Slovenian Startup Created World's First 'Marbled' Steak Mignon

Slovenian startup, Juicy Marbles has launched its new plant-based whole cut of filet mignon with marbled “fat.”

With no printing, GMOs or laboratory alterations, Juicy Marbles co-founders Tilen Travnik, Luka Sincek and Maj Hrovat, recent Y Combinator Cohorts, have created the first line of raw, plant-based steaks, starting with the most premium cut of them all, ultra-tender Filet Mignon.

According to press release, Juicy Marbles uses patent-pending “Meat-o-matic Reverse Grinder TM 9000” technology. It re-creates muscle texture and fat by aligning and layering fibres of its ingredients. The ingredients list includes only natural products such as soy protein, wheat protein and sunflower oil.

"The biggest challenge was getting the right fiber alignment and intramuscular fat structure—the marbling,” said Juicy Marbles co-founder Luka Sincek. “The most expensive steaks in the world are known for their lush marbling. It takes a lot of energy and a rare breed of cow to attain that. With plant meat, we control it and, thus, over time, can scale up our steak production and bring down the price. Eventually, we'll be able to make the most premium meats attainable for everyone.”

Vladimir Mickovic, Chief Brand Officer adds: "The allure of meat is not just texture or flavor, it's also simplicity of preparation. A sprinkle of salt, sizzle on the pan, and boom - you have a tasty protein on your plate."

The company recommends cooking the steak on the pan for just a few minutes until a brown crust appears while the centre of the steak remains soft. 

The world's first plant-based steaks are now available through the steak-testing program on the company's website. A 600 grams of its raw, unseasoned tenderloin costs $150. The steaks ship direct-to-consumer to the 48 States and throughout Europe for a limited time.