Introduction
If you’re a steak lover like me, then you probably want to cook them perfectly every time. But how do you know when your steaks are done? Did you ever wonder about exactly how long to cook filet mignon on the grill? Well, I did—and this article is the result of my search for answers. Here’s what I learned:
The USDA recommends cooking a filet mignon to medium-rare, which is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
The USDA recommends cooking a filet mignon to medium-rare, which is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because the cut of meat is very tender and can become dry and tough if cooked too much.
If you want to cook your filet mignon longer than that, it’s best to use an instant-read thermometer instead of relying on visual cues (such as color) or touch (the firmness of the outside).
You can cook a steak up to medium-well, but it won’t taste as good.
You can cook a steak up to medium-well, but it won’t taste as good.
Medium-well is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Medium-rare is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sear your steaks on one side before moving them over to the indirect heat side of the grill.
When you’re grilling, the best way to get a good crust on your steak is by searing it first. To do this, preheat your grill to high heat and cook for about five minutes per side (you can also use an oven set at 500 degrees F).
Once you’ve cooked your steaks on one side, move them over to indirect heat–the part of the grill where no flames or coals are present–and let them cook slowly until they reach medium rare (about 130 degrees F).
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your steak.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your steak. It will take about 5 minutes for a 1-inch thick filet mignon to cook through, and a little longer if it’s thicker than that.
- -Don’t cut into the steak to check its doneness; this will release juices and cause them to run out of your perfectly cooked steak and onto your grill, where they could burn or even catch fire!
- -Make sure you use a digital instant read thermometer when checking doneness because these types of thermometers give you an accurate reading within 10 seconds – no more guessing!
If you’re grilling steaks at home, pay attention to the internal temperature of your food!
If you’re grilling steaks at home, pay attention to the internal temperature of your food!
It’s easy enough to tell if a steak is done by cutting into it and checking the color of the center. If it’s still red and bloody, it’s not ready yet. But if there are no traces of blood on your knife when you cut into a medium-rare steak (about 130 degrees F), then congratulations–you’ve got yourself a perfectly cooked filet mignon!
Of course, this method isn’t foolproof: depending on how thick or thin your steak is cut, its temperature may vary slightly from what would be considered “medium rare” in some circles. If this happens to be an issue for you or anyone else who eats these dishes frequently enough that they want them prepared consistently each time they’re served up hot off their grills at home parties where guests expect nothing less than perfection every single time…then maybe consider investing in either one of these devices instead?
Conclusion
Grill steaks and burgers to your liking, but pay attention to the internal temperature of your food. You can cook a filet mignon to medium-rare, which is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like your steak more well done than medium rare (or even medium), try cooking it in the oven instead.