How to Grill Filet Mignon - Tips to Grill the Most Expensive Cut of Meat
By Kevin F. Ray
First off, about filet mignon. It is nothing more than a specific cut of meat. It is a cut taken from the tenderloin region of a beef carcass and is widely regarded as the finest cut of meat. Aptly, it is also the most expensive cut. You can be sure that a dinner with grilled filet mignon will be an expensive, classy affair.
Because it is such a high quality cut and is easily the softest meat in the entire beef carcass, it is also very, very easy to cook. The meat itself is so good that you do not need to work too hard to prepare it properly - the flavor of the meat alone can make for a great meal. You don’t need elaborate sauces, difficult seasoning mixes, or even exquisite side dashes. The filet mignon alone can occupy the center stage in any dinner.
The biggest issue with grilling filet mignon is keeping it moist. Since this cut of meat is very lean, you need to make sure that it stays juicy and moist. One way of doing that is to crush some pepper on it (add salt only when you are about to grill - salt can cause the meat to lose moisture. Also, use sea salt or kosher salt - it has a much better flavor) and wrap it in bacon (any kind will do). The bacon works very well to retain the moisture and also adds its own flavor to the meat. And really, no meal has ever NOT been improved by adding bacon to it.
You don’t need to keep this meat in the seasoning mix for too long. Just keep it outside and let it come down to room temperature. Allow an hour for the pepper and bacon flavor to infuse into the meat.
Since this cut of meat is so tender, grilling time won’t be more than 10-15 minutes. Preheat the grill to the desired temperature. Medium-high for well done, medium-low for rare meat is the rule of the thumb. Then, sear the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure that you keep it at 45 degree angles on the grill to get those nice grill marks on the meat. After the outside is seared, just grill each side for 3-4 minutes each.
I personally prefer to use a meat fork to check when the meat is done, but if you are new to the entire grilling experience, getting a meat thermometer would be a better way to check when the meat is done. The “right” temperature varies depending on how you want your meat. Rare meat should be at least 130 degrees, medium around 140, and well done above 145 degrees.
Remember that meat also cooks by itself after you’ve taken it out from the grill. Account for this into your cooking time too, otherwise you’ll find your rare meat turning medium, and medium turning to well done. Let the filet mignon rest for 10 minutes before you plate it up with your choice of sides and have a great dinner!
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Kevin is a self confessed foodie who loves nothing more than grilling a mean steak. You can check out more stuff written by him on grilling and cooking in general at the above mentioned site.
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Safe Grilling and Barbecue Smoking - Important Tips and Guidelines
By Charles Dan
Heed the following tips to help make your outdoor cooking experience even more enjoyable and most importantly, safer.
Safety Tips for Charcoal Gills and Smokers
- NEVER use gasoline to start a charcoal fire. This is much too dangerous and can cause considerable damage to the grill or smoker and everything surrounding it, including the individual doing the cooking.
- Keep a bucket of water close at hand. If close to a water spigot, you could keep a garden hose close by. Just be sure that you have access to water at the end of it so you do not have to go to the source in the event the fire gets out of hand.
- Make sure your grill is outside with plenty of clear space around it. You will not want anything flammable close to the grill.
- Do not store flammable liquids and chemicals near your grilling area. This would also include any pool or spa chemicals.
- Keep a close eye on the grill while it is in operation. Since it can take a while for the coals and embers to completely extinguish themselves, you will need to keep monitoring until completely cool after you have finished grilling and smoking.
- Ensure children and pets are kept away from an active grill. An excited child or pet can suffer excruciating burns or topple the cooking device by accident while chasing a loose ball.
Safety Tips for Gas Grills and Smokers
- Keep a fire extinguisher rated for gas and grease fires nearby.
- Check any gas hoses for cracking, brittleness, and leaks. If you live in an area with wild critters that like to gnaw and chew, you should be especially thorough when inspecting for leaks. The gas line on your gas grill can be very inviting to them, especially if there is grease residue on the grill.
- Bugs, birds, and debris can cause problems for gas grills. With the burners and igniters, there are many places where obstructions can contribute to a buildup of gas. Any accumulation of gas could potentially lead to an explosion. Inspect the inside of your grill closely. Remove what you can and give the parts a thorough cleaning. Ensure that all outlets in your burners are open and there is a nice even clean flame.
- Turn off all burners when finished grilling and ensure the main valve to the gas source is closed.
- As with the charcoal grills and smokers above, a close eye on the grill while it is in operation.
- Ensure kids and pets keep a safe distance from the grilling area.
Safety Tips for Electric Grills and Smokers
- Keep the grilling area clean of flammable materials. Even though you are not cooking with fire, you should still exercise caution when using an electric grill or smoker. It still gets hot enough to cook your meat and that means that it can also get hot enough to ignite combustible material.
- If using an extension cord, verify the rating is sufficient to handle the electrical needs of the grill or smoker.
- If using an electric grill or smoker outdoors, use only electrical outlets or extension cords designed and safety rated for outdoor use.
With all of the distractions associated with cooking outdoors, it always pays to be cautious and safe. When you are grilling and smoking in the backyard, you want to protect your own property from unexpected flames. When you are grilling and smoking in public areas, you want to protect the surrounding areas.
There is one final tip below which can help maintain harmony in the neighborhood when you fire up that grill or smoker.
One last tip: be mindful of your neighbors. Watch the wind direction to prevent a distraction for your neighbors and perhaps even invite your neighbors to enjoy the bounty.
Born and raised in Iowa, Charles Dan, also known as the Iowa Farmer, has a wide variety of interests, including outdoor cooking. As an early member of the Boomer Generation, he has attempted to keep up to date with computer technology applications and how they can impact daily life.
He has spent time developing various web sites including http://barbecuegrillsgalore.com. When looking for an appropriate barbecue grill, Mr. Dan likes to research and review various grills and smokers and share his findings with others. For a portable propane gas grill, he likes the Weber Q320 Portable Grill
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