Being confronted with beef tenderloin, filet mignon, and chateaubriand options on a menu or butcher counter is something of a steakhouse rite of passage. They’re all listed as separate entrees, yet come from what most chefs and cooks will tell you is the same exact muscle. Once you know how these cuts differ by size, preparation, and presentation, you’ll be sure to order like a pro every time. Read on to learn about tenderloin cuts explained.
What Exactly Is the Difference between Filet Mignon vs Tenderloin vs Chateaubriand?
Anatomy and portion size. The beef tenderloin is the whole muscle before butchering, and filet mignon and chateaubriand are cuts of steak from specific portions of that muscle. There’s a lot of overlap between what your average butcher will tell you about these cuts. To make your next shopping trip a little easier, we’ve broken down how each portion tends to compare across major metrics.
| Cut Name | Location | Size | Taste | Cooking Recommendation |
| Tenderloin | Entire psoas major muscle | 4 to 6 lbs (whole roast) | Mild, buttery, lean | Whole roasted or slow braised |
| Filet Mignon | Small end of center cut | 1.5 to 2 inches thick (6 to 8 oz) | Extremely tender, delicate | Pan-seared in cast iron, then finished in butter |
| Chateaubriand | Thick center portion of tenderloin | 12 to 24 oz cooked roast (feeds 2+) | Rich, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth | Pan-roasted, then carved tableside |
What Part of the Cow Is Filet Mignon From?
Popularly known just as the filet, this cut comes from the slender center section of the tenderloin. It’s true name is the psoas major, which runs along both sides of the steer’s spinal column.
Because this muscle does not carry weight nor does it get overused, the filet mignon produces the most tender beef on the animal. Steaks cut from the tenderloin will almost always weigh between 6 and 8 ounces.
Where Does Tenderloin Come From?
You may be wondering, what is tenderloin? Technically speaking, it’s the complete muscle also known as the psoas major.
Whole tenderloins are usually between four and six pounds. Since there is no butchering involved, less surface area evaporates during cooking. Tenderloins make for the ultimate large group roast or classic beef Wellington centerpiece.
When trying to understand tenderloin cuts, picture the tenderloin as the “whole roast” from which specific filet mignon and chateaubriand are cut.
What Is Filet Mignon vs Tenderloin?
When you are thinking about tenderloin vs filet mignon, think of it as the whole versus the sum of its parts.
Since filets come from within the tenderloin, they will vary in thickness, fat cap, and silver skin that needs trimming. A whole tenderloin should be bought when cooking for crowds and feeding multiple guests, while filets are perfect for single servings.
What Is Chateaubriand Steak?
Named after 19th-century French diplomat François-René de Chateaubriand, this dish was originally prepared by his chef Montmirail. Also known as a Center-Cut Filet, this luscious roast comes from the thick center section of the tenderloin.
Unlike a filet mignon, which is an individual steak, chateaubriand is roasted whole and served for two. The name became popular when this exact preparation was served at banquets in French haute cuisine.
What is the Difference Between Chateaubriand and Filet Mignon?
As mentioned above, a filet mignon refers to the steak cut from the center of the tenderloin. Here’s how chateaubriand differs from a filet mignon steak:
- Requires special pan-roasting and table-side carving.
- Is thicker than a typical filet mignon, making it juicier and less likely to overcook.
- Is ordered whole to be shared by two or more guests.
Chateaubriand vs Filet Mignon: Which One Should You Get?
If you want a steak that:
- Comes served to your table already sliced.
- Has butter-basted edges and maximum juiciness.
- Is meant for a date or small dinner party of two.
You should get the filet mignon.
If you’d like to:
- Impress your dinner companions with a show.
- Have steak that’s as juicy as can be.
- Celebrate with your partner.
Go with the Chateaubriand.
Tenderloin vs Filet Mignon vs Chateaubriand
- Filet Mignon: Small center-cut steak, individually portioned and known for being the most tender steak on the animal.
- Beef Tenderloin: Large roast weighing anywhere from 4-6 pounds. It is advisable to leave this roast intact while cooking to preserve precious juices.
- Chateaubriand: Center-cut roast from the beef tenderloin, grilled and served for two.
Which Will You Choose: Filet Mignon, Tenderloin, or Chateaubriand?
- Would you rather share a steak with your date, or cook a large meal for family?
- Share a romantic steak with dinner: go with Filet Mignon
- Cook for the whole family: Go with Beef Tenderloin
- How do you like your steak cooked?
- Medium with a charred exterior: Filet Mignon
- Perfectly juicy and rare in the middle: Chateaubriand
How To Cook Filet Mignon That Rivals Your Favorite Steakhouse
Learning how to cook filet mignon in your own kitchen begins and ends with temperature control. If not cooked correctly at home, these steaks can dry out due to their lack of fat.
- Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for 30 mins prior to cooking. Liberally season with kosher salt and cracked pepper.
- Using a heavy cast-iron skillet, crank up the heat to high. Add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point and sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, garlic cloves, and sprigs of fresh thyme to the skillet. Tilting the pan, spoon the butter continuously over the steak for two minutes.
- Remove steak from skillet when it reaches your desired temperature. Transfer steak to a warm plate and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.
Order In From the Pros at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
Now that you’ve conquered the age-old question of what’s the difference between filet mignon vs tenderloin vs chateaubriand, you’ll never order steak the same way again. At Yo Ranch Steakhouse in Dallas, TX, we take pride in serving only the finest Texas pasture-to-plate meats. From beef tacos and one-of-a-kind wild game to our hand-cut steaks prepared Texas-style, there is something for everyone at YORanch. Contact us today to make your reservation.
FAQ
What cut of steak is filet mignon?
A: Filet mignon is a cut of steak from the beef tenderloin.
Which is more tender? Tenderloin or filet mignon?
A: Filet mignon is more tender because it comes from the tenderloin.
What is the difference between Chateaubriand steak and other roasts?
A: What sets chateaubriand steak apart from other roasts is where it’s cut from on the cow.
