Can bistec mean more than one cut?

This name may also align with Sirloin Cap in this dataset—see alternatives below.

How do you order steak doneness in France?

In France, medium rare is called "À point". Rare is "Saignant" and well done is "Bien cuit".

What should I ask for at a butcher in France?

Ask for "Contre-filet, cuisson saignante" when looking for bistec in France.

What is bistec in France?

Q: What is bistec in France?

bistec is the Mexico retail name for the striploin (strip steak), which sits on the loin primal. In France, the same cut is most often labeled Contre-filet.

Q: What is bistec called in France?

Look for Contre-filet—mapped to Striploin (striploin (strip steak)).

Q: What primal is bistec from?

Striploin is on the loin primal (longissimus dorsi (short loin)).

⚠️ This cut may refer to multiple different cuts depending on region. This name spans more than one canonical cut in our ontology—compare the alternatives below. Match confidence is below 75%—treat as indicative, not definitive.

Approximate

bistec

The closest France equivalent is Contre-filet

Ask for: Contre-filet

About this cut

Leaner than ribeye; the classic strip steak muscle running along the short loin.

loin primal · longissimus dorsi (short loin)

In France

Contre-filet

Say this at the butcher

“Contre-filet, cuisson saignante”

Saignant is the default preferred doneness in France

What is this cut?·Global guide

How to order steak doneness

Mexico → France

rareRojo→Saignant48–55°C

medium rareTérmino medio→À point55–60°C

mediumTres cuartos→Entre à point et bien cuit60–65°C

well doneBien cocido→Bien cuit70–100°C

Most French steaks are served rare (saignant) by default. Asking for bien cuit may surprise your waiter.

Doneness terminology varies by country and restaurant. When unsure, describe what you want (e.g., “warm red center”).

Detailed explanation

“bistec” in Mexico maps to canonical striploin (loin: longissimus dorsi (short loin)). In France, look for labels such as Contre-filet. 1 other canonical interpretation may apply. Leaner than ribeye; the classic strip steak muscle running along the short loin.

Keep exploring

Alternatives (Mexico → France)

Picanha (import)

55% · Multiple interpretations

Region: France

Also: Rumsteck (approx.)

Canonical: sirloin cap

Compare with similar cuts

Other countries & routes

Same canonical cut, different destination markets (deduped URLs).

Explore more cuts

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