Choosing between different cuts of steak can be a challenging decision when your mouth is already watering. But learning more about how a steak is cut and prepared can help you make the right decision. Two of the most popular steak cuts, Top sirloin and filet mignon, have a lot in common but also have many unique differences. Here’s how they compare.   

What Is Top Sirloin?

Top sirloin is cut from the sirloin section of the steer, located on the back towards the rear end. Because the sirloin muscles get regular use, this cut of steak is leaner than others. However, top sirloin steak is still tender, and it can be packed with flavor if prepared correctly. Top sirloin is one of the more affordable steak cuts, especially compared to filet mignon.

What Is Filet Mignon?

Filet mignon is famous for being the most tender cut of steak. It’s cut from the tenderloin, located inside the steer’s ribcage. Although this section is close to the sirloin, its muscles get less exercise. This results in an extremely tender steak that has a velvety texture when cooked to perfection. However, because this section of the steer is not very large, filet mignon cuts are smaller and more expensive than other cuts.

Top Sirloin vs. Filet Mignon

Fat Content

The white streaks of fat running through a piece of raw steak are known as marbling. Both sop sirloin and filet mignon have less marbling than other cuts. However, top sirloin has slightly more marbling than filet mignon. Having more fat that melts during cooking is what gives top sirloin its robust beefy flavor.

Flavor

Although both cuts of steak can have excellent flavor when cooked correctly, top sirloin wins this category. Filet mignon needs the right seasoning to really bring out its beefy flavor, while top sirloin offers a bold beefy flavor all on its own because it has a little more marbling. Top sirloin is also better at absorbing marinades and seasoning for extra flavor. 

Texture

Filet mignon is more tender than top sirloin because the muscle it comes from gets very little exercise. And when it’s cooked by a master chef, filet mignon will simply melt in your mouth. Top Sirloin is slightly tougher, but it’s still a tender, juicy steak overall when it’s cooked correctly.

Cooking Methods

Because filet mignon has so little fat, it’s prone to drying out when it’s cooked incorrectly. Filet mignon cuts must be cooked quickly and carefully. If you’re preparing filet mignon at home or ordering it at a restaurant, make sure it’s cooked to medium doneness to ensure that it is as juicy and flavorful as possible. 

Top sirloin is a less delicate cut, and it can handle a wide variety of cooking methods, even slow cooking. It’s best to cook or order top sirloin to medium or medium-rare for juicy, tender, flavorful results. 

Eat at the Best Steakhouse in Chandler, Arizona

Bringing out the finest qualities of a filet mignon or top sirloin steak takes a careful hand. At DC STEAKHOUSE in Chandler, our chefs are masters of cooking every steak cut to perfection. We can also suggest the right wine to enhance the flavor of your choice of steak. But our tables fill up fast! Please visit dcsteakhouse.com or call us at 480-899-4400 to make a reservation. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/23/2023). Photo by Madie Hamilton on Unsplash