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AraignéevsMerlan

beef · Approximate equivalent

These cuts are approximate equivalents — similar in character but with meaningful differences in preparation or exact cut.

Third member of the *morceaux du boucher* trio — all three (poire / merlan / araignée) are French-butchery boucher's-secret cuts traditionally kept by the butcher.

Translation takeaway

These are related cuts, but not perfect swaps. Use the table below to judge how close your local option is before buying.

Open AraignéeOpen MerlanSee substitutes
Keep this comparisonSave Araignée and Merlan together for shopping, cooking notes, and future reference.
Araignée
Beef · Round

Spider steak — a small, web-shaped muscle (about 200–300 grams per beast) lying on the inside of the hip socket, named for the spider-leg pattern its connective tissue traces…

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
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Merlan
Beef · Round

The third *morceau du boucher* on the round — a long, flat, tender muscle named for its resemblance to the fish *merlan* (whiting). Weighs 800g–1kg per side; produces 6–8 thin…

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
Full details →

Names by country

CountryAraignéeMerlan
🇫🇷FranceAraignéeMerlan

Cook either one well

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