how long to cook filet mignon on griddle

3 min read 25-01-2025

how long to cook filet mignon on griddle

Filet mignon, known for its buttery tenderness, deserves a cooking method that honors its delicate nature. A griddle, with its even heat distribution, is an excellent choice for achieving a beautiful sear and perfectly cooked interior. This guide will walk you through how long to cook filet mignon on a griddle to achieve your desired doneness. Mastering this technique guarantees a restaurant-quality steak every time.

Preparing Your Filet Mignon for Griddle Cooking

Before you even think about firing up the griddle, proper preparation is key to a delicious filet mignon.

Selecting the Right Cut

Choose a filet mignon that's roughly 1-1.5 inches thick. Thicker cuts require longer cooking times. Look for even marbling throughout the meat for maximum flavor and juiciness.

Pat it Dry & Season Generously

Pat your filet mignon completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a superior sear. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Consider adding other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a sprinkle of your favorite steak seasoning blend.

Let it Rest (Before & After Cooking!)

Allow your steak to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking. After cooking, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Griddle Cooking Times for Filet Mignon

The cooking time for your filet mignon will depend on its thickness and your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results. Here's a guideline:

How to Determine Doneness:

Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C) - Cool red center.
Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) - Warm red center.
Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C) - Pink center.
Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C) - Slightly pink center.
Well-Done: 145°F+ (63°C+) - No pink.

Note: These temperatures are approximate. Your cooking time may vary slightly depending on your griddle's heat and the thickness of your steak.

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your griddle to high heat. A hot griddle is essential for a good sear. You should see light wisps of smoke coming from the surface.
Add a high-smoke-point oil. Avocado oil or canola oil are excellent choices.
Sear the steak. Place the filet mignon on the hot griddle. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side to create a beautiful crust.
Reduce heat. Lower the heat to medium-high.
Continue cooking. Cook for an additional 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Rest. Remove the steak from the griddle and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Troubleshooting & Tips for Griddle-Cooked Filet Mignon

Uneven Cooking: If your steak is cooking unevenly, ensure your griddle is preheated evenly and that the steak is not overcrowded.
Too Much Heat: If the outside is burning before the inside is cooked, reduce the heat.
Too Little Heat: If the steak is taking too long to cook, increase the heat.
Thicker Cuts: For thicker cuts (over 1.5 inches), consider searing on all sides first and then finishing in a lower-temperature oven to ensure even cooking.

Serving Your Perfect Filet Mignon

Once your filet mignon has rested, slice it against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender steak. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Enjoy your perfectly griddle-cooked filet mignon! Remember, practice makes perfect. With a little experience, you'll be creating restaurant-quality steaks at home in no time.