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Filet mignonvsPetite tender

beef · Approximate equivalent

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

Marketed as the "second-most-tender muscle in the steer" after the tenderloin. Petite tender shares the long, narrow, very-fine-grain character of filet mignon at a fraction of the price; the trade-off is less marbling and a slightly more pronounced beefy flavour.

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 Filet mignonOpen Petite tenderSee substitutes
Keep this comparisonSave Filet mignon and Petite tender together for shopping, cooking notes, and future reference.
Filet mignon
Beef · Tenderloin

Filet mignon is a thick, round steak cut from the narrow end of the tenderloin. It is the most tender steak available, with a fine, buttery texture and mild flavor. Because it is…

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
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Petite tender
Beef · Chuck

A small torpedo-shaped muscle from the shoulder, anatomically the *teres major*, that delivers tenderness rivalling the tenderloin at a fraction of the price. Only two are…

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
Full details →

Names by country

CountryFilet mignonPetite tender
🇺🇸United StatesFilet mignonPetite tender
🇬🇧United KingdomFillet steakShoulder tender
🇫🇷FranceTournedos
🇪🇸SpainSolomillo
🇦🇷ArgentinaMedallón de lomo
🇲🇽MexicoFilete medallón
🇵🇹PortugalMedalhão
🇧🇷BrazilMedalhão de filé
🇮🇹ItalyMedaglione di filetto
🇩🇪GermanyFilet Mignon

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