The comparison between beef tenderloin vs filet mignon is a complex one. Both of these come from the same part of the animal and therefore share several properties.
Many people even see them as different names for the same cut. But there are differences, even if they’re only small ones.
So, let’s get a closer look and see what makes these very similar cuts different.
Beef Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon – The Highlights
The Origin – Where Do These Cuts Of Meat Come From?
The tenderloin is a wide muscle located just above the top sirloin of the animal. It is fairly wide and can look somewhat triangular. This group of muscles barely gets any exercise, so it’s a very tender piece of meat. The tenderloin is one of the most sought-after cuts of meat.
Tenderloin comes from the cow’s loin primal. This cut comes before the round of the back. Its location is before the hind legs, but it doesn’t include the belly of the cow.
Interestingly, the origin of filet mignon is the same as tenderloin. Or to be more specific, this cut is a part of the beef tenderloin. The wide tenderloin is somewhat triangular (or rather, conical since it’s three dimensional) and wider than the top sirloin.
Filet mignon’s location is at the tip of this triangle. It is a relatively small piece towards the tip of the tenderloin. This too is a fairly tender cut of the meat, though it slightly differs from the overall tenderloin in some qualities.
Notes On Size And Flavor Of Beef Tenderloin And Filet Mignon
Beef tenderloin is a larger cut of meat and is usually sold as such. Even if you don’t buy the full tenderloin, you’re likely buying a fairly big chunk of meat. Given its size, this cut is often preferred for roasting, though of course, it’s possible to cut it into smaller pieces at home and use it for different purposes.
Filet mignon is a small cut, and therefore is available in smaller pieces. You’d usually get it as medallions or steak-sized cuts.
Both these cuts are boneless and therefore don’t need much cooking time. The fact that there’s very low fat in these cuts also contributes to their relatively quick cooking speed.
The lack of fat has another aspect to this. Tenderloin and filet mignon aren’t especially flavor-rich, since there is no bone or fat to add flavor to the meat. This can work especially well in the favor of these cuts if the cook has their cooking skills right. A good marinade or meat rub can go a long way. The same goes for delicious sauces and other flavoring agents.
Pricing
Filet mignon and tenderloin are both sought-after cuts of meat and command a fairly high price. It’s likely that you’ll find them priced at a similar level, even though the sizing means that beef tenderloin is in larger supply when compared to filet mignon.
What is beef tenderloin?
Beef tenderloin is a steak cut of beef that is typically very tender. It is known as one of the more expensive cuts of beef, because of the overall tenderness and low fat content. The beef tenderloin can be cooked in many different ways, but is often considered best when it is roasted or grilled.
When purchasing beef tenderloin, it is important to look for a cut that is well-marbled with fat, as this will help to ensure a juicy and flavorful steak.
What is filet mignon?
Filet mignon is a type of steak that is cut from the tenderloin of the cow. This cut is considered to be the most desirable, as it is both lean and flavorful. The filet mignon is typically wrapped in bacon and cooked until it is juicy and tender.
It is often served with potatoes or vegetables, and can be accompanied by a variety of sauces. Whether you are dining out or cooking at home, filet mignon is sure to be a delicious and impressive meal.
FAQ
How long to cook beef tenderloin at 400
There are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, A thick tenderloin will take longer to cook through than a thin one. Secondly, the level of doneness that you’re aiming for will also affect the cooking time. Lastly, the type of oven that you’re using can also make a difference. A convection oven will tend to cook food faster than a conventional oven.
With all of that in mind, a good rule of thumb is to cook beef tenderloin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes per pound. This should result in a juicy, flavorful steak that is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Of course, the best way to gauge doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and cook until it reaches the desired temperature. For rare beef, Aim for an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium beef, cook to an internal temperature of 145.
How much beef tenderloin per person?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on how much meat you want each person to have. A good rule of thumb is to plan on about eight ounces of beef tenderloin per person. This will give you plenty of meat to work with and will ensure that everyone gets a good portion.
If you are having a large gathering, you may want to consider getting a larger piece of beef tenderloin. This will allow you to have leftovers, which can be great for sandwiches or other meals later in the week.
How to grill filet mignon
The key to grilling filet mignon is to keep the steak at a consistent temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure the grate is clean.
Season your filet mignon with salt and pepper, then place it on the grill. Cook for about two minutes per side, then remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to cook filet mignon in oven
Cooking filet mignon in the oven is not as difficult as one might think. With a few simple tips, anyone can make a delicious and impressive meal that is sure to impress family and friends. Here are some tips on how to cook filet mignon in oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the filet mignon on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Season the filet mignon with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filet mignon is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
With these simple tips, anyone can make a delicious and impressive filet mignon that is sure to impress family and friends.
Conclusion
Our comparison of beef tenderloin vs filet mignon shows that both these are very similar and closely related cuts of meat. In fact, filet mignon is a part of the tenderloin, though it can be slightly different than the conventional tenderloin because of its unique location.
Either way, both these are tender cuts of meat that are quick to cook because they lack bones and don’t have much fat.