When it comes to special occasions, often the main course of a meal is the star of show. Beef is one crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone likes, but when you want the best cut of beef, two options may come to mind — beef tenderloin vs filet mignon. Both are classic red meat cuts that offer rich flavor and juicy texture. But which one should you choose for your next gathering? Read on as we compare these popular steak cuts side-by-side and explore which will make an better addition to your gourmet menu.
Beef tenderloin and filet mignon are two of the most popular beef cuts. They are both considered a pricier cut of steak, making them ideal for special occasions. These cuts are usually leaner than other steaks, and they can be cooked more quickly without sacrificing flavor. They can be roasted, pan-fried or grilled.
What Is Tenderloin?
Contents
Beef tenderloin is one of the most expensive cuts of beef that is also incredibly tender. It is a lean cut with comparatively little intramuscular fat, which is known in culinary terms as marbling.
It’s a cut that comes from the loin of the cow near the backbone and stretches between the sirloin and top sirloin. The tenderloin is a long muscle that’s a lot less exercised than the larger round, rib, and chuck cuts of beef.
The tenderloin is usually trimmed of excess fat and a layer of silver skin before it’s sold. This is a very important step, since it helps keep the meat tender and tasty.
Tenderloin can be used for a variety of recipes, such as roasts or steaks. It can also be sliced into medallions for beef burgers or even used in barbecue sauce.
There is a narrow end called the “tail,” and a thick end known as the “muscle on roast.” These two sections can be separated and trussed with butcher’s twine to make uniform roasts or thin slices for filet mignon, tenderloin steaks, and chateaubriand. A whole tenderloin will also have a chain attached to it, which is a muscle that runs along the length of the tenderloin.
Tenderloin Nutrition Fact:
When it comes to meaty steaks, tenderloin is the king of the hill. This beefy cut is also a good source of protein, which is crucial for your body’s cell and tissue maintenance. The nutritional facts of beef tenderloin include a plethora of vitamin B12, a well-rounded fatty acids profile and a solid dose of umami, the savory chemistry that creates that satisfying beefy taste you’ve been yearning for.
It is no secret that red meat can increase your risk of heart disease, so it’s best to limit it. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the occasional piece of filet mignon in moderation.
Despite its reputation for being a high-calorie food, a 4-ounce serving of filet mignon only has 136 calories, 0 grams of carbs and 23.3 grams of protein. Fortunately, there are plenty of lower-calorie ways to enjoy this meaty star in the kitchen. Pair a serving of this hefty cut with some veggies and you’ve got the makings for a meal that could help you shed a few pounds while keeping your heart healthy.
What Is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is a steak cut of beef taken from the small end of the tenderloin, or psoas major, which is found inside the rib cage of a cow. It has many names across Europe, including filet de boeuf (French), fillet steak (UK), solomillo in Spanish, and oxfile in Swedish.
Filet is a very tender cut of meat. It’s one of the most coveted cuts of meat, and it’s also one of the easiest to cook. The psoas major muscle is not weight-bearing and thus does not get toughened by exercise, resulting in incredibly tender steaks.
It’s a delicate, refined cut of meat that tastes milder and sweeter than other cuts of beef. It also has a soft texture, adding a buttery sensation to each bite.
A standard filet mignon size is 8 ounces, and it’s usually between 1.5 and 2 inches thick. This thickness is ideal for cooking to medium rare without overcooking the interior. It’s best cooked using a dry high-heat method, such as broiling or grilling. Once done, let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Filet Mignon Nutrition Fact:
Filet mignon is one of the most popular steak cuts, and it has a variety of nutritional benefits. This cut contains plenty of protein, B vitamins and iron – all important for good health.
It’s also low in fat, and it can be a great choice for people who are watching their calorie intake or following a diet that limits saturated fat. It’s also a good source of zinc, an essential mineral that promotes wound healing and immune system function.
Another benefit of eating this cut is that it is high in iron, which is necessary for carrying oxygenated blood throughout the body. A deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Filet mignon is also a good source of vitamin B-12, which promotes red blood cell production and neurological functions. This nutrient helps maintain energy levels and is necessary for brain development and immunity.
Difference Between Tenderloin & Filet Mignon:
There are many people who get confused between the two terms tenderloin and filet mignon. The truth is that they are actually very different cuts of meat.
While both are lean boneless cuts of beef, they are not the same. Tenderloin is a more economical cut that requires less trimming, while filet mignon is more expensive and has a delicate texture.
Tenderloin can be cooked as a whole and then sliced into medallions, or it can be cut into small pieces and served as individual steaks. It is one of the pricier cuts on restaurant menus, but it is still quite affordable for most home cooks.
Filet mignon is another expensive cut of beef that is considered one of the most delicious steaks available. It is more tender than tenderloin and goes well with various types of sauces.
Both of these cuts of beef are lean, which means they have very low calories and a high protein content. They also pair well with simple sides like roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables. They are both great choices for anyone looking to lose weight and build muscle mass.
Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon – Which Is Better?
Beef tenderloin and filet mignon are both popular steak cuts that have a unique taste and texture. They are both high in protein and rich in essential vitamins and minerals like Iron, Zinc, B12, Phosphorus and Copper.
Tenderloin is an incredibly tender cut of beef, made from the front (loin end) part of the cow’s tenderloin muscle. It is a lean cut with minimal marbling and connective tissue, which makes it an ideal choice for people who are looking for a low-fat meat option.
The tenderloin can be cooked quickly over high heat to keep its juicy flavor and texture intact. Ideally, it should be roasted, grilled or pan-fried so that the exterior is nicely browned and the interior medium-rare.
The tenderloin is one of the most popular cuts of beef, so you can find it at your local grocery store or butcher shop. It can be purchased as whole roasts or as individual filet mignon or T-bone steaks. You may also be able to find it at a specialty butcher or steakhouse.
How To Choose Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon?
Tenderloin and filet mignon are two of the most popular steak cuts on the market. They’re both tender and juicy, and they take well to many different sauces, seasonings, and marinades. They’re also great for entertaining, and they’re both delicious options for a special meal.
Tenderloin is a large cut of beef that can be roasted whole, or sliced into steaks or cubes. It can also be sauteed, braised, grilled, or smoked.
Its flavor and texture are excellent, and it’s a good choice for barbecues since it has less fat. However, it’s not the best choice for a high-quality steak, and it isn’t as tender as other cuts of beef.
Filet mignon is another of the most popular steak cuts, and it’s an excellent choice for barbecues and upscale restaurants. It’s tender, juicy, and has a very delicate beefy flavor that takes well to many different sauces, dressings, and marinades.
Conclusion:
Beef tenderloin and filet mignon are both tasty cuts of beef that make for perfect special occasion meals. However, there are some differences between these two cuts of meat that you should know before purchasing.
The first important difference is that tenderloin is a lean cut of beef and filet mignon is a thicker cut. As a result, it tends to be a bit more expensive than tenderloin.
Another key factor affecting filet mignon price is the quality of the cut itself. The USDA grades beef based on quality, and if you buy a lower-quality filet, you will be paying more for it.
Buying beef is a very personal decision, and it’s important to choose the best cuts of meat for your family. A good rule of thumb is to purchase the highest grade available, which the USDA labels as “prime.”
