6 Differences Between Filet Mignon vs New York Strip for Perfect Steak Choices

If you are looking for a great tasting, tender, and flavorful cut of steak, it’s well worth the price. Tenderloin Steak, Top Loin Steak, T-Bone Steak, and Porterhouse Steak are popular choices. Are you wondering how tender cuts of meat should be cooked? When it comes to steak, the New York strip and filet mignon are two of the most popular cuts available. They are both tender, juicy, and full of flavor; however, they do have their differences.

Filet mignon is known for its mild and buttery texture and flavor. It is cut from the tenderloin, which is the most tender meat on any cow. The meat of the filet mignon is a cherry red color with only very fine white marbling through it. The medallion should be fairly rounded, with no visible fat or connective tissues left around the edges in most cases.

The New York strip steak, on the other hand, has a stronger, more beefy flavor. It is cut from the strip loin, offering nearly as much tenderness and a slightly denser texture.

A high-quality New York Strip has a much more marbled appearance in the center, with an edge of solid fat left around the top and sides for extra flavor. Both tend to be cut quite thick.

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Breaking Down the Debate

Tenderness

The filet mignon is extremely tender, which is one of the reasons it’s such a high-quality cut of beef that is very popular in more expensive restaurants. The New York strip steak is also tender, but its texture is slightly denser than that of the filet mignon.

Buttery Taste

Filet mignon is known for its mild and buttery taste, while the New York strip has a stronger, more beefy flavor. The difference in flavor profile between the two cuts is significant and can influence personal preference when choosing between them.

Marbling

Filet mignon has fine white marbling throughout the meat, whereas the New York strip has more marbling in the center and an edge of solid fat around the top and sides. The marbling in both cuts contributes to their tenderness and flavor.

Fat Content

Filet mignon is leaner than the New York strip, with less visible fat and connective tissues. The New York strip has more fat content, particularly around the edges, which adds to its flavor when cooked properly.

Health Benefits

Both cuts of steak are a good source of protein and iron, but the filet mignon is much leaner. This makes it better for a diet where saturated fat and cholesterol are limited. If you are on a Keto diet or similar meal plan, you may prefer the New York Strip specifically because it does have a higher protein and fat content.

Nutritional Value

While both cuts of steak provide essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc, the filet mignon is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than the New York strip. This may make it a more health-conscious choice for some individuals. However, it’s important to note that both cuts can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Calorie Content

Filet mignon is generally lower in calories than the New York strip due to its leaner nature. A typical 3-ounce serving of cooked filet mignon contains approximately 180 calories, while the same serving size of cooked New York strip contains about 210 calories. The difference in calorie content may be a consideration for those watching their caloric intake.

Sodium

Both filet mignon and New York strip are naturally low in sodium. However, the sodium content can vary depending on how the steak is prepared or seasoned. It is essential to keep this in mind when selecting a cut of steak and preparing your meal.

Price

Filet mignon tends to be more expensive than the New York strip due to its tenderness and popularity in fine dining establishments. However, the price difference may vary depending on the quality of the meat and where you purchase it. In general, expect to pay more for filet mignon compared to New York strip.

Popularity

Both filet mignon and New York strip are popular cuts of steak, but filet mignon may have the edge in terms of popularity due to its tenderness and mild flavor. However, the New York strip is also a favorite among many steak lovers for its beefy flavor and satisfying texture.

Cooking Tips

Both cuts of steak can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, broiling, pan-searing, or oven-roasting. For filet mignon, it is best to cook it quickly over high heat to seal in the juices and then finish it in the oven if necessary. The New York strip can be cooked similarly, but it may benefit from a longer cooking time due to its higher fat content.

When seasoning your steak, keep it simple with just salt and pepper to let the natural flavors shine through. You can also experiment with different herbs, spices, and marinades to suit your taste preferences.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between filet mignon and New York strip comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a tender, buttery taste and don’t mind paying a bit more, filet mignon may be the cut for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more robust, beefy flavor and don’t mind a slightly denser texture, the New York strip could be your ideal steak.

Is filet mignon or NY strip better?

The choice between filet mignon and NY strip depends on personal preference, as filet mignon is more tender while NY strip has more flavor due to its marbling and edge fat.

Is NY strip more tender than filet mignon?

No, filet mignon is more tender than NY strip, as it comes from the tenderloin, which is the most tender meat on a cow.

What steak is better than a filet mignon?

Some people may prefer ribeye steak over filet mignon, as it has a higher fat content and stronger flavor, but the choice ultimately depends on individual taste preferences.