Tenderloin vs. Filet Mignon (Key Differences)

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Can you tell the difference between filet mignon and tenderloin straight away?

I guessed wrong!

Many individuals, including most professional chefs, have been thrown into disarray as a result of the two top cuts of beef. Their looks may lead you to believe they are the same cuts with different names. They aren’t, though. They may seem similar and come from the same section of the animal, yet they each have their own amount of apathy.

Here is when things become complicated:

Tenderloin refers to the whole part of flesh obtained under the ribs, near to the backbone, while filet mignon refers to the tenderloin’s conical tip. Thus, tenderloin may be filet mignon, but not the whole tenderloin since it is just a little section of the muscle on the tip of the tenderloin.

What Is Tenderloin?

Tenderloin is the most soft muscle in either beef or hog. The cut is made between the top lion and the sirloin.

Tenderloin weights between 4 to 6 pounds. In butcher shops, you may get a full filet or medallions, which are sometimes sliced across the grain or round. Also, it might be trimmed or untrimmed.

You know you yearn for tenderloin as an excellent steak for the grill because of its lower fat content, which reduces the risks of flare-ups and scorching the meat.

That’s the trimmed tenderloin.

The untrimmed form has a lot of fat and a silver skin from the cow’s flanks that has to be removed before it can be cooked.

It may be sliced and pan-fried, or it can be roasted whole. It also pairs nicely with a broad range of sauces and condiments.

Although though it is not the most savory cut, it is well-known for its softness. It’s pricey, but it’s the most popular steak on the menu.

What Is Filet Mignon?

To put it simply, filet mignon is a tenderloin cut. It is the conical end of the tenderloin, which is the main section of an animal corpse. You may even cut it into thick steaks for whichever dish you like.

The filet mignon is recognized for its softness and well-cut, but it pales in comparison to what its mouth-watering deliciousness can do to your wallet.

It pairs well with sauces, dressings, and sauces, just like tenderloin. It is also one of the most expensive pieces of beef.

Most people refer to it as the King of steaks, but not everyone agrees, notably chefs, since it has a bland flavor.

Even so, filet mignon is a popular option on the menu. And it’s ridiculously simple and fast to prepare.

Filet Mignon Vs Tenderloin: Similarities and Differences

Flavor Profile

Since the filet and tenderloin are both lean with a buttery and mild taste, they are served with sauces and dressings to enhance flavor.

They don’t have bones and are very flexible. Both contain a non-fatty marbled fat component.

Presentation And Serving

Both cuts are cooked and served in the same manner, with the exception that filet mignon steaks are generally wrapped in bacon to assist achieve a beautiful plump form.

Tenderloin is either cooked entire and then chopped into medallions before being prepared separately as little round steaks. Since both slices have a milder taste, they are often topped with sauces or dressings.

Personal Preferences and Cost

Although though filet mignon is derived from tenderloin, it is far more costly. And I’m not going to tell you which cut of beef is better for you. It all relies on your unique tastes and taste.

Most individuals, though, will definitely choose a huge tenderloin cut for a group supper or something. However, for a single or two-person supper, some may prefer the smaller filet mignon pieces.

Cooking Methods and Spread

Filet mignon

Filet Mignon is a versatile cut that is best cooked over high heat. It may be cooked in a pan, grilled, or broiled in the oven. And its meals are delicious all year. Additionally, preparing filet mignon takes time and energy.

Grilling a 1-inch piece takes 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare (145F), but 12 to 15 minutes for medium (160F).

A 1-inch cut might take 15–19 minutes for medium-rare (145F) and up to 18–23 minutes for medium (160F).

Finally, set aside an additional 5 minutes in the foil. Keep in mind that indirect grilling may take an extra 4 to 5 minutes. Skillet cooking time for medium might range from 10 to 13 minutes.

Tenderloin

Tenderloin may be grilled, roasted, or skillet-cooked in the same manner. Nevertheless, the period varies depending on the weight of your roast.

For example, a 2 to 3 pound roast takes 35 to 40 minutes to cook at 425F for medium-rare (135F). And for medium, nothing more than 45 to 50 minutes (150F) doneness should enough. If it’s 4 pounds, roast it at 425F for 50 to 60 minutes for medium-rare (135F), and up to 70 minutes for medium (150F).

The cooking time for beef tenderloin steaks, on the other hand, is determined by the thickness of the slice. Cover and grill for 4 minutes to an hour for a 2 to 3-pound roast (135F medium-rare).

A 4 to 5 pounder, on the other hand, should take up to 1 hour 15 minutes (135F medium-rare). Then an additional 15 minutes to let it rest in the foil.

Conclusion

There are many similarities between filet mignon and tenderloin. You must have realized how different they may be by now.

They are a household brand in the steak business and are always a popular choice at most steakhouses. We feel you can now make an educated purchasing choice between the two steaks.

Ribeye vs. Filet Mignon
Sirloin vs. Filet Mignon
Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin
Pork Cuts Types
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FAQs

What is the difference between tenderloin and filet mignon?

Tenderloin and Filet Mignon are both parts of the Tenderloin, which is why some people confuse the two. Filet Mignon is made from the tenderloin’s tip, a delicate and fragile part of the loin primal.

What is the difference between filet mignon and tenderloin medallions?

So, where do medallions originate from? They’re made from filet mignon. A filet medallion is really the way the butcher slices the meat. To make filet medallions, a butcher cuts filets into smaller, thicker rounds rather than one huge filet.

Is filet mignon from the tenderloin?

Filet mignon is a soft cut of beef from the tenderloin’s thin front section, near the short loin. It’s a lean cut with little marbling or connective tissue.

How is filet mignon different from other steaks?

Filet mignon is a circular steak that is much smaller than ribeye steak. It contains far less fat, which runs through the flesh in tiny, delicate lines. Ribeye steak is a large cut with a lot of fat and thick, distinct marbling. The filet mignon is the softest of the two steaks.

Which is more expensive tenderloin or filet mignon?

Filet mignon is found in beef tenderloin. Yet, since filet mignon is just a piece of a complete tenderloin, it is more costly per pound than beef tenderloin.

Why tenderloin is the best steak?

Tenderloin is derived from a muscle that is seldom utilized, ensuring greater softness. With a very delicate feel unlike any other beef cut. No other cut can compete with tenderloin for delicate texture!

How many filet mignon in a tenderloin?

A tenderloin roast is currently the equivalent of 10 filet mignon. Several of the filets had additional fat and silverskin, as you can see.

Is filet mignon better rare or medium?

Mignon filet.

It’s well-known for being a tender cut of beef. To get the most out of your filet mignon, cook it to medium doneness or less, although we suggest medium-rare.

What are the two types of filet mignon?

At stores and restaurants in the United States, both the middle and big ends of the tenderloin are often marketed as filet mignon. These cuts are referred to in French as tournedos (the smaller center section), châteaubriand (the bigger central portion), and biftek (cut from the large end known as the tête de filet (lit.

What is the tastiest cut of steak?

The rib eye is a cut from the rib portion that is the most delicious and generally has extremely deep marbling. The rib eye is a fantastic cut for grilling and slow roasting because to its rich marbling.