Charcoal is one of the most common methods of heating a grill. The warm-up process for charcoal is longer than other methods of grilling, but some prefer charcoal because it can offer a distinct, smoky flavor that gas grills cannot match. Charcoal also provides an even heat that lets you cook meats consistently. Even filet mignon, one of the most expensive cuts of beef, can be easily prepared on a charcoal grill.
Step 1
Make a small pyramid of charcoal briquettes in the bottom of the grill and light with a match or lighter. If the charcoal is stubborn and doesn't light up quickly, which can happen with older charcoal, use lighter fluid to encourage the flame.
Step 2
Wait for the charcoal to burn and develop gray ash on its exterior. This lets its burn off the bitter, charcoal-tasting exterior and produce embers that won't ruin the flavor of your meat. Ash will cover the charcoal in 10 to 30 minutes. Once the ash develops, knock down the pyramid and spread the charcoal evenly over the bottom of the grill.
Step 3
Season your filet mignon steak, if desired. Filet mignon is tender and flavorful without seasoning, but you may desire to change or enhance its flavor. Salt, pepper, garlic, peppercorns and herbal seasonings are all options that can be applied on their own or in combination with one another, depending on your preferences.
Step 4
Cook the meat on the grill for 4 to 5 minutes on each side per inch of thickness, if you want your steak done medium-well. For medium-rare or rare steaks, reduce the cook time on each side by 1 or 2 minutes. For well done steak, add 1 minute to the cook time. Once the steak has cooked, remove from the grill and serve.
Tips and Warnings
- You will need about 10 lbs. of charcoal for every hour of grilling. Do not add fresh charcoal while meat is grilling. The burned-off charcoal will blacken the meat and give it a bitter taste.
Things You'll Need
- Charcoal
- Charcoal grill
- Lighter fluid
- Matches or lighter
- Filet mignon
- Seasonings
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