You Won’t Believe What a Tenderloin Does to Your Meal

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:54:10 +0000

You Won’t Believe What a Tenderloin Really Does to Your Meal When it comes to cuts of meat, few ingredients spark as much confusion—and fascination—as the tenderloin. Found in cuts like filet mignon or elk tenderloin, this prized piece of meat is often romanticized in restaurants and menus everywhere. But what exactly makes tenderloin so special, and why do chefs swear by it so insistently? Read on to discover the surprising ways a tenderloin transforms your meal—from texture and flavor to culinary versatility and dining experience. ### What Exactly Is a Tenderloin? A tenderloin is a long, narrow muscle located just beneath the ribcage in cattle (or related animals). It’s prized for its exceptional tenderness due to low activity—meaning it’s not used much, resulting in fine-grained, melt-in-your-mouth flesh. Depending on the animal and cut, tenderloin cuts range from the luxurious filet mignon to leaner options like gravy cut or elk tenderloin, each offering distinct textures and flavor profiles.