12 Difference between Filet Mignon and Ribeye Steak (With Table)

When I started smoking meat five years ago, I didn’t know which meat cut was the best. It was through costly trials and errors.

Flavors and tenderness are crucial factors to consider when shopping for a steak. Many steak lovers usually find it challenging to distinguish between filet mignon and ribeye steak.

So, what is the main difference between filet mignon and ribeye steak? The filet mignon steak has lower fat content with a round shape and smaller cut whereas ribeye steak has higher fat content with the larger cut.

This article provides detailed insights into the similarities and differences between filet mignon and ribeye steak. The information will help you choose the best meat steak for your next barbecue.

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Comparison Table (Filet Mignon Vs Ribeye Steak)

Basic Terms	Filet Mignon Steak	Ribeye Steak
Description	It is a type of meat cut with very little marbling of fat suitable for people watching the fat intake.	It is a beef cut with high-fat marbling.
Meat Size	Small	Large
Fat Content	Low to moderate fat content.	Moderate to high-fat content.
Location	Center of tenderloin	Upper central rib
Average weight	7 oz.	8-12 oz.
Average Serving per Cut	One	Two
Texture	Soft with fine-grained muscles.	Tender with fat marbled.
Flavors	Not flavorful	More flavorful.
Appearance	A larger number of fine-grained muscles.	Marbled in every section.
Color	Pale-red coloring	Deep-red coloring.
Cost	Expensive	Less expensive
Cooking Style	Room temperature	High temperature

What Is a Filet Mignon Steak?

It is a meat cut found at the center of tenderloin inside the ribcage. The beef cut is much tender and usually melts in the mouth while eating.

The region where the meat is cut is not subjected to any exercise or weight-bearing by the animal. The meat cut has very little fat content due to the lean muscles.

Filet mignon has a round shape and small size. The thin silver skin needs to be removed before cooking since it has chewy connective tissues.

The beef cut is an excellent choice for those individuals looking to limit their intake of fat. The steak has lean muscles with high protein content.

Characteristics of Filet Mignon Steak

Round and small cuts.
Very little fat content.
Soft and tender in texture.
Fine-grain muscles.

What Is a Ribeye Steak?

It is a beefsteak that comes from the rib section of the cow. It is a tender meat cut since the region does not experience much exercise.

The ribeye steak is rich in fat content that adds flavors and moisture to the meat. The ribeye steaks are usually large meat cuts when compared to others.

The beef cut has a bone protrusion which helps to insulate the meat during slow cooking. The juiciness of the meat is the reason behind its popularity in many steakhouses.

The high-fat content in ribeye steak happens to be the reason behind cooking under high temperatures. Finish cooking ribeye steak on a low grill and serve without any sauce.

Characteristics of Ribeye Steak

High-fat content.
Large meat cut.
Tender texture.

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Differences between Filet Mignon and Ribeye Steak

Filet mignon steak has low-fat content. Ribeye steak has a higher fat content.
Ribeye steak is usually large meat cuts. Filet mignon steak are small cuts.
Filet mignon steak has soft texture. Ribeye steak has a tender texture.
Ribeye steak is highly marbled. Filet mignon steak has fine-grained muscles.
Filet mignon steak has pale-red coloring. Ribeye steak has deep-red coloring.
Filet mignon steak is super expensive. Ribeye steak is less expensive.
Ribeye steak is cooked at a high temperature. Filet mignon steak is cooked at room temperature.
Filet mignon steak is wrapped in bacon when grilling. Ribeye steak requires more attention when grilling.
Ribeye steak has more natural flavors. Filet mignon steak has fewer natural flavors.
Filet mignon steak lack bone protrusion. Ribeye steak has a bone protrusion that insulates the meat.

Similarities between Filet Mignon and Ribeye Steak

Both are cow meat cuts.
Both steaks are tender.
Both are very meaty.
Both can be grilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Better Ribeye or Filet Mignon?

Ribeye steak is a perfect choice for those individuals looking for flavors. Filet mignon is an excellent choice for tender texture. Ribeye steak is a real gem due to its flavors.

Is Filet Mignon the Best Cut of Steak?

Absolutely. The steak has a less fat content and a soft texture when eating. The beef cut usually melts in the mouth. It is served in a high-end steakhouse and it is super expensive.

Why Is Filet Mignon So Expensive?

Many steak lovers prefer filet mignon over ribeye due to the tender texture. The meat cut is easy to eat and cook. It is the reason behind the high price in many steakhouses.

What Is A Good Substitute for Filet Mignon?

It is quite challenging to state the exact alternative. But I would recommend chuck steak, shoulder tender, and flat iron steak.

In Conclusion

The core difference between filet mignon and ribeye steak is that the former has low-fat content while the latter has more fat content.

The cooking style can also help to tell the difference between ribeye and filet mignon. The ribeye steak is usually cooked under high temperature and filet mignon under low temperature.

Always wrap the filet mignon in bacon or other meat cuts while grilling. Ribeye steak requires more attention when grilling.

The rule of thumb while grilling meat cuts is to avoid touching more often. Keep in mind that filet mignon steak is super expensive and ribeye steak is less expensive.

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