Beef Tenderloin vs filet Mignon? and when it comes to buying beef, the choices can be overwhelming. There are dozens of cuts, from ribeye to sirloin and more; each cut boasting its own unique set of characteristics and benefits.If you’re looking for an especially luxurious steak experience, then you may find yourself considering two premium options: beef tenderloin vs filet mignon.
But what is the difference between these two popular cuts? In this blog post, we’ll explore the distinguishing qualities of both beef tenderloin and filet mignon so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your next purchase.
What is the Beef Tenderloin?
The beef tenderloin is a cut of meat from the loin area of the cow. It’s one of the most tender and expensive cuts you can buy, thanks to its lack of fat and connective tissue. The shape and size make it ideal for roasting or grilling; however, it can also be cut into steaks or cubes for stews and stir-fries.
What is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon (French for “dainty fillet”) is a cut of beef taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin, near the ribs. It’s much more slender than other parts of the tenderloin, and is known for its delicate texture and mild flavor. It’s a popular cut of beef for steak lovers, since it’s the most tender option available.
What are the Differences Between Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon?
The main difference between these two cuts of beef lies in their size: filet mignon is much smaller and thinner than beef tenderloin. The larger size of the tenderloin includes tougher parts of the loin, whereas filet mignon only has the choicest cuts from the end. Additionally, beef tenderloin can be cut into slices or cubes for roasting or grilling, while filet mignon is traditionally served as steaks.
How to cook the Beef Tenderloin?
The beef tenderloin is an especially versatile cut of meat, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be roasted whole, cut into steaks or cubes, sautéed, braised, grilled, or even smoked. The cooking method will depend on the dish you’re making; however, it’s important to keep in mind that the beef tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, so it’s important not to overcook it.
Related article: Prime Rib and Ribeye
How to cook Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is best cooked quickly and over high heat. It can be grilled, pan-fried, or even broiled. When cooking, it’s important to remember that filet mignon is a particularly tender cut of beef, so you don’t want to overcook it. The best way to ensure that your steak is cooked just right is by using an accurate meat thermometer and monitoring the internal temperature.
Benefits of Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon
Both beef tenderloin and filet mignon boast a luxurious texture and flavor, but they also offer some distinct benefits. For example, the beef tenderloin is much larger than the filet mignon and provides more servings per cut; making it a great option for large gatherings or family dinners. Additionally, the beef tenderloin has more fat and connective tissue than the filet mignon, giving it a richer flavor. On the other hand, filet mignon is much more tender than beef tenderloin and is considered to be the most luxurious cut of steak available on the market.
Trimmed Vs. Untrimmed Beef Tenderloin
When purchasing beef tenderloin, you may notice that it’s available in both trimmed and untrimmed varieties. Trimmed beef tenderloin is cut from the smaller end of the loin, near the ribs; while untrimmed beef tenderloin contains more fat and connective tissue from other areas of the cow. Both varieties are suitable for roasting, grilling, and other methods of cooking; however, the untrimmed beef tenderloin will have a richer flavor due to its higher fat content.
Choosing Your Steak
When it comes time to choose between beef tenderloin and filet mignon, there’s no definitive answer. Both cuts are incredibly tender and flavorful, so it will ultimately come down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a large cut that can feed several people, beef tenderloin is your best bet. On the other hand, if you want something extra special and luxurious, filet mignon is sure to satisfy.
How to Grill Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon
Grilling is a great way to cook beef tenderloin and filet mignon. For beef tenderloin, preheat your grill over medium-high heat and season the meat with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (for medium-rare). For filet mignon, preheat your grill over high heat and season the steaks with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (for medium-rare). Serve both cuts of beef immediately with your favorite sides.
A Few of My Favorite Preparations
Beef tenderloin is excellent when served as steaks, with a classic Béarnaise sauce. Filet mignon is also wonderful when served as steaks, but I particularly love to prepare it steakhouse-style with a creamy brandy peppercorn sauce. Both cuts can also be used in other preparations such as beef Wellington or beef stroganoff. No matter how you choose to cook it, both beef tenderloin and filet mignon are sure to please.
To summarize, while both beef tenderloin and filet mignon offer a luxurious texture and flavor, they also have some distinct benefits. Beef tenderloin is much larger than the filet mignon and provides more servings per cut, while filet mignon is much more tender. Both cuts can be grilled, pan-fried or broiled and are excellent when served as steaks with a classic Béarnaise sauce or steakhouse-style with a creamy brandy peppercorn sauce. They can also be used in other preparations such as beef Wellington or beef stroganoff.
Cooking a Whole Beef Tenderloin
If you’re looking for a showstopping entrée, cooking a whole beef tenderloin is sure to impress your guests. To begin, place the beef tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with foil. Rub the entire surface of the meat with oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the beef tenderloin in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (for medium-rare). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Best Way to Tie It Up
To ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation, it’s important to tie up the beef tenderloin with kitchen twine before roasting. To do this, place the beef tenderloin on a work surface and season generously with salt and pepper. Starting at one end of the beef tenderloin, wrap a piece of kitchen twine around the meat and tie it off. Continue wrapping the beef tenderloin with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals until you reach the other end. This will keep the roast from unraveling during cooking and ensure even cooking throughout
Where to Buy Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon
When it comes to buying filet mignon and beef tenderloin, your best bet is to visit a local butcher or specialty meat store. If you don’t have access to such stores, most supermarkets sell both cuts as well. Be sure to check the labels for information on where the beef was sourced, as well as the grade of beef. Ultimately, buying high-quality meat is essential for getting the best flavor and texture you can.
Simple Recipe for Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon
This simple recipe is sure to result in an incredibly delicious dinner. To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F and season the beef tenderloin and filet mignon generously with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Roast for 18-20 minutes for medium-rare. Serve the beef tenderloin and filet mignon on a platter with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
This recipe is perfect for entertaining guests or a special family dinner, and it’s sure to impress. Whether you choose to grill, pan-fry or roast both cuts of beef, you can be sure that your meal will be delicious. Enjoy!
Other Preparation Ideas for Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon
Beef tenderloin is incredibly versatile and can easily be used in a variety of dishes, beyond the classic steak preparations. Try roasting beef tenderloin in a red wine sauce or using it to make a savory beef tartare. Filet mignon, on the other hand, is best served as steaks with Béarnaise sauce or steakhouse-style with a creamy brandy peppercorn sauce. It can also be used in soups and stews, such as beef bourguignon or beef stroganoff. No matter which cut of beef you choose, it’s sure to be a delicious meal!
When it comes to serving filet mignon and beef tenderloin, they’re both excellent options for a special occasion. Whether you opt for the showstopping presentation of a whole roast beef tenderloin or the classic steak preparations with filet mignon, you can be sure your meal will be delicious and impressive. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily create an amazing dinner that’s sure to please everyone!
Nutritional Benefits of Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon
In addition to being incredibly delicious, filet mignon and beef tenderloin are both excellent sources of protein. Each 3-oz serving of either cut provides about 20-25g of protein, making it an ideal choice for those following a high-protein diet. Both cuts also contain significant amounts of iron, zinc and B vitamins, which are beneficial for energy production.
Overall, filet mignon and beef tenderloin are both excellent choices for a special dinner or an impressive entrée. With the right ingredients, techniques and preparation methods, you can easily create a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Are Aged Steaks Better?
Aged steaks are a great option if you’re looking for an intensely flavorful cut of beef. Beef that has been aged is generally more tender, as the enzymes in the meat break down over time. Aged steaks come with a higher price tag due to their intense flavor and extra-tender texture, but they can be worth the splurge for special occasions. If you’re looking for an intensely flavorful cut of beef that’s sure to impress, opt for aged steaks!
FAQs
How long should I cook filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
The cooking time for both cuts will depend on the size and thickness of the steaks or roast. Generally, you’ll want to cook filet mignon and beef tenderloin for 18-20 minutes in a 375°F oven for medium-rare. Taking the internal temperature of the meat with a food thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
What are some other ways I can prepare filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
Filet mignon and beef tenderloin can both be prepared in a variety of ways. Filet mignon is best served as steaks with Béarnaise sauce or steakhouse-style with a creamy brandy peppercorn sauce. Beef tenderloin, on the other hand, can easily be used in a variety of dishes and recipes beyond classic steak preparations, such as roasting in a red wine sauce or making a savory beef tartare.
Are filet mignon and beef tenderloin healthy?
Yes, both cuts of beef are excellent sources of protein and contain significant amounts of iron, zinc and B vitamins. Plus, they’re both lower in fat than other cuts of beef, making them a healthy choice.
Q: What is the best way to cook filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: The best way to cook filet mignon and beef tenderloin is to roast them in the oven at a temperature of 375°F for 18-20 minutes for medium-rare. You can also opt for grilling or pan-frying.
Q: Where should I buy filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Your best bet is to visit a local butcher or specialty meat store. If you don’t have access to such stores, most supermarkets sell both cuts as well. Be sure to check the labels for information on where the beef was sourced, as well as the grade of beef.
Q: What are some other preparation ideas for filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Beef tenderloin is incredibly versatile and can easily be used in a variety of dishes, beyond the classic steak preparations. Try roasting beef tenderloin in a red wine sauce or using it to make a savory beef tartare. Filet mignon, on the other hand, is best served as steaks with Béarnaise sauce or steakhouse-style with a creamy brandy peppercorn sauce. It can also be used in soups and stews, such as beef bourguignon or beef stroganoff.
Q: What are the nutritional benefits of filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Filet mignon and beef tenderloin are both excellent sources of protein, each providing about 20-25g of protein per 3-oz serving. They are also a good source of iron, zinc and B vitamins, which are beneficial for energy production.
Q: How should I serve filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Filet mignon and beef tenderloin can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion or your preference. A whole roast beef tenderloin is a great showstopping presentation for a special occasion, while filet mignon steaks are classic steakhouse fare that are perfect for any night of the week. They can both be served with Béarnaise sauce, creamy brandy peppercorn sauces and other flavorful accompaniments.
Q: What is the difference between filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Filet mignon is cut from the small end of the beef tenderloin, while beef tenderloin is a larger section of meat. Filet mignon is more expensive and has a more delicate texture, while beef tenderloin is larger and can be used for roasting or carving into steaks.
Q: How do I choose the best filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: When selecting your beef, look for cuts that are bright red in color, with minimal fat marbling. If possible, purchase from a butcher or specialty meat store, as they can provide cuts that are higher in quality. Be sure to check the label for information on where the beef was sourced and its grade of quality.
Q: How do I prepare filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Both cuts can be cooked using a variety of methods, such as grilling, pan-frying or roasting. Whichever method you choose, be sure to season the meat generously and cook it to your desired doneness for the best flavor and texture.
Q: What are some other preparation ideas for filet mignon and beef tenderloin?
A: Filet mignon can be served as steaks with Béarnaise sauce or steakhouse-style with a creamy brandy peppercorn sauce, while beef tenderloin can be roasted in a red wine sauce or used to make a savory beef tartare. Both cuts are also excellent for soups and stews, such as beef bourguignon or beef stroganoff. Enjoy!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a special treat or an impressive cut to serve at a dinner party, beef tenderloin and filet mignon are both excellent choices. While they may look similar at first glance, these two cuts of meat actually have quite different flavor profiles and textures. When choosing between beef tenderloin vs filet mignon, it’s important to consider your individual preferences and the dish you’re planning to prepare. Ultimately, either one of these delicious options is sure to impress your guests!
Jane is a chef-turned-writer who brings masterful creations to life in the kitchen. She spends her days transforming ordinary dishes into exceptional feasts, while exploring local food trends around town!