Grilled Filet Mignon with Parmesan Garlic Butter

My husband and I had a “Saturday” night meal on a Monday night. We love Filet Mignon, but don’t have it very often unless we go out to Ruths Chris for dinner. I grilled onions to accompany the Filet Mignon along with some sautéed yellow squash. Opened a nice Cabernet and watched the season finale of 24! (Is Jack going to live another day to battle the bad guys?)

Seven Steps to a Perfect Filet Mignon:

1. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then let the steak sit for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors and come to room temperature. This will allow for even cooking.

2. Sear the filet mignon steaks on both sides to lock in moisture and flavor. Set the grill to its highest temperature settings and place steaks on the grill, cooking each side for 3 minutes with the lid down. On a charcoal grill, place the steaks directly over the coals to sear.

3. Turn the grill down to medium. On a charcoal grill move the steaks off to the side away from the coals. After searing, filet mignon needs to be grilled slowly at lower temperatures to keep the juices in and keep the meat from getting tough and remain tender.

4. Cook filet mignon to medium, medium-rare or rare with the lid down. Filet mignon is usually cooked to medium-rare or rare because above medium rare it begins to lose taste and tenderness. However, if you do not like eating rare steak, cook it to medium.

5. When you become masterful at grilling, you will be able to touch the steak with your finger or a fork and know by the “feel” of the steak what stage of “doneness” it is at. Typically when soft to the touch, it is more on the rare side. As the meat becomes less soft to the touch, it is more well done.

6. Remove steaks off the grill when they have finished cooking to your preference. Recommend using tongs so that you don't cut it and allow juices to escape. Cover with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving, to let the juices absorb back into the meat.

7. Place the filet mignon on warm plates when serving so the meat maintains its temperature and you can cover with tin foil. If desired, sprinkle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on the filet mignon just prior to serving, to add flavor. Finish with Parmesan Butter on top of each steak for added flavor.

Parmesan Butter Recipe:

Serves four

4T. Butter
½ C. Fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 Garlic clove, minced
1 T. chopped flat leaf parsley

In a medium ramekin, add the butter and let soften to room temperature. Once soft, add the parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley. Mix together and place into the refrigerator to harden. When ready to serve, top each steak with the butter.