The Story Behind the Perfect Filet Mignon
I still remember the first time I tried grilling a thick-cut filet mignon. It was one of those summer evenings when the grill was hot, the beer was cold, and the pressure was on. My buddies were all steak lovers—serious ones—so when I pulled out those 2-inch-thick beauties, they raised their eyebrows like, “You sure about that, Max?”
Growing up, my grandma’s kitchen was my comfort zone. But grilling? That was different. The filet mignon wasn’t something we had often—too fancy, too risky. But once I figured out How to Grill a 2-Inch Thick Filet Mignon, everything changed. The meat came out tender, juicy, and so full of flavor it barely needed a sauce. That perfect sear and buttery center became my signature move.
Now it’s one of my favorite cuts to grill, especially when I’m aiming to impress without overcomplicating things. It’s all about timing, prep, and treating the steak with respect. This guide walks you through it from butcher counter to grill—and I promise, once you’ve nailed this, you’ll never look at filet the same way again.
If you enjoy bold, beefy flavors, you might also like this grilled beef galbi recipe or something even more indulgent like our grilled beef ribs recipe.
Table of Contents
How Long to Grill Filet Mignon 2 Inches Thick (Perfect Every Time)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Grilling a 2-inch thick filet mignon requires the right timing and temperature to ensure a perfect, juicy steak. Follow these steps to get the perfect sear and tender center.
Ingredients
2-inch thick filet mignon
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: garlic powder, rosemary, olive oil
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat grill to 450°F–500°F.
2. 2. Dry brine filet mignon with kosher salt and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
3. 3. Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes before grilling.
4. 4. Grill each side for 5-6 minutes for medium-rare, until internal temperature reaches 130–135°F.
5. 5. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a medium-well steak, increase grilling time to 8-9 minutes per side.
Serve with mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a red wine reduction.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: filet mignon, grilled steak, grilling, 2-inch steak
How Long to Grill Filet Mignon 2 Inches Thick (Perfect Every Time)
The Story Behind the Perfect Filet Mignon
I still remember the first time I tried grilling a thick-cut filet mignon. It was one of those summer evenings when the grill was hot, the beer was cold, and the pressure was on. My buddies were all steak lovers—serious ones—so when I pulled out those 2-inch-thick beauties, they raised their eyebrows like, “You sure about that, Max?”
Back then, I didn’t know much about how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon, but I was determined to learn. Growing up in my grandma’s kitchen gave me confidence in flavor—but grilling took trial and error. Once I figured out the timing and temp, everything changed. The steak came out with a beautiful crust, tender center, and just the right amount of pink.
Now it’s one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress without stress. Knowing how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon gives you complete control over the cook—and confidence at the grill. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quiet steak night, this method works every single time.
Love bold flavors? You’ll enjoy this grilled beef galbi recipe or indulge in our grilled beef ribs recipe for an unforgettable feast.
How to Choose the Perfect Filet Mignon
Look for Thickness, Marbling, and Quality
If you’re serious about learning how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon, it starts at the butcher counter. Ask for USDA Prime or Choice grade cuts. Look for moderate marbling, vibrant red color, and a firm texture. A true 2-inch cut gives you control over doneness while developing a proper sear.
Boneless, Center-Cut Is Best
Always choose a center-cut filet mignon for even grilling. The symmetrical shape makes it easier to monitor doneness. For best results, avoid tail-end steaks, which cook unevenly. Knowing how to pick the right cut is the first step to mastering how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon.
Dry Brining and Temperature Prep for Grilling Success
How to Dry Brine Your Filet Mignon for a “Next Level” Sear
Before you even fire up the grill, knowing how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon begins with proper seasoning. Dry brining is a powerful step that enhances both flavor and texture. With a steak this thick, you want every bite seasoned from edge to center.
To dry brine, generously sprinkle kosher salt on all sides of your filet and place it uncovered in the fridge on a rack for 12–24 hours. This process helps the steak retain moisture while giving you a perfectly dry exterior that sears beautifully.
Why is this important? Because understanding how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon isn’t just about grill time—it’s also about setting up the steak to handle high heat without drying out. For extra flavor, lightly add garlic powder or black pepper before grilling, but avoid more salt—it’s already inside the meat.
Want to balance your meal? Add something impressive like this grilled chicken platter for parties to complete the spread.
Bringing Your Filet Mignon to Room Temperature
Another overlooked but critical step in learning how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon is temperature prep. Let the steak sit out for 30–45 minutes before grilling. This brings the internal temp closer to room temperature, allowing it to cook more evenly on the grill.
Putting a cold filet directly on hot grates can lead to a burnt outside and an undercooked center. That’s why seasoned grillers always bring the meat to room temp—it makes the grill time more predictable and helps you achieve the perfect medium-rare.
For a spicy, crowd-pleasing side dish, try pairing your steak with these grilled cajun wings—they bring boldness that complements the tender filet.
By mastering dry brining and temperature control, you’re one step closer to perfecting how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon.
How to Grill a 2-Inch Thick Filet Mignon
Timing and Temperature Guidelines
When it comes to learning how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon, one of the most critical aspects is timing. This cut of steak is thick, which means you need to get your grill to the right temperature and know the exact time for each level of doneness.
First, preheat your grill to about 450°F–500°F. You want a high heat for searing, which gives you that beautifully browned crust. Once it’s hot, place your filet mignon on the grill over direct heat.
For medium-rare, grill the steak for about 5-6 minutes on each side, reaching an internal temperature of 130-135°F. This will give you that perfect, tender center with a slight pink. For other doneness levels, adjust the time:
- Rare: 4 minutes per side, 120–125°F
- Medium: 6-7 minutes per side, 140–145°F
- Medium-well: 8-9 minutes per side, 150–155°F
Knowing how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon allows you to use these guidelines as a reference while customizing your grilling technique to your preferred doneness.
The Flip: Do You Need to Flip Filet Mignon on the Grill?
Yes, flipping your filet mignon is essential. Grill the steak on each side for the appropriate amount of time, and be sure to flip it just once—avoid flipping it back and forth, which can cause uneven cooking. As for the perfect grill marks, you can rotate the steak 90 degrees halfway through each side’s grilling time to achieve those perfect crosshatch marks.
It’s all part of learning how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon to perfection. Keep the lid closed while grilling to retain heat, and use tongs to flip the steak without piercing it, keeping those precious juices inside.
Need a delicious side for your steak? Pair this with our grilled zucchini boats recipe for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Rest, Serve & Savor: The Final Steps for Perfect Filet Mignon
Rest the Filets for 10 Minutes
You might be eager to dive right into your perfectly grilled 2-inch thick filet mignon, but trust me—resting is essential. Let your filet sit for 10 minutes after removing it from the grill. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.
The carryover cooking will raise the steak’s internal temperature by another 5°F to 10°F, so if you’re aiming for medium-rare, the temperature may reach 135°F while resting. It’s crucial to avoid cutting into the steak immediately, as the juices will run out and the steak will lose its moisture.
Resting is key when you know how to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon perfectly—it helps lock in flavor and makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Serving Suggestions for Filet Mignon
Once the steak is rested, it’s time to serve! How to grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon is only half the battle; now you can enjoy it in style. Slice it into thick pieces or serve it whole with your favorite sides.
Sides: Filet mignon pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. I love to serve it with grilled zucchini boats for a healthy yet delicious contrast to the richness of the steak.
Sauces: While filet mignon doesn’t need much, a drizzle of garlic herb butter or chimichurri sauce can elevate the flavor profile. Try something unique, like a red wine reduction, to complement the beef’s natural richness.
Wine Pairing: For an unforgettable dining experience, pair your filet mignon with a bold red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. These wines’ deep flavors balance the richness of the steak and bring out the best in every bite.
FAQs
How long should I grill a 2-inch thick filet mignon?
Grill for 5–6 minutes per side on high heat for medium-rare (130–135°F internal temperature). Adjust timing depending on your preferred level of doneness.
Do you flip filet mignon on the grill?
Yes, flip your filet mignon once during grilling to ensure even cooking and achieve those perfect grill marks.
How do you cook a 2-inch thick fillet steak?
Grill it on high heat, 5–6 minutes per side for medium-rare, using a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
How many minutes on each side for a filet mignon?
For medium-rare, grill a 2-inch thick filet for 5–6 minutes per side. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer for accuracy.
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