As your go-to source for everything steak, the team at Chicago Steak Company wants to answer a question we get asked often: Is a tenderloin steak the same as a perfect filet mignon? The two cuts appear to be similar in shape and size, and they even come from the same part of the animal. It would stand to reason, then, that they’re the same cuts of beef, right?
The short answer is no, but we want to explain. Buying steak can be confusing, but you have every right to know exactly what you’re paying for in that pricey cut. So, let’s dive into the differences between two trendy cuts of steak.
The fillet is a very tender steak muscle which comes from the lower middle of the back and forms part of the sirloin. The fillet muscle is so tender because it does the least work. It is also a very lean cut with little fat running through it, which means it doesn’t have quite so much flavour as other steak cuts.
Prime Cuts of Filet Mignon
Not all filet mignon is created equal. You may come across some more “affordable” filets that aren’t technically filet mignon at all. Some butchers and grocery stores label filets from the tenderloin as filet mignon, while others might even label filets they cut from other areas of the cow as filet mignon. Unfortunately, they aren’t a true filet that warrants the price tag of prime filet mignon cuts.
You’ll also see some labeled as “Choice” cuts while others are “Prime”. Choice beef makes up the top 50% of beef, so these filets will be the top 50% of filets according to the USDA. They’re a good choice, but your best choice is Prime. USDA Prime is the cream of the crop, especially when it comes to filet mignon. If you’re going to pay more for this cut, your money is better spent on USDA Prime Filet Mignon, which is the top 2% of beef.
All About Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is arguably the yummiest, most tender, and fanciest cuts of steak out there. The tenderloin filet has a one-of-a-kind flavor that pairs well with simple spices, herb butter, or au jus, making it perfect for upscale dishes. Here’s everything you need to know about the ridiculously tender steak known as filet mignon:
Is beef tenderloin the same as filet mignon?
FAQ
Can you cut beef fillet into steaks?
What is another name for a fillet of beef?
Is filet mignon considered a steak?
Is beef fillet a good cut?
Is filet mignon the same as steak?
Yes, for the most part. However, while both cuts come from the tenderloin area of the cow, these steaks have small differences between them. Let’s look at each one to see how they differ in flavor and texture. Where Does The Word Filet Mignon Come From? Filet Mignon is the French word that means “dainty fillet.”
Skirt steak vs Flank steak: Which is healthier?
Both the steak variants have similar amount of energy and proteins as both are cut from a similar animal. Moreover, skirt steak is cut from the lower portion of the animal, just behind the fore limbs. Flank steak is also cut from the lower part but behind the skirt steak or before the hind limbs. Both the meat variants have characteristic flavor but are not very tender. Thus, they can be used for grilling, roasting, sautéing or broiling. However, the steak should not be cut thickly or over cooked to avoid toughness and dryness.
Why do people love a fillet steak?
When you slow-cook or grill this cut of beef, it can become tough and dry. This is one of the reasons why people love having a fillet steak at their favorite fine-dining restaurant. They know that the steak will be cooked perfectly and won’t cost them too much.
What is the difference between beef tenderloin and filet mignon?
Beef tenderloin and filet mignon are both expensive cuts of beef that you might purchase for a special occasion. Learn about the differences between these two cuts of beef. What Is Beef Tenderloin? Beef tenderloin is a larger cut of beef consisting of the entire tenderloin muscle.