How to Cook Filet on a Blackstone Grill: Perfect Timing and Techniques
As an experienced chef and grill enthusiast, I’ve come across many questions about cooking times for various cuts of meat. One question that often pops up is how long to cook filet on a Blackstone grill. Filet mignon, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, requires careful attention to achieve the perfect level of doneness. In this article, I’ll share my expertise on cooking filet on a Blackstone grill, providing you with the essential tips and guidelines to ensure a mouthwatering result every time.
When it comes to cooking filet on a Blackstone grill, timing is crucial. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the filet and the desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare filet, I recommend searing it for 2 to 3 minutes on each side over high heat. This initial sear will create a beautiful crust while locking in the juices. After the searing process, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
Achieving the perfect filet on a Blackstone grill requires a combination of precise timing and temperature control. To make your cooking process even more foolproof, I suggest using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. For a medium filet, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while a medium-well filet should reach 150°F (66°C). Keep in mind that the filet will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the grill, so it’s best to remove it a few degrees below your desired temperature and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to cook a mouthwatering filet on your Blackstone grill with confidence and precision.
Factors to Consider When Cooking Filet on a Blackstone
When cooking filet on a Blackstone grill, there are several factors to consider that can impact the cooking time and the overall results. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Thickness of the Filet
The thickness of the filet plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. Thicker filets will require more time to cook compared to thinner ones. For example, a 1-inch thick filet will need a longer cooking time than a ½-inch thick filet. It’s important to adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure that the filet is cooked evenly throughout.
Desired Level of Doneness
Everyone has their preference when it comes to the level of doneness for their filet. Whether you like it rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, the cooking time will vary. For a medium-rare filet, aim for a slightly pink center with a warm red exterior. This typically requires cooking the filet for 2 to 3 minutes on each side over high heat, followed by 4 to 6 minutes per side on medium heat.
Temperature of the Grill
The temperature of the Blackstone grill is another important factor to consider. To achieve that perfect sear and crust on your filet, it’s recommended to preheat the grill to high heat before cooking. This will help lock in the juices and create those beautiful grill marks. Once you’ve seared the filet on high heat, you can then adjust the temperature to medium for the remainder of the cooking time.
Resting Time
After cooking your filet, it’s crucial to let it rest before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cut of meat. Plan to remove the filet from the grill a few degrees below your desired level of doneness and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
By considering these factors, you can confidently cook filet on a Blackstone grill to perfection. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the filet, desired level of doneness, and the temperature of the grill. With practice and experience, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering filets that will impress your family and friends.
Prepping the Filet for Cooking
Before cooking the filet on a Blackstone grill, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure the best possible results. Here are a few key steps to follow when prepping your filet:
1. Seasoning the Filet:
Gently pat the filet dry using paper towels. This will remove any excess moisture that can prevent a nice sear. Next, season the filet generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. The seasoning not only enhances the flavor, but also helps to form a delicious crust on the outside of the filet.
2. Bringing the Filet to Room Temperature:
Allow the seasoned filet to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to ensure that the filet cooks evenly and prevents it from being cold in the center. Taking this step also helps to reduce the cooking time needed on the grill.
3. Preheating the Grill:
While the filet is coming to room temperature, preheat your Blackstone grill to a high heat. Preheating is crucial for achieving a good sear and locking in the juices of the filet. Make sure that the grill is well-heated before you start cooking.
4. Oil the Cooking Surface:
Before placing the filet on the grill, lightly coat the cooking surface with oil. This will prevent sticking and help create those beautiful grill marks. Use a high smoke point oil such as canola or vegetable oil. If desired, you can also brush the filet with a bit of oil for added flavor and moisture.
Now that the filet is properly prepped and the Blackstone grill is preheated, you’re ready to start cooking. But hold on, we’re not quite done yet. Let’s move on to the next section to learn about the ideal cooking time for your filet based on its thickness and desired level of doneness.
Cooking temperature and time for filet on a Blackstone
When it comes to cooking filet on a Blackstone grill, getting the cooking temperature and time just right is crucial. The goal is to achieve a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here are some guidelines to help you cook your filet to perfection.
Preheating the grill
Before you start cooking, it’s important to preheat your Blackstone grill. Preheating the grill allows for even heat distribution and helps prevent the filet from sticking to the cooking surface. I recommend preheating the grill to high heat, which is typically around 450-500°F. This high heat will help create a nice sear on the filet.
Cooking time
The cooking time for filet on a Blackstone grill can vary depending on the thickness of the filet and the desired level of doneness. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to cook a 1-inch thick filet for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. If your filet is thicker or if you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Using a meat thermometer
For a more accurate measure of doneness, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature for medium-rare filet should be around 135-140°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the filet to get an accurate reading. Remember that the filet will continue to cook a bit after you remove it from the grill, so it’s good to factor in some carryover cooking.
Resting time
After cooking, it’s important to let the filet rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender. I suggest letting your filet rest for about 5 minutes. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while it rests.
Flipping and Searing the Filet on a Blackstone
Once the filet has cooked on one side and reached the desired level of doneness, it’s time to flip and sear it on the other side. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked and flavorful filet.
When flipping the filet, it’s essential to use a pair of tongs instead of a fork. Piercing the steak with a fork can cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry and bland filet. By using tongs, you can gently lift and flip the filet without causing any damage to the meat.
Once you’ve flipped the filet, it’s time to sear it. Searing helps to develop a flavorful crust on the outside of the filet while keeping the inside juicy and tender. To sear the filet, simply close the lid of the Blackstone grill and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
During the searing process, it’s important to resist the urge to constantly flip or move the filet around. This can disrupt the searing process and prevent the crust from forming properly. Instead, allow the filet to cook undisturbed for the recommended time.
After the searing time is up, you can check for the desired level of doneness using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read 135-140°F. Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting period.
And speaking of resting, once the filet has finished cooking, it’s crucial to let it rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful filet. This step shouldn’t be skipped, as it can make a significant difference in the overall quality of the steak.
So, once you’ve flipped and seared the filet on your Blackstone grill, you’re one step closer to enjoying a delicious and perfectly cooked meal. It’s time to move on to the next section and discover the final steps for cooking the filet to perfection.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Filet on a Blackstone
When it comes to cooking a filet on a Blackstone grill, there are a few key tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to help you achieve the perfect result. Let’s dive into them:
1. Start with a Quality Filet
Choosing a high-quality filet is the first step towards a delicious meal. Look for a filet that is well-marbled with fat, as this will enhance the flavor and tenderness. Additionally, consider the thickness of the filet, as this will affect the cooking time and desired level of doneness.
2. Preheat the Grill Properly
Before cooking the filet, it’s important to properly preheat the Blackstone grill. This ensures that the cooking surface reaches the desired high heat for a perfect sear. Preheating the grill also helps to prevent the filet from sticking to the cooking surface.
3. Add Seasoning and Let it Rest
Seasoning the filet is crucial for enhancing its flavor. I like to keep it simple with a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once seasoned, let the filet rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.
4. Sear the Filet
For a beautiful crust and a juicy interior, searing the filet is key. Place the filet on the preheated grill and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes, until a golden brown crust forms. Resist the temptation to constantly flip or move the filet around, as this can prevent a proper sear from developing.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer for Accuracy
To achieve the perfect level of doneness, I highly recommend using a meat thermometer. This ensures that you cook the filet to your desired temperature, whether it’s medium-rare, medium, or well-done. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the filet and check the internal temperature.
Tips on How Long to Cook
Cooking filet on a Blackstone grill requires attention to detail and a few key steps to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful steak. By considering factors such as filet thickness, desired doneness, grill temperature, and resting time, you can ensure a delicious result.
To prep the filet, season it, bring it to room temperature, preheat the grill, and oil the cooking surface. Set the grill to high heat, around 450-500°F, and cook the 1-inch thick filet for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 135-140°F.
Remember to let the filet rest for approximately 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender. Flipping and searing the filet on the Blackstone grill is crucial for developing a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
By following these tips on choosing a high-quality filet, properly preheating the grill, adding seasoning and letting the filet rest, and using a meat thermometer for accuracy, you can confidently cook filet on a Blackstone grill to perfection. Enjoy the mouthwatering results of your culinary skills!