Filet Mignon Vs Ribeye: [Differences Explained]

Both the filet mignon and ribeye are best known for their tenderness and mouth watering texture. However, this does not mean the two cuts are the same. In any case, numerous differences exist between these famous cuts of meat, and understanding their differences will make it easier for you to make the right choices.

While both steaks are tender, the filet mignon is the softest since it is obtained from the tenderloin muscle that the animal barely uses. Nevertheless, the Ribeye steak is large with a higher fat content defined by significant marbling, making it more flavorful than the filet mignon, which is smaller with lower fat content.

Nonetheless, there are other differences that you can use to distinguish between the two cuts. Read on for more on filet mignon vs. ribeye.

Prime Ribeye vs Filet Mignon

The prime ribeye and filet mignon are upscale choices of steaks that many pitmasters classify as two of the top ten cuts. Choosing the best steak depends on the occasion on the table. To understand the main differences between the two cuts, you must closely examine each steak.

The Prime Ribeye

The prime ribeye is obtained from the beef rib between the loin and the shoulder. One of the characteristics of this section that the ribeye is obtained from is that it has a significant amount of intramuscular fat that creates white strips on the cant. The high-fat content is responsible for the juiciness you get when cooking ribeye steak.

Prime ribeye is pretty popular among steak lovers due to its tasty flavor. Notably, the steak is either cut boneless or bone-in, with the piece of bone playing a role in adding more flavor to the meat after cooking. Part of why the bone is added is for bone taste.

Due to the high level of marbling, the ribeye has become famous and an expensive choice of steak.

The Filet Mignon Steak

When comparing the prime ribeye vs. filet mignon in terms of flavor, the ribeye takes the prize. However, the filet mignon steak is a more tender cut from the tenderloin. The tenderloin is located at the back of a cow below the loin. Since the tenderloin muscles hardly work, the cut is pretty soft.

The Major Differences Between Prime Ribeye vs. Filet Mignon

Having a clear understanding of the two famous cuts will help you make up your mind whenever you find yourself in a situation where you have to choose between the two.

The Appearance And Size

One of the common factors that most people use to differentiate between different types of cuts is appearance. The ribeye steak appears large, while the filet mignon cuts are small and round. Generally, the size of the filet mignon is about half of a ribeye steak.

Further, the prime rib eye steak features a thick marbling defined by fat white lines all over the steak. On the other hand, the filet mignon features a low-fat content with thin streaks of fat. It is pretty soft due to its finer-grain muscle.

The Flavor

The flavor is the number one consideration many people make whenever they want to purchase a cut of meat. If you are looking for a healthy cut, the filet mignon will take the price as it is characterized by low-fat content. On the other hand, the prime ribeye steak is more flavorful than the filet mignon due to its high-fat content level.

The Texture

Both the prime ribeye and the filet mignon are tender cuts of meat. Nonetheless, the filet mignon features a softer texture than the prime ribeye, which is influenced by its location. The prime ribeye is characterized by more tissues, making it tougher compared to filet mignon.

The Cost

When comparing the prime ribeye vs. filet mignon based on the price, the filet mignon is more expensive than the ribeye steak. With its tender texture and scarcity, it is worth the higher price. However, the prime ribeye is not a cheap cut, but it is more affordable than the filet mignon.

Cooking Method

The end game of comparing these two famous cuts is to serve a delicious meal, which is why understanding the best way of cooking each one is very critical.

The filet mignon is best when prepared as rare to medium rare. To maintain its tenderness, you should cook the steak at low temperatures. Notably, the filet mignon cooks fast and is prone to dryness if you overcook them.

On the other hand, prime ribeye steak is cooked at a higher temperature due to its high-fat content level for a great sear. For the best result, cook the ribeye steak to medium rare. Notably, you can cook the ribeye steak on a grill, pan roast, and reverse sear.

Ribeye Cap vs Filet Mignon

The ribeye cap is a rare cut that is the most delectable and flavorful steak in the market. It is also referred to as ribeye steak, deckle steak, spinalis dorsi, or calotte. The steak is highly priced by top chefs and butchers alike.

When comparing the ribeye cap vs filet mignon, remember that a ribeye is an excellent option for those looking for the best flavor. On the other hand, the filet mignon would be an excellent choice for anyone who prefers texture or tender meat to flavor. Nonetheless, it is necessary to mention that this does not imply that the filet mignon is not tasty. It simply means that the ribeye cap will take the prize if you have to compare the two in terms of flavor.

Fat Content Filet Mignon vs Ribeye

The fat content on the filet mignon and ribeye is another common factor when differentiating between the two cuts.

The ribeye steak has a higher fat content and marbling than the filet mignon. At first glance at the two steaks, you will notice the significant difference in fat content in the two cuts. Further, the ribeye steak has more calories than the filet mignon.

The Ribeye vs Filet Mignon Price

Both the ribeye and filet mignon are expensive cuts of steaks. However, the cost of the filet mignon is higher than that of the ribeye steak. Most people are willing to pay a lot of money to enjoy the incredible tenderness offered by the filet mignon. Besides being pretty tender, the other important factor that makes it a pretty expensive cut is that it is one of the rarest steaks.

With that in mind, it does not mean that the ribeye steak is cheap. It is also an expensive cut that is a bit cheaper when compared to the filet mignon.

Which Is Better, The Ribeye Or Filet Mignon?

The truth is that both the filet mignon and ribeye steaks are excellent cuts of meat. Deciding on which one is better highly depends on your personal preference. For instance, ribeye will be the best option if you are after the best flavor. On the other hand, if tenderness is the most critical consideration, the filet mignon should be the best option for you.

How To Buy The Best Steak

There are several general guidelines you should follow when looking to buy the best steak. Some of these guidelines include the following;

• Checking the thickness –Experts recommend going for a steak about 1-inch thick. The thickness is essential when cooking the steak; therefore, you do not want to make a mistake by failing to consider the thickness.
• Marbling –marbling is the white parts that run on the steak, and it has a significant influence on the flavor.
• The grade- ensures that you check the grading of the meat before making the order. The USDA grading takes care of the essential considerations you will need to put at the back of your mind before making your selection.

Conclusion

The filet mignon is a highly delicious, popular, and expensive cut of meat. Since people have different tastes and preferences, it would be inaccurate to declare any of the two a winner. If the flavor is your priority, the ribeye steak will be your best option. On the hand, if tenderness is the essential quality for you, the filet mignon will best serve you.