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Flap Steak vs Tenderloin — What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

Flap Steak (flap steak (sirloin flap)) and Tenderloin (beef tenderloin) are not the same cut: Flap Steak is sirloin primal (Bottom sirloin, obliquus internus abdominis muscle); Tenderloin is loin primal (psoas major).

Canonical entities: Flap Steak · Tenderloin

Side-by-side

flap steaktenderloin
Primalsirloinloin
Muscle / locationBottom sirloin, obliquus internus abdominis musclepsoas major
CharacterA thin, coarse-grained steak from the bottom sirloin. The American name for what the French call bavette d'aloyau. Open grain absorbs marinades extremely well. Popular for fajitas, stir-fry, and carne asada. Often confused with skirt steak but from a different location entirely.Most tender muscle of the loin; center cuts often sold as filet mignon.

Key differences

When to use each

Flap Steak

Pick Flap Steak when you want its specific marbling/texture profile: A thin, coarse-grained steak from the bottom sirloin. The American name for what the French call bavette d'aloyau. Open grain absorbs marinades extremely well. Popular for fajitas, stir-fry, and carne asada. Often confused with skirt steak but from a different location entirely.

Tenderloin

Pick Tenderloin when its primal/muscle traits fit the dish: Most tender muscle of the loin; center cuts often sold as filet mignon.

Flap Steak and Tenderloin are different canonical muscles/primals: Flap Steak is sirloin (Bottom sirloin, obliquus internus abdominis muscle); Tenderloin is loin (psoas major).

Choose based on tenderness, marbling, grain direction, and how you plan to cook (sear vs braise vs slice thin).

Read the full guides: flap steak (what-is) · tenderloin (what-is) · flap steak hub · tenderloin hub

People also ask about this cut

Are Flap Steak and Tenderloin the same cut?
No—Flap Steak is sirloin primal (Bottom sirloin, obliquus internus abdominis muscle); Tenderloin is loin primal (psoas major).

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What is the difference between Flap Steak and Tenderloin?
flap steak (sirloin flap) vs beef tenderloin: different muscles; use the comparison table on this page.

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Which is better for grilling, Flap Steak or Tenderloin?
Depends on thickness and marbling; Flap Steak is A thin, coarse-grained steak from the bottom sirloin. The American name for what… while Tenderloin is Most tender muscle of the loin; center cuts often sold as filet mignon.…

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Show 2 more questions
Where does Flap Steak come from vs Tenderloin?
Flap Steak: sirloin (Bottom sirloin, obliquus internus abdominis muscle). Tenderloin: loin (psoas major).

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Can I substitute Flap Steak for Tenderloin?
They are not interchangeable cuts—expect different texture unless a recipe explicitly allows a swap.

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How this information is generated

This information is for educational purposes only and may vary by region or butcher practices.