Loin vs. Flank — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 24, 2023
Loin refers to meat from the back between the ribs and pelvis, while flank is the meat from the lower abdominal area.
Difference Between Loin and Flank
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Key Differences
Loin meat is sourced from the area along the back of the animal, running from the ribs to the pelvis. It's known for its tenderness and is often used for steaks. Flank, in contrast, is taken from the lower abdominal area of the animal, known for its strong flavor and firmer texture.
Loin cuts are generally more expensive due to their tenderness and are often cooked using high-heat methods like grilling. Flank meat, being tougher, is typically marinated and cooked quickly at high temperatures or used in dishes like fajitas.
Loin is less muscular and has less connective tissue, which contributes to its tenderness and makes it suitable for quick cooking methods. Flank is a leaner, more muscular cut with a grainy texture, often sliced against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Loin cuts include popular items like filet mignon, sirloin, and T-bone steaks, known for their fine grain and juiciness. Flank steak is a single, flat cut that's versatile in various cuisines, especially suited for grilling and stir-frying.
When cooking loin meat, it's important to avoid overcooking to maintain its tenderness. In contrast, flank requires proper marination and careful cooking to balance its firmer texture while bringing out its rich flavor.
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Comparison Chart
Location on Animal
Back between ribs and pelvis
Lower abdominal area
Texture
Tender and less muscular
Lean and muscular
Cooking Methods
Grilling, broiling, frying
Marinating, grilling, stir-frying
Common Uses
Steaks, roasts
Fajitas, stir-fries, grilled dishes
Price
Generally more expensive
More affordable
Compare with Definitions
Loin
Loin (Cloth Covering): Cloth covering the lower body, especially in historical contexts.
The warrior wore a leather loin covering.
Flank
Flank (Cut of Meat): Meat from the lower abdominal area of an animal.
She marinated the flank steak for the barbecue.
Loin
Loin (Anatomy): Referring to the lower back on humans or animals.
He felt a sharp pain in his loin after lifting the heavy box.
Flank
Flank (Side of an Object): The side of something, especially in military terms.
The soldiers attacked from the flank.
Loin
Loin (Cut of Meat): Tender meat from the back of an animal.
The grilled loin steak was incredibly juicy.
Flank
Flank (Anatomy): The side area of the body between ribs and hips.
He felt the stitch in his flank while running.
Loin
Loin (Symbolic): Symbolic term for offspring or descendants in literature.
From his loin came a great dynasty.
Flank
Flank (Geography): The side of a hill or mountain.
The village is nestled on the northern flank of the mountain.
Loin
Loin (Figurative): Used figuratively to denote strength or virility.
He girded his loins for the upcoming challenge.
Flank
A cut of meat from the flank of an animal.
Loin
The loins, or lumbus, are the sides between the lower ribs and pelvis, and the lower part of the back. The term is used to describe the anatomy of humans and quadrupeds, such as horses, pigs, or cattle.
Flank
Flank (Architecture): Side wall or part of a building.
The east flank of the castle was heavily fortified.
Loin
The part of the body on both sides of the spine between the lowest (false) ribs and the hip bones.
Flank
The side of a person's or animal's body between the ribs and the hip
Leaning against his horse's flanks
Loin
The part of the body of a human or quadruped on either side of the backbone and between the ribs and hips.
Flank
The right or left side of a body of people such as an army, a naval force, or a soccer team
The left flank of the Russian Third Army
Loin
One of several cuts of meat, such as tenderloin, taken from this part of an animal's body, typically including the vertebrae of the segment from which it is taken.
Flank
Be on each or on one side of
The three defendants stood in the dock, flanked by police officers
Cherry-red sofas flanked the enormous fireplace
Loin
The region of the hips, groin, and lower abdomen.
Flank
The section of flesh on the body of a person or an animal between the last rib and the hip; the side.
Loin
The reproductive organs.
Flank
A lateral part or side
The flank of a mountain.
Loin
The part of the body (of humans and quadrupeds) at each side of the backbone, between the ribs and hips
Flank
The right or left side of a military formation
An attack on both flanks.
Loin
Any of several cuts of meat taken from this part of an animal
Flank
The right or left side of a bastion.
Loin
That part of a human being or quadruped, which extends on either side of the spinal column between the hip bone and the false ribs. In human beings the loins are also called the reins. See Illust. of Beef.
Flank
To protect or guard the flank of.
Loin
A cut of meat taken from this part of a food animal, as from cattle or hogs.
Flank
To menace or attack the flank of.
Loin
The pubic area; the genitalia, especially in women; as, receptive loins.
Flank
To be placed or situated at the flank or side of
Two stone lions flanked the entrance.
Loin
A cut of meat taken from the side and back of an animal between the ribs and the rump
Flank
To put (something) on each side of
Flanked the driveway with tall shrubs.
Loin
Either side of the backbone between the hipbone and the ribs in humans as well as quadrupeds
Flank
(transitive) To attack the flank(s) of.
Flank
(transitive) To defend the flank(s) of.
Flank
(transitive) To place to the side(s) of.
Flank
(intransitive) To be placed to the side(s) of something (usually in terms of two objects, one on each side).
Flank
(anatomy) The flesh between the last rib and the hip; the side.
Flank
(cooking) A cut of meat from the flank of an animal.
Flank
(military) The extreme left or right edge of a military formation, army etc.
Flank
(military) The sides of a bastion perpendicular to the wall from which the bastion projects.
Flank
The side of something, in general senses.
Flank
The outermost strip of a road.
Flank
(soccer) The wing, one side of the pitch.
Flank
That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.
Flank
Maximum. Historically faster than full speed (the most a vessel can sustain without excessive engine wear or risk of damage), now frequently used interchangeably. Typically used in an emergency or during an attack.
All ahead flank!
Flank
The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of Beef.
Flank
The side of an army, or of any division of an army, as of a brigade, regiment, or battalion; the extreme right or left; as, to attack an enemy in flank is to attack him on the side.
When to right and left the front
Flank
That part of a bastion which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the curtain, the flank and face of the opposite bastion; any part of a work defending another by a fire along the outside of its parapet.
Flank
The side of any building.
Flank
That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.
Flank
To stand at the flank or side of; to border upon.
Stately colonnades are flanked with trees.
Flank
To overlook or command the flank of; to secure or guard the flank of; to pass around or turn the flank of; to attack, or threaten to attack; the flank of.
Flank
To border; to touch.
Flank
To be posted on the side.
Flank
The side of military or naval formation;
They attacked the enemy's right flank
Flank
A subfigure consisting of a side of something
Flank
A cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg
Flank
The side between ribs and hipbone
Flank
Be located at the sides of something or somebody
Common Curiosities
Are loin cuts suitable for slow cooking?
Loin is best cooked quickly; slow cooking can dry it out.
Is flank steak good for grilling?
Yes, flank steak is excellent for grilling.
How should flank meat be cut?
Flank should be sliced against the grain.
What is a popular loin cut steak?
Filet mignon is a popular loin cut.
What dishes are flank steak used in?
Flank steak is popular in fajitas, stir-fries, and grilled dishes.
What part of the animal does loin come from?
The loin is from the back, between the ribs and pelvis.
Which is more tender, loin or flank?
Loin is generally more tender than flank.
Can flank steak be tough?
Yes, if not cooked or sliced properly.
Is flank steak expensive?
Flank steak is generally more affordable than loin cuts.
What's the best way to prepare loin steak?
Grilling or broiling is ideal for loin steak.
How does the texture of flank compare to loin?
Flank is leaner and more muscular than the tender loin.
How do you cook loin to retain its tenderness?
Cook it using high heat and avoid overcooking.
What should you consider when buying flank steak?
Look for a piece that's even in thickness and has minimal fat.
Can you marinate loin cuts?
Yes, though they don't require long marination.
What's a common use for loin in cooking?
Loin is often used for premium steaks and roasts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
