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Prime rib and filet mignon are the two most popular and expensive cuts of steak. But just because they come from the same animal, does that mean that they are the same thing?
The Short Answer:
No, prime rib and filet mignon are completely different cuts of steak.
The Long Answer:
In the battle for steak supremacy, there are only two names worth mentioning. Those are prime rib and filet mignon.
You’ve likely seen filet mignon topping the menu at many expensive restaurants. Prime rib is typically the crown jewel of an upscale steakhouse. No matter which one you choose, one fact remains certain. Prime rib and filet mignon are not the same thing at all. They are two completely different cuts of steak with their own unique flavors and textures.
Let’s start with prime rib. This is a cut of steak taken from the prime area of a cow’s rib, somewhere between bones seven and 11. Prime rib is typically cooked on the bone, which keeps a lot of the fat and excess muscle attached. All prime rib cuts contain a ribeye steak, which is the fleshy bit furthest away from the bone. Prime rib is perfectly marbled in fat, which gives is a juicy and buttery flavor. A lot of moisture is kept within the meat because it is cooked on the bone.
Filet mignon is cut from the cow’s tenderloin, which is under the short ribs, in the hindquarters. Filet mignon is smaller and more tender than prime rib. The term “melts in your mouth” is typically used to describe the tenderness of a medium rare filet mignon. While not as flavorful as prime rib, filet mignon is often served with some accompanying sauce or meat accent, like bacon.
Because filet mignon is from a much smaller area of the cow, it is priced above prime rib, usually by several dollars more per pound. That doesn’t mean that a filet is somehow better than prime rib. That is a matter of personal opinion. Pricing is dictated by the rarity of the cut. Prime rib is cut from a more abundant area of the cow, so it’s not as scarce and thus less expensive.
Do you prefer prime rib over filet mignon? How do you take your steak? Sound off in the comment section below and let us know!
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