How long to grill filet mignon is the question that determines whether this premium cut turns out perfectly tender or disappointingly overcooked.
Unlike fattier steaks that offer a little room for error, filet mignon cooks quickly and can move from juicy medium-rare to dry in just a few extra minutes. The good news is that getting it right is much easier when you know how thickness, temperature, and timing work together.
Before lighting the grill, take a look at the exact timing guidelines that help take the guesswork out of cooking filet mignon.
1. How Long to Grill Filet Mignon
Below is the time you commonly need to grill filet mignon, assuming a high-heat sear (450°F–500°F) followed by finishing over indirect heat.
| Thickness | Sear Time (Direct Heat) | Finish Time (Indirect Heat) | Rare (Remove from Grill) | Medium-Rare (Remove from Grill) | Medium (Remove from Grill) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 2–3 min per side | 3–5 min | 115–120°F | 125–130°F | 135–140°F |
| 1.5 inch | 2–3 min per side | 5–8 min | 115–120°F | 125–130°F | 135–140°F |
| 2 inch | 2–4 min per side | 8–12 min | 115–120°F | 125–130°F | 135–140°F |
Pull steaks from the grill about 5°F below your target final temperature. They will rise during resting.
Target Final Temperatures (After Resting):
| Doneness | Final Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120–130°F |
| Medium-Rare | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 140–145°F |
| Medium-Well | 150–155°F |
| Well-Done | 160°F+ |
Timing Summary – How long to grill a filet mignon:
- 1-inch filet mignon: 6–10 minutes total cook time
- 1.5-inch filet mignon: 8–13 minutes total cook time
- 2-inch filet mignon: 12–18 minutes total cook time
(These ranges include both searing and finishing stages.)
Key Tip:
Filet mignon cooks quickly and has little fat, so even a 1–2-minute difference can change doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature precisely.
2. How to Prepare Filet Mignon Before Grilling
Besides knowing how long to grill filet mignon on gas grill, preparing it before grilling can contribute immensely to its taste afterward:
- Take the filet mignon out of the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before grilling. If it goes on the grill cold, the outside can overcook before the inside reaches your desired doneness.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then lightly coat them with oil to help them brown. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper right before grilling. Optional additions like garlic powder, fresh rosemary, or thyme can add aroma, but avoid heavy marinades that overpower the meat’s delicate taste.
- Preheat your grill for two-zone cooking: one side on high direct heat (about 450°F–500°F) for searing, and the other on low or indirect heat for finishing. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and to achieve clean grill marks.
>>> Read more: How Long to Cook Burgers on Grill: Exact Times Explanation
3. The Step-by-Step Method for Grilling Filet Mignon
Follow this guide:
Step 1: Sear the Steak Over High Heat
Start by preheating your grill with a two-zone setup. Place the steaks directly over the high-heat zone and sear for 2–3 minutes per side. For thicker cuts, briefly sear the edges as well (about 30–60 seconds) to develop an even color and texture throughout the steak.
Step 2: Finish Cooking to Your Target Temperature
Once the exterior is well-seared, move the filet mignon to the cooler, indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid to maintain steady, oven-like heat.
Continue cooking for about 5–10 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to monitor progress.
Step 3: Rest Before Serving
Transfer the steaks to a cutting board or warm plate and loosely tent them with foil. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
4. What To Serve with Filet Mignon
Now that you know how long to grill filet mignon. Serving it with these components can also help extend the culinary experience:
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing or serving. For the best presentation, serve filet mignon whole or slice it into thick medallions right before it reaches the plate.
- Filet mignon is often best finished. A small pat of compound butter, such as garlic-herb or shallot butter, melts over the warm steak, adding richness. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the crust. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added as a final aromatic touch.
- Pairings: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic potatoes, or a baked potato. Vegetables like grilled asparagus, sautéed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
>>> Read more: How to Cook Salmon on the Grill for Flaky Every Time
5. FAQs
How long to grill filet mignon 2 inches thick?
A 2-inch-thick filet mignon typically cooks about 2–4 minutes per side over high heat, then 8–12 minutes over indirect heat. Total time is roughly 12–18 minutes.
How do you grill Filet Mignon on a gas grill?
Sear steaks over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This usually takes another 4–8 minutes, depending on thickness. Grilling filet mignon on a gas grill: around 6–12 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer and rest 5–10 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and tender.
Should you put olive oil on filet mignon before grilling?
Yes. Lightly oiling filet mignon before grilling promotes even browning and helps prevent sticking. Olive oil works well, though many grillers prefer high-smoke-point oils such as avocado oil or canola oil when cooking over very high heat.
How do you keep filet mignon moist on the grill?
Use a thermometer and remove the steak at about 5°F below your target doneness so carryover cooking finishes it correctly. A light dry-brine with salt helps the meat retain moisture, and finishing with compound butter adds richness that compensates for its lean texture.
6. Conclusion
Knowing how long to grill filet mignon removes much of the uncertainty that comes with cooking an expensive cut of steak. Instead of relying on guesswork, you can focus on the moment when the steak reaches exactly the texture and doneness you had in mind.
With a little attention to timing and temperature, grilling filet mignon becomes less about avoiding mistakes and more about enjoying the confidence that comes from getting it right.
