Filet Mignon Steaks with Port, Cherries, and Thyme

Instructions

• Prepare the grill for direct cooking over high heat (450° to 550°F). If you're using a charcoal grill, keep a small part of the charcoal grate clear of briquettes as a safety zone of indirect heat.
  Prepare the grill for cooking over high heat (500°F).
  Prepare the grill for direct cooking over high heat (450° to 550°F).
• Pat the steaks dry, brush them with the oil, and season them evenly with the coarsely ground peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of the thyme, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, pressing the spices into the meat. Allow the steaks to stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before grilling.

  Related Grill Skills

  Chopping Thyme
• Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet on the side burner of the grill or on the stove, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook until they begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1½ tablespoons thyme and stir for 10 seconds. Stir in the dried cherries and port (be careful of a flame up) and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until the liquid is reduced by about half, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the fresh cherries and broth and boil until the cherries are tender and about one-half of the liquid is cooked away, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Season the sauce with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Set aside. 
• Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the steaks over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to your desired doneness, 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare, turning once or twice (if flare-ups occur, move the steaks temporarily over indirect heat). Remove the steaks from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. While the steaks rest, finish the sauce.
  Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the steaks over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to your desired doneness, 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare, turning once or twice. Remove the steaks from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. While the steaks rest, finish the sauce.
  Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the steaks over high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to your desired doneness, 7 to 9 minutes for medium rare, turning once or twice. Remove the steaks from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. While the steaks rest, finish the sauce.
• Warm the sauce in the skillet over medium heat just until hot. Remove from the heat. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and whisk butter is absorbed into the sauce. Serve the steaks warm with the cherry sauce spooned on top.