How Long to Grill Beef Tenderloin for Perfectly Cooked Meat

Grilling beef tenderloin may seem intimidating, but with the right techniques, it can turn out incredibly juicy, flavorful and tender. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grill beef tenderloin to perfection.

What is Beef Tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is a cut of beef taken from the short loin primal cut. It sits beneath the ribs next to the backbone and contains very little fat or connective tissue, making it one of the most tender cuts of beef.

Since it contains very little fat, beef tenderloin can dry out easily if overcooked. That’s why paying close attention to grilling times is crucial when cooking this prized cut of meat.

How Long Does it Take to Grill Beef Tenderloin?

The exact grilling time for beef tenderloin depends on a few factors:

• Thickness of the tenderloin – A 1-inch thick tenderloin steak will take less time than a 2-3 inch thick tenderloin roast.

• Desired doneness – Rare beef tenderloin requires less grilling time than one cooked to medium. Use an instant read thermometer to determine doneness.

• Grill temperature – Hotter grills will cook beef tenderloin faster than low heat grilling

• Cooking method – Direct vs indirect heat grilling impacts total cooking time.

Here are some general grilling time guidelines based on tenderloin thickness:

• 1-inch thick tenderloin steaks: 6-8 minutes direct high heat
• 2-inch thick tenderloin steaks: 10-12 minutes direct high heat
• 3-4 inch thick tenderloin roast: 25-30 minutes indirect medium heat

Always rely on an instant read thermometer for perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. Remove it from the grill when it reaches:

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium Rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 140-145°F

After grilling, let the beef tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it The temperature will rise 5-10°F during the rest time

Grilling Methods for Beef Tenderloin

There are two main methods for grilling beef tenderloin – direct and indirect heat.

Direct Heat Grilling

This technique involves cooking tenderloin directly over the heat source. Use it for quicker cooking tenderloin steaks.

• Preheat grill to high heat, 500-550°F.
• Season tenderloin steaks with salt, pepper and herbs or rub.
• Place steaks on hot grill grate and cook to desired doneness, flipping halfway through.
• Avoid overcooking by relying on a meat thermometer.

Direct heat grilling quickly sears the outside while keeping the inside nice and red. It works well for 1-inch thick steaks, but not thicker roasts.

Indirect Heat Grilling

This method cooks the tenderloin off to the side of the direct heat source. Use it for thicker tenderloin roasts.

• Preheat grill to medium heat, 350-450°F.
• Season roast with herbs, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Place tenderloin on unlit side of a charcoal grill or turn off the burners on one side of a gas grill.
• Grill, flipping occasionally until it reaches desired internal temp.

Indirect grilling gently cooks the meat all the way through without charring the outside. It’s the perfect method for 2-4 inch thick tenderloin roasts.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Beef Tenderloin

Follow these tips to achieve mouthwateringly tender, juicy grilled beef tenderloin:

• Bring meat to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.

• Pat dry and season just before grilling.

• Sear both sides over direct heat to lock in juices before indirect grilling.

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness precisely.

• Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Slice across the grain for the most tender texture.

Best Beef Tenderloin Grilling Recipes

These flavorful recipes result in incredibly tender and delicious grilled beef tenderloin:

Herb Crusted Grilled Tenderloin

• Ingredients: Beef tenderloin, olive oil, salt, garlic, rosemary, thyme.

• Method: Indirect heat grilling with flavorful herb crust.

Grilled Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter

• Ingredients: Beef tenderloin, butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice.

• Method: Seared on a hot grill then finished indirect with garlic herb butter.

Coffee and Chili Rubbed Tenderloin

• Ingredients: Beef tenderloin, coffee, ancho chili powder, cumin, brown sugar.

• Method: Dry rubbed with sweet and spicy coffee rub then grilled over indirect heat.

Grilled Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze

• Ingredients: Beef tenderloin, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce.

• Method: Glazed with a balsamic mixture during last few minutes of grilling.

FAQs About Grilling Beef Tenderloin

How do you keep tenderloin from drying out on the grill?

Use indirect heat rather than direct, grill with the lid closed, and rely on a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Should you marinate tenderloin before grilling?

Marinades are not necessary, but you can marinate for added flavor if desired. Go light on acidic ingredients which can make the meat mushy.

What are the best wood chips for grilling tenderloin?

Fruit woods like apple, cherry and pecan add nice mild flavor. Herbaceous woods like rosemary and thyme also pair well.

Can you grill tenderloin from frozen?

It’s best to thaw tenderloin in the refrigerator before grilling. If you must grill frozen, use indirect heat and increase cooking time.

Should you grill tenderloin fat side up or down?

Place fat side up to allow melting fat to naturally baste the meat as it grills.

The Takeaway

Perfectly grilling beef tenderloin requires paying close attention to thickness, doneness level, grill temperature and cooking method. For 1-inch steaks, go with direct high heat grilling. For 2-4 inch roasts, indirect medium heat works best. Rely on a meat thermometer for flawless doneness and let the meat rest before slicing for maximum juiciness. With the right techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality grilled beef tenderloin at home.