♻️ From Trim to Triumph: Don’t Waste a Single Cut
You just butchered a center cut beef tenderloin like a pro—now what do you do with the leftover chain meat, tail, and odd bits?
Toss ’em? Heck no.
These trimmings are loaded with flavor and tenderness. With a little creativity, you can transform them into gourmet-level dishes worthy of your Wagyu dreams. Below are 3 recipes tailored for your filet mignon leftovers—each with step-by-step instructions, perfect for weeknight meals or next-day BBQ brilliance.
👉 Butcher your own center-cut tenderloin like a pro with our step-by-step filet mignon guide.
🔪 Cut Breakdown: What We’re Working With
Before we cook, let’s break down what trimmings we’re talking about:
- Chain Meat (Side Muscle): Long, fatty strip along the tenderloin—perfect for stir-fry or tacos.
- Tenderloin Tail: Thin end of the tenderloin—ideal for kebabs or Philly-style sandwiches.
- Scraps & Bits: Small, irregular pieces—great for burgers or beefy pasta dishes.
👨🍳 RECIPE 1: Filet Mignon Stir Fry (Chain Meat)
Perfect for: Quick, weeknight dinners packed with flavor.
AuthorJake TaylorCategoryBeefDifficultyBeginnerToss sliced chain meat in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Let sit 10 mins.
Heat oil in wok or cast iron pan.
Sauté onions and peppers until softened.
Add beef, stir-fry 2–3 mins until just cooked.
Serve over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
🔥 RECIPE 2: Grilled Filet Mignon Skewers (Tenderloin Tail)
Perfect for: Backyard BBQ or weekend grilling session.
AuthorJake TaylorDifficultyBeginnerPreheat grill to medium-high.
Toss beef cubes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Thread beef onto skewers.
Grill 2–3 mins per side until charred outside, pink inside.
Rest 5 mins and serve with chimichurri or dipping sauce.
Ingredients
🍔 RECIPE 3: Filet Mignon Smash Burgers (Bits & Scraps)
Perfect for: Next-level burgers with luxurious flavor.
AuthorJake TaylorCategoryBeefDifficultyBeginnerForm beef into two loosely packed balls.
Heat cast iron skillet over high heat, grease lightly.
Place beef balls on skillet, smash flat with spatula.
Season, sear 2–3 mins, flip, add cheese, cook 1–2 mins.
Toast buns, stack burgers with toppings of choice.
Ingredients
🍽️ Final Thoughts from Jake “Smokey” Taylor
Look, if you’ve butchered your own filet mignon, you’ve already leveled up. But if you turn every leftover scrap into a gourmet dish? That’s next level grilling mastery.
Use it all. Respect the beef. And don’t forget to invite a hungry friend or two.
🔥 You’re not just saving money—you’re building flavor. That’s what makes a real grill legend.
🥩 Already mastering filet? Explore our Black Angus ribeye steak guide for bold beef flavor.
