Are you a steak lover looking for the perfect cut? If so, you’re in luck, because in this article we’ll be comparing two of the most popular cuts of steak: the New York strip and the filet mignon. Both cuts offer unique flavors and textures that make them perfect for different occasions and preferences.
Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or looking for a special dinner, we’ll help you decide which cut is the best choice for you.
Brief overview of New York strip & Filet mignon
The New York strip, also known as a Kansas City strip or a top sirloin, is a cut of beef from the short loin of the cow. It’s known for its bold flavor and firm texture.
The filet mignon, on the other hand, is cut from the tenderloin, which is the most tender muscle on the cow. As a result, it has a mild flavor and an extremely tender texture. It is considered a very premium cut, and it’s the most expensive cut of beef.
New York Strip vs Filet Mignon: The Comparison
When it comes to choosing the perfect steak, it can be difficult to decide between the many different cuts available. Two of the most popular cuts are the New York strip and the filet mignon. Both cuts have their own unique characteristics and are best suited for different occasions. In this section, we will be comparing the New York strip and the filet mignon on various factors such as flavor and tenderness, cooking methods, price point, marbling, and presentation.
Flavor and Tenderness
When it comes to flavor and tenderness, the New York strip and filet mignon offer distinct differences.
New York strip: Known for its bold and beefy flavor, the New York strip is a cut from the short loin of the cow. It has a firm texture and a good amount of marbling, which gives it a rich taste and a juicy texture. The high-fat content in the marbling makes it perfect for those who prefer a more robust flavor in their steak.
Filet Mignon: Cut from the tenderloin, the filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef. It has a milder flavor compared to the New York strip and an extremely tender texture that is buttery and succulent. This cut is typically leaner than the New York strip, making it perfect for those who prefer a more delicate flavor in their steak.
Cooking Methods
The cooking method you choose can greatly impact the flavor and texture of your steak. Here are the best options for the New York strip and filet mignon:
New York strip: Grilling or broiling is the best way to cook a New York strip steak. The high heat from these methods will give the steak a nice crust on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside. It’s also suitable for pan-frying or even stir-frying.
Filet Mignon: The best way to cook a filet mignon is by pan-searing, baking or grilling. These methods use dry heat, which helps to keep the steak tender and juicy. Avoid overcooking a filet mignon as it can become dry and tough. Due to its leanness, it’s not suitable for pan-frying or stir-frying.
Price Point
When it comes to price, the filet mignon is generally considered the more premium cut of beef and is typically more expensive than the New York strip. The price of these cuts can vary depending on the location, the source of the beef, and the size of the cut.
New York strip: Generally, less expensive than filet mignon, and it’s considered as a more budget-friendly option. The New York strip is a larger cut, which means that it can be a more affordable option for those who are looking to feed a crowd.
Filet Mignon: Typically, more expensive than New York strip, as it is considered a premium cut of beef. The filet mignon is a smaller cut, which means that it’s typically more expensive per pound. Additionally, filet mignon is a more sought-after cut, which can also contribute to its higher price point.
Marbling
Marbling is important for steak because it adds flavor, juiciness, and tenderness to the meat. The fat in the marbling melts during cooking and bastes the meat, keeping it moist and tender. The fat also provides a rich, beefy flavor to the meat. Steaks that have a higher degree of marbling are often considered more desirable because of their superior flavor and texture.
New York strip: Has a good amount of marbling, which gives it a rich taste and a juicy texture. The high-fat content in the marbling makes it perfect for those who prefer a more robust flavor in their steak.
Filet Mignon: Has less marbling compared to the New York strip, which makes it leaner and less flavorful. The lack of marbling can make it less juicy and flavorful, but it’s perfect for those who prefer a leaner cut.
Presentation
New York strip: Has a distinct and recognizable shape that makes it easy to identify, and it’s usually served in a larger portion. The New York strip can be an impressive presentation, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
Filet Mignon: Has a more delicate and small shape, and it’s usually served as a smaller portion. The filet mignon is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate and refined dining experience.
How to prepare and cook each cut
Cooking a perfect steak can be a daunting task for even the most experienced chef. The key to a delicious steak is selecting the right cut and preparing it correctly.
In this section, we will be providing detailed instructions on how to prepare and cook both the New York strip and the filet mignon. From seasoning options to cooking methods, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll also provide tips on how to achieve the perfect doneness for your steak, as well as how to properly rest and slice the steak for optimal flavor and tenderness.
New York strip Seasoning options
- Classic steak seasoning: A combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, this is a simple and classic way to season a New York strip.
- Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be added to give the steak a more complex flavor.
- Dry rub: A mix of spices such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder can be used as a dry rub to add a smoky and spicy flavor to the steak.
- Marinade: A marinade can also be used to add flavor and tenderize the meat. A popular option is a red wine marinade which can add a rich, fruity flavor to the steak.
New York strip Cooking instructions
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or broiler to high heat.
- Brush the steak with oil and season it with your chosen seasoning.
- Place the steak on the grill or broiler and cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or longer if you prefer it more well-done.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The ideal temperature for a medium-rare New York strip is 130-135°F.
- Remove the steak from the grill or broiler and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Filet mignon Seasoning options
- Classic steak seasoning: A combination of salt, pepper, and butter, this is a simple and classic way to season a filet mignon.
- Herbs: Thyme or rosemary can be added to butter to give the steak a more complex flavor.
- Dry rub: A dry rub made of herbs and spices can also be used to add flavor to the steak.
- Marinade: A marinade can also be used to add flavor, a popular option is a red wine marinade which can add a rich, fruity flavor to the steak.
Filet mignon Cooking instructions
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven or skillet to high heat.
- Brush the steak with oil and season it with your chosen seasoning.
- If you are using a skillet, sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- If you are using an oven, place the steak in the oven and bake it for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare or longer if you prefer it more well-done.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The ideal temperature for a medium-rare filet mignon is 130-135°F.
- Remove the steak from the oven or skillet and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving
FAQ – New York Strip vs Filet Mignon
New York Strip and Filet Mignon are two of the most popular cuts of beef, and they are often compared in terms of taste, texture, and cooking methods. In this FAQ section, we will explore the most common questions our readers have when it comes to these two fine cuts of steak.
Which is better New York strip or filet mignon?
It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the occasion. Both cuts are delicious, but they have some distinct differences. New York strip is known for its bold, beefy flavor and firm texture, and it’s best cooked using dry-heat methods such as grilling or broiling.
On the other hand, filet mignon is known for its mild, delicate flavor and tender texture, and it’s best cooked using moist-heat methods such as pan-searing or roasting. The best way to decide which one to choose is to try both and see which one you prefer.
What steak is better than filet mignon?
Filet mignon is considered to be one of the most tender cuts of beef, and it is often considered a high-end cut of meat. However, there are other cuts of beef that are also considered to be high-end and are considered to be even more flavorful than filet mignon. Some examples include:
- Ribeye: Cut from the rib section of the cow, ribeye is known for its rich, beefy flavor and ample marbling. It’s often considered to be one of the most flavorful cuts of beef.
- T-bone: This cut includes both a tenderloin and a strip steak on the same bone, it’s considered to be a high-end steak, and it’s known for its rich flavor and tenderness.
- Porterhouse: This is another cut that includes both the strip and tenderloin, it’s a larger cut than the T-bone and it’s also considered to be high-end.
- Wagyu or Kobe beef: These are some of the most highly prized beef in the world, known for their high levels of marbling, intense flavor and tenderness.
Please note that when it comes to taste and preference it may vary, some people may prefer the delicate taste of the filet mignon while others may prefer the rich, beefy flavor of other cuts of meat.
Is Chateaubriand the same as filet mignon?
Chateaubriand and filet mignon are both cuts of beef, but they are not the same.
Filet mignon is cut from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin and is considered to be one of the most tender cuts of beef. It’s often sold as individual steaks, and it’s typically smaller than other cuts.
Chateaubriand, on the other hand, is a larger cut that is taken from the center of the tenderloin, it’s typically sold as a roast and it’s often used for special occasions. It’s considered to be a luxurious and high-end cut of beef. The cut is also usually served for two people, and it’s usually cooked whole, then sliced and served with a rich sauce.
Both cuts are considered to be very tender and lean, however, Chateaubriand is larger, and it’s usually cooked as a roast and served in portions, while filet mignon is usually sold as individual steaks and is usually cooked and served as such.
Why is NY steak so chewy?
New York strip steak, also known as a NY strip or strip steak, is considered to be a leaner cut of beef than some others. The cut comes from the short loin of the cow, which is an area that is used for movement and exercise, this is why the muscle fibers are more developed, and the meat is chewier than other cuts like the tenderloin.
The chewiness of a New York strip steak can also be caused by the way it’s cooked. If the steak is cooked to a lower temperature or for a shorter period of time, it will be more tender. If it’s cooked to a higher temperature for a longer period of time, it will be more chewy.
It’s also important to note that some people may prefer a chewier texture in their steaks, and that chewiness is considered a desirable characteristic of the NY strip, as it adds to the flavor of the beef.
