Who said backyard cookouts can’t be fancy? Impress your friends by smoking filet mignon at your next cookout.
However this is an expensive cut, so you need to know what you’re doing! If you would like to cook the perfect steak, keep reading for helpful advice.
Table of contents
Why I Love to Cook Filet Mignon on the Pit Boss
While many people equate filet mignon with a fancy restaurant, you can make it at home. Cooking it at home is actually cheaper and just as delicious.
You might notice that we don’t wrap the steak in bacon. Did you know the cut of meat is actually called filet mignon. I don’t know when it happened but all of a sudden people thought that filet mignon was a piece of steak wrapped in bacon, this is incorrect. Here I will be just showing you how to cook the cut, filet mignon like a true grill master.
Our method involves two steps.
Step 1: Smoke the steak until 120°F
Step 2: Reverse sear the steak on a griddle at 500°F
What Do You Needs to Smoke a Filet Mignon
Filet Mignon Steak
Salt
Pepper
What Is the Reverse Sear Method?
The reverse sear method is a how we are cooking the filet mignon in this recipe. common way to grill filet mignon. To reverse sear filet mignon, you would smoke it until it reaches the ideal temperature. Then you would sear it at the end.
What Tools Do You Need to Cook Filet Mignon on the Pit Boss?
You need a Pit Boss, we also use a Blackstone griddle to sear the meat. You don’t need a Blackstone, you can also just use a cast iron pan on the stove or a grill.
You will also want a meat thermometer. An accurate thermometer ensures the proper internal temperature for this pellet grill steak. Some people prefer a handheld thermometer while others like digital probe thermometers.
What Wood Pellets to Use for Filet Mignon?
Since filet mignon cooks quickly, you can use stronger wood pellets. The stronger flavors include pecan, hickory, and mesquite.
How to Season Filet Mignon
A lot of people like to use their favorite steak rub when grilling meat. However, this is such a tasty cut of meat that specialty seasonings are unnecessary. The experts agree that all you need to season this meat is salt and pepper.
Before you cook, remove the steak from the fridge, apply the salt and pepper generously, then place back in the fridge for an hour.
Prepping the Filet Mignon
Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the entire steak and then let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour. By salting it ahead of time, you allow excess moisture to leave the meat. This will result in a nice exterior crust that adds to the texture of the meat
Smoking the Filet Mignon
Preheat Pit Boss to 205°F with the smoke setting enabled. Then your steaks go on the grill and cook until the internal temperature is 120°F.
If your using a grill or Blackstone, wait until the temperature reaches 90°F preheat your grill. If your using a cast iron pan, wait until the meat reaches 110°F.
What Temperature to Sear the Filet Mignon?
If your using a grill, set it to the highest setting or 500°F. It is crucial to get the grill hot before putting steaks on the grill.
Filet mignon requires a very hot grill and direct heat. This allows the meat to cook quickly without overcooking.
How Long to Sear Filet Mignon?
You should sear the filet mignon for 1-2 minutes per side. The cook should depend on the internal temperature rather than the cooking time.
The cooking time depends on what sort of doneness you prefer as well as the thickness of the meat. I have included a table below, that will let you know the exact temperature you need to remove the steak from the smoker and grill
A handheld thermometer makes it very easy to check the doneness temperature.
| Doneness Level | Remove from Smoker (Internal Temp) | Internal Temperature to Reach During Searing |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 115°F (46°C) | 120°F (49°C) |
| Medium Rare | 120°F (49°C) | 125°F (52°C) |
| Medium | 130°F (54°C) | 135°F (57°C) |
| Medium Well | 135°F (57°C) | 140°F (60°C) |
| Well Done | 145°F (63°C) | 150°F (66°C) |
How Do You Know When the Filet Mignon Is Cooked?
The target temperature depends on how well you like your steak. A rare steak will reach 120°F while a well-done steak will reach 150°F. Use the table above to figure out what temperature you need to reach during both smoking and searing.
How to Smoke Filet Mignon on Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Below are my four simple steps for smoking a filet mignon on a pellet grill .
Step 1: Prepare the Filet Mignon.
Season the meat with salt and pepper. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Step 2: Fire up the Grill.
Preheat the Pit Boss to a 205°F with super smoke on.
Step 3: Cook the Meat.
Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry. Preheat griddle to 500°F or use a cast iron pan on the stove. Cook the steak until it reaches your desired temperature (see table above to figure that out)
Then transfer to the griddle, sear on each side for 90 seconds.
Step 4: Rest the Meat.
Allow the meat to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Can You Smoke a Filet Mignon on a Pit Boss?
Very few people would think of smoking filet mignon with indirect heat. With a Pit Boss grill, it works perfectly, however I like to also sear it at the end.
What Sides to Serve With Smoked Filet Mignon?
Here are some of my favorite sides for
Fondant Potatoes
Mash Potatoe
Smoked Carrots
Grilled and Smoked Cauliflower
Sweet Potato Fries
Onion Rings
Sweet Potato Cakes
What to Do With Leftover Filet Mignon
If the steak doesn’t disappear immediately, you might wonder what to do with the leftovers. Fortunately, there are many options!
Leftover steak is a great ingredient for quesadillas, taco, nachos and many more.
Filet Mignon on a Pit Boss
Equipment
- 1 Pit Boss
Ingredients
- 4 pieces filet mignon steak
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filet Mignon.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper.
- Let it rest in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Step 2: Fire up the Grill.
- Preheat to 205°F
Step 3: Cook the Meat.
- Use a paper towel to pat the steak dry.
- Preheat griddle to 500°F. Cook the steak until it reaches 120°F.
- Then transfer to the griddle, sear on each side for 90 seconds.
- Check for a doneness temperature between 120 °F – 160 °F.
Step 4: Rest the Meat.
- Allow the meat to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Where Does The Filet Mignon Cut Come From?
Filet mignon is a favorite type of steak. It comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin and has a tender texture.
Most people say this is one of the best cuts of beef because it melts in the mouth.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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