If you’re in the market for a quality, but affordable steak, then you may be wondering what the difference is between tenderloin and filet mignon. While both are considered prime cuts of beef, there are some key differences that set them apart.
What is Tenderloin?
- The tenderloin is a cut of meat that comes from the muscle located along the backbone of an animal. It is one of the most prized cuts of meat, as it is very tender and flavorful. The term “tenderloin” can refer to different cuts of meat depending on the animal, but it is most commonly used in relation to pork and beef.
- The pork tenderloin is a lean, flavorful cut of meat that is often used in recipes that call for filet mignon. The beef tenderloin is a larger cut of meat that is often roasted or grilled whole. Both pork and beef tenderloin are considered to be extremely versatile cuts of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
- Regardless of the type of tenderloin, it is always best to cook it slowly over low heat to prevent it from becoming tough. When cooked properly, tenderloin should be juicy and fork-tender. It can be served with a variety of sides, or it can be used as the main ingredient in a number of different dishes. Tenderloin is an excellent source of protein, and it is also relatively low in fat and calories.
What is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is a cut of steak that comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin, a long, tube-shaped muscle located near the back of the cow. Because this muscle is used very little, filet mignon is extremely tender. It is also relatively lean, with a moderate amount of fat marbling throughout. This combination of tenderness and flavor makes filet mignon one of the most popular cuts of steak.
When cooked properly, filet mignon is moist and juicy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It can be grilled, pan-fried, or roasted and is often served with a rich sauce or compound butter. Due to its price point, filet mignon is sometimes seen as a special occasion food, but it can easily be enjoyed any time you crave a delicious steak dinner.
Difference between Tenderloin and Filet Mignon
Though both tenderloin and filet mignon come from the same part of the cow, there are some key differences between these two cuts of meat. Tenderloin is a long, thin strip of muscle that runs along the spine. It is also known as the short loin. Filet mignon, on the other hand, is cut from the small end of the tenderloin. This means that it is smaller and more tender than regular tenderloin. Additionally, filet mignon is typically sold with the bone still attached, while the tenderloin is usually boneless.
As a result, filet mignon tends to be more expensive than tenderloin. When it comes to taste, both tenderloin and filet mignon are very tender and have a mild flavor. However, because of its higher fat content, filet mignon is often considered to be more flavorful than tenderloin.
Conclusion
The tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that is best cooked by roasting, grilling, or pan-searing. The filet mignon is a more expensive and luxurious cut of meat that comes from the beef tenderloin. This cut is best cooked by pan-searing, grilling, or broiling. Although both cuts are delicious, the filet mignon should be reserved for special occasions because it is more expensive.
