How to: filet steak

Famously rich and tender, the boneless steak filet is a griller’s dream. Here’s how to cook a beautiful thick cut filet, seasoned and grilled to perfection over a two-zone fire. For more steak advice, check out our How to pages for Ribeye Steak, Skirt Steak, and our classic grilled steak recipe.

1. 1

   Fire up the grill.

   Fire up the grill.
   Start by lighting Kingsford^® Charcoal, either in a chimney or a free-standing mound of 100 briquets. We recommend Kingsford^® Professional for its higher top temperature and consistent burn. To achieve a great sear, be sure to get your grill’s heat as high as possible, anywhere from 550ºF to 650ºF.
2. 2

   Get into your zone.

   Get into your zone.
   For a thick-cut filet mignon steaks, you’ll want to arrange your coals into a two-zone fire. Replace the top grate, allow it to heat up — all vents should be fully open — then pour cooking oil on a folded paper towel and oil the grate using long-handled tongs.
3. 3

   Prep and season.

   Prep and season.
   Remove your filets from the refrigerator and let them reach room temperature — around 30 minutes. Liberally apply coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Flip the filets and repeat the process.
4. 4

   Get your sear on.

   Get your sear on.
   Place your filets directly above the coals and sear for two to three minutes per side. To ensure perfect grill marks, resist the urge to move the steak while cooking. Close the lid to prevent flare-ups.
5. 5

   Slow things down.

   Slow things down.
   Once your filets are properly seared, move them to the cooler side of the grate. Close the lid until done.
6. 6

   Check for doneness.

   Check for doneness.
   Using a digital instant-read meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of your steaks while they’re still on the grill. For filet mignon, the ideal internal temperature is 120°F for rare, 125°F medium-rare, 135°F medium, 140°F medium well and 150°F for well done. Keep in mind that meat will continue to rise a few degrees once it’s off the grill.
7. 7

   Remove and rest.

   Remove and rest.
   Pull your filets from the grill, place onto a cutting board, loosely cover with aluminum foil and allow them to rest for five minutes.