How long to grill filet mignon?

Filet mignon, undisputed king of all steaks, can be the best piece of grilled meat you ever ate. But it can be intimidating - the thought of over-grilling a $20 per pound piece of meat isn't pleasant.

If you're fearless and careful, your filet mignon will be fabulous.

Step 1: Prep the Steaks

Filet mignon requires little preparation.

Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them warm to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes). If you like, lightly season each steak with fresh ground pepper or your favorite lightweight grill seasoning.

Tip: To create bacon-wrapped filet mignon, first soak toothpicks in water. Next, wrap one slice of thin-sliced bacon around the edge of a steak and secure it with a wet toothpick. Wrap each steak edge the same way.

Step 2: Grill the Filet Mignons

For a gas grill: Heat the grill to 500 degrees. Do not turn the flame down. Lightly oil the grill by spreading olive oil on a paper towel or rag, then rubbing the paper towel on the grill. Using tongs, place the steaks on the grill. Close the lid and cook the steaks for 3 minutes. Lift the lid and turn the steaks using tongs or a spatula. Close the lid and cook for 4 minutes for rare, 5 minutes for medium rare. Remove the steaks from the grill to a platter and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

Tip: Do NOT pierce your filet mignon steaks with a fork or a meat thermometer. This lets the juices run out of the steaks, drying them out.

Tip: Use the “finger test” for doneness. Gently press on the steak with one fingertip. If your finger leaves an indentation, the steak is rare. If the steak just barely springs back, it is medium rare. If the steak springs back quickly, it is medium to medium-well. (If it's tough to the touch, it is well done, a.k.a. ruined.)

For a charcoal grill: Heat the grill until it is very hot. (500 degrees if the grill has a thermometer.) Lightly oil the grill by spreading olive oil on a paper towel or rag, then rubbing the paper towel on the grill. Using tongs, place the steaks on the grill. Close the lid and cook the steaks for 3 minutes. Lift the lid and turn the steaks using tongs or a spatula. Close the lid and cook for 4 minutes for rare, 5 minutes for medium rare. Remove the steaks from the grill to a platter and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

Tip: Use a timer to keep close track of the cooking time, and trust the timing. By timing the filet mignons, it's unnecessary to poke and prod them.

Tip: Steak not quite cooked enough? Put it back on the grill for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Serve the Filet Mignon

After the steaks have rested for about 5 minutes, serve them warm. Grilled veggies and grilled baked potatoes make perfect side dishes for classic filet mignon steaks.