Do you love steak but are unsure which cut of beef is right for you? There’s no need to choose between filet mignon vs sirloin – both cuts are a great choice if you craving delicious, highly marbled tender steaks full of flavor. Knowing the differences between filet mignon and sirloin will help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your favorite cut of steak.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at both cuts so that you can compare them side by side and decide which one will satisfy your personal taste preferences. So let’s get started – read on if you’d like to learn more about Filet Mignon Vs Sirloin!
What is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is cut from the tenderest part of the beef – the tenderloin. As such, it’s one of the most expensive cuts of steak due to its high-fat content and texture that melts in your mouth.
It’s also one of the leanest cuts available, containing no more than 7-10% fat and boasting a light, delicate flavor.
Filet mignon is a steak delicacy that has been famous for its tender profile. If you’re someone who prefers a chewier bite when it comes to steak, the tenderness of filet mignon can be a shocking surprise.
Fortunately, there are ways to offset the tender bite while still getting all the flavor of filet mignon. One way to do this is by grilling it on a kamado grill or any type of grill that uses charcoal as fuel.
If you’re ever in the grocery store and looking at steaks, you may notice two distinctions: there are tenderloin steaks and filet mignon steaks. It’s important to remember that any steak cut from the tenderloin can be labeled as a tenderloin steak but not all of them can be called filet mignon!
This cut of steak is perfect for grilling, searing, or roasting, and is best-served medium-rare to bring out its unique flavor.
What is Sirloin?
Sirloin steak is cut from the sirloin section of the cow and is generally considered one of the more affordable cuts. This type of steak is incredibly flavorful with a slightly robust texture, which makes it an excellent choice for a variety of dishes.
This cut of steak is divided into two sections – top sirloin and bottom sirloin – based on the amount of fat content in each part. Top sirloin has more fat than the bottom sirloin, but both are still considered to be lean cuts with no more than 15-20% fat content.
Sirloin steaks are best cooked over high heat for a short amount of time to ensure that they don’t become too tough. We recommend grilling or pan-searing or slow-cooking this cut of steak for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Filet Mignon Vs Sirloin: What’s the Difference?
Cut Region
Wow, it’s all starting to make sense! Knowing the difference between Filet Mignon and Sirloin cuts is so important when it comes to buying steaks.
Filet Mignon actually comes from the tenderloin part of the animal, which is located near the conical end part of the animal much like the muscle known as psoas major.
On the other hand, sirloin is taken from the area closer to the round section of the meat, but not on the actual hind leg.
It certainly pays off to understand where these cuts come from for completely different experiences associated with each delightful steak.
Filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin located near the spine of a cow, while sirloin steaks are cut from the sirloin section in the middle between the rib and rump.
Fat Content:
When it comes to the fat content of these two cuts, filet mignon is a much better option as it contains significantly less fat than sirloin.
Filets contain only 7-10% fat, while sirloins can have up to 15-20% fat. This means that filets will be a much leaner and healthier option, with less chance of leaving you feeling weighed down after eating.
Texture:
The texture of the two cuts is where they really differ. Filet mignon is known for its incredibly tender, buttery texture that literally melts in your mouth. It’s a luxurious cut of steak with an unmistakable flavor and texture.
Sirloin steaks are still quite tender, but they have more chew to them and are a bit heartier than filet mignon. The flavor is still excellent, but it’s more robust and earthy to the taste buds.
Flavor:
The flavor of these two cuts is yet another area where they truly differ. Filet mignon is known for its mild, sweet profile with a bit of earthiness to it. It’s delicate enough that seasonings and sauces don’t take over the steak, but rather complement it.
Sirloin steaks are far more robust in flavor, with a unique richness of flavor that’s more bold and hearty than filet mignon. It stands up better to sauces and seasonings but still has a great taste all on its own.
Cost:
Filet mignon is generally more expensive than sirloin steaks because they are a leaner cut and require less work in the kitchen.
Sirloin steaks are a bit more affordable, but they do require a bit more time and care to prepare.
The price tag on a filet mignon or sirloin steak will depend on the cut, quality and size of the steak but typically speaking, sirloin steaks are less expensive than filet mignon. The general rule of thumb is that the more tender the cut, the more expensive it is. So if you want a delicious steak but don’t want to break the bank, sirloin might be the way to go.
How Much Do They Cost?
Filet mignon is usually more expensive than sirloin, but the exact cost will vary depending on where you buy it. Generally, filet mignon will cost between $12 and $20 per pound, while sirloin steaks can range from $6 to $15 per pound. So if you’re looking for a steak dinner that won’t break the bank, sirloin is definitely the way to go.
Now that you know the difference between filet mignon vs sirloin, it’s time to decide which one is right for you! Both cuts are delicious and have their own unique flavor and texture.
Cooking Methods:
Filet Mignon is best cooked using dry heat methods such as grilling, frying, or roasting. The extreme tenderness of the meat requires a shorter cooking time and high temperatures to ensure a juicy steak.
Filet mignon should always be cooked quickly over high heat. This will ensure that the steak retains its delicate texture, and it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to cook on each side.
On the other hand, sirloin steaks are best when cooked with techniques that involve slower cooking times at lower temperatures. This allows the fat to melt, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful steak. Examples include braising, stewing, or slow roasting.
Sirloin steaks are often best when cooked over medium heat, as this allows the steak to brown and develop a great flavor. They can also be cooked over high heat for a shorter time if desired.
Nutrition:
-Equal in Calories:
Both filet mignon and sirloin steaks are approximately equal in calories. A 4-ounce portion of either type of steak will contain around 200 calories.
-Carbohydrates and Fiber:
Filet mignon and sirloin steaks are both extremely low in carbohydrates and fiber. A 4-ounce serving of either steak will contain less than 1 gram of total carbohydrates and no dietary fiber.
-Both Rich in Protein:
Both filet mignon and sirloin steaks are excellent sources of lean protein. A 4-ounce portion of either steak will contain around 30 grams of protein. This makes them a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake without excessive amounts of fat or carbohydrates.
-Weighing Fat and Cholesterol:
When it comes to fat and cholesterol, filet mignon is the clear winner. It contains less than half the total fat and saturated fat of a sirloin steak, as well as significantly less cholesterol. A 4-ounce portion of filet mignon will contain roughly 7 grams of total fat and 3 grams of saturated fat, compared to 14 grams of total fat and 7 grams of saturated fat in a sirloin steak.
Cholesterol is also higher in sirloin steaks, with a 4-ounce portion containing around 95 mg of cholesterol versus just 65 mg in filet mignon. Those looking to cut back on their cholesterol intake may find filet mignon to be a better choice.
-Comparing Vitamins and Minerals:
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, sirloin steaks have a slight edge over filet mignon. Sirloin steaks are higher in both iron and zinc, with a 4-ounce portion providing around 6 mg of iron and 2.5 mg of zinc compared to just 3 mg of iron and 1.5 mg of zinc in filet mignon.
-Heart-Healthy:
Overall, both filet mignon and sirloin steaks are healthy options that can be incorporated into a balanced diet. Filet mignon is slightly lower in fat and cholesterol, while sirloin steaks have an edge when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Either way, you’re making a heart-healthy choice.
Conclusion
Both filet mignon vs sirloin are excellent cuts of meat, but they offer different experiences when it comes to taste and texture. Filet mignon is the more expensive option with higher fat content and delicate flavor, whereas sirloin is more affordable and has a bolder taste.
Ultimately, the decision between filet mignon vs sirloin comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a tender and light steak – go with filet mignon. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more flavor and affordability – opt for a sirloin steak.
It’s important to remember that both cuts of steak can be cooked in many different ways and will still taste delicious, so don’t think that filet mignon is the only way to get an incredible steak experience. Experiment with different cooking methods and find out which cut of steak you like best!
Finally, when making your choice between filet mignon vs sirloin steaks, remember that both cuts are delicious and each has its own unique flavor and texture. Consider the factors discussed above, such as cooking methods, nutrition, and cost, to help you decide which steak is right for you!
Happy eating!
As a chef, I have always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. I love to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and I take great pride in serving up delicious dishes that my guests will love.
My culinary career began at a young age when I started working in my family’s restaurant. I quickly fell in love with the art of cooking, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Since then, I have worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, and I am now considered one of the top chefs in the industry.
When I’m not cooking in the kitchen, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children. I also like to stay active by playing basketball and hiking outdoors.