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually repurpose them for sandwiches, tacos, or salads (it’s amazing on my steak salad). Reheat: To avoid drying it out, I reheat my grilled filet mignon the same way that I reheat reverse sear steak. Place it in a baking dish with a little broth at the bottom, cover with foil, and bake for about 10 minutes at 250-300 degrees F. You can also reheat filet mignon on the grill again over indirect heat. Freeze: I don’t love freezing this expensive cut after cooking, but you can, for up to 3 months. If you need to freeze it, I recommend doing so raw — it will last for up to 6-12 months.
Serving Ideas
Since I grilled filet mignon to avoid heating up my kitchen, I like to pair it with light sides that are perfect for the summer heat, too:
Grilled Veggies – While I already have the grill on, my go-to side is usually grilled zucchini (I love zucchini!), but you can also grill asparagus or grill cauliflower. Potatoes – I know potatoes aren’t exactly light or summery, but my sweet potato salad or cauliflower potato salad will keep things cool. If you want regular potatoes, make Instant Pot baked potatoes to avoid heating up your kitchen. Veggie Salads – My fave is a refreshing cucumber salad, but lately I’ve been making radish salad. Fruity Salads – Summer means all the fresh fruit! Try my strawberry spinach salad, grilled peach salad, or mango salad. Or toss together a simple fruit salad to finish off your meal.
More Grilled Steak Recipes
If you like cooking filet mignon on the grill, you’ll also like my other grilled steak recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. I’m not great at pausing to just enjoy and appreciate nature, but I love it so much. So here’s my reminder — and your reminder if you need one — to get out and enjoy it more often. Grill or not.
