CarneAtlas

MerlanvsTopside

beef · Approximate equivalent

Both inside-thigh round cuts; merlan is a small specific muscle within the broader top-round group.

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 MerlanOpen TopsideSee substitutes
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
Raw Topside — Beef Round cut
Topside
Beef · Round

Top round comes from the inside of the rear leg, one of the leaner muscles on the animal. It has a mild flavor and firm texture that can be tough if overcooked. It is best…

TenderloinRoundBottom SirloinRibPlateChuckShort LoinBrisketFlankSirloinShankShank
Keep Merlan and Topside together in your notebook.

Names by country

CountryMerlanTopside
🇺🇸United States—Top round
🇬🇧United Kingdom—Topside
🇫🇷FranceMerlanTende de tranche
🇪🇸Spain—Tapa de cadera
🇲🇽Mexico—Tapa de aguayón
🇵🇹Portugal—Pojadouro
🇧🇷Brazil—Coxão mole
🇮🇹Italy—Fesa
🇩🇪Germany—Oberschale

Would you know it at the counter?

Five questions: name the cut, place it on the animal, and say which country calls it that. A new board every day — no sign-up.

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