If you're looking to impress your guests with a mouthwatering and tender steak, look no further than Traeger smoked filet mignon. This cut of beef, also known as the tenderloin, is renowned for its tenderness and flavor. By slow-cooking it on a pellet grill, you can achieve a perfectly cooked filet mignon that is juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress.
About Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin, which runs along both sides of the spine. This cut is known for being the most tender and desirable, making it a popular choice for special occasions and fine dining. The tenderloin is a muscle that is not weight-bearing, resulting in less connective tissue and a naturally tender texture.
When selecting filet mignon, look for cuts with even edges that are about 1 to 2 inches thick. The meat should have good color and appear moist but not wet. Avoid cuts with tears in the packaging or liquid in the bottom of the tray. Plan on serving 3 to 4 ounces of meat per person.
How to Cook Filet Mignon on a Pellet Grill
The Traeger pellet grill is an excellent choice for cooking filet mignon. The slow-cooking process infuses the meat with a smoky flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. Here's how to cook filet mignon on a pellet grill:
- Season the filet mignon with your preferred seasonings. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are classic choices.
- Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to the SMOKE setting.
- Place the filet mignon directly on the grill grate and close the lid.
- Smoke the filet mignon for about 30 minutes to infuse it with smoky flavor.
- Shift the grill to the SEAR setting to achieve a quick reverse sear.
- Grill the filet mignon for about 3 minutes on each side to develop a beautiful crust.
- Check the internal temperature of the steak using an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 135°F to 140°F.
- Remove the filet mignon from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
By following these steps, you'll achieve a perfectly cooked Traeger smoked filet mignon that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Best Temperature for Filet Mignon
When cooking filet mignon, it's important to achieve the desired level of doneness. The recommended temperature for filet mignon is medium-rare to medium. This ensures that the steak is cooked to a safe internal temperature while maintaining its tenderness and juiciness.
The internal temperature of a medium-rare filet mignon should be around 135°F to 140°F, while a medium filet mignon should be around 145°F to 150°F. To ensure accuracy, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature towards the end of the cooking time.
Flavored Butters to Serve with Traeger Smoked Filet Mignon
While Traeger smoked filet mignon is delicious on its own, you can elevate the flavor even further by serving it with flavored butters. These butters add a burst of flavor and moisture to the steak. Here are a few ideas:
- Herb Butter: Beat ½ cup softened butter, 2 tsp. snipped fresh thyme, and 2 tsp. snipped fresh marjoram or oregano together until combined. Chill for 1 to 24 hours.
- Blue Cheese Butter: Beat ½ cup softened butter and 2 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese together until combined. Chill for 1 to 24 hours.
- Chipotle-Cilantro Butter: Beat ½ cup softened butter, 1 tsp. chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh cilantro together until combined. Chill for 1 to 24 hours.
Place a tablespoon of the flavored butter on top of the Traeger smoked filet mignon after the resting time and just before serving. The butter will melt and enhance the flavor of the steak.
Traeger smoked filet mignon is a show-stopping dish that is sure to impress your guests. By slow-cooking the tenderloin on a pellet grill, you'll achieve a perfectly cooked steak that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Remember to select high-quality filet mignon, season it to your liking, and use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the desired level of doneness. Serve the Traeger smoked filet mignon with flavored butters for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this delicious and indulgent dish on special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal.
If you want to know other articles similar to Traeger smoked filet mignon: perfectly grilled beef guide you can visit the Grilling category.
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