The petite tender also known as a bistro filet or beef tender is a small, tender cut of beef from the shoulder that offers a taste and texture similar to filet mignon. When grilled correctly, the petite tender filet becomes deliciously juicy, savory and full of flavor. However, achieving the ideal cook time can be tricky with this delicate cut of meat. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips on precisely how long to grill petite tender beef filet for perfect doneness every time.
Overview of Petite Tender Filet
Before jumping into recommended grill times, let’s quickly cover some key facts about the petite tender cut:
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Cut from the shoulder/chuck primal of the cow
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Shape is a small cylindrical filet
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Very tender with fine grain and little fat
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Flavor is robust, almost buttery when cooked
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Ideal for quick grilling or pan searing
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Can be enjoyed whole or sliced into medallions
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Benefits from brief marinating to boost moisture
Knowing the qualities of this premium cut helps understand the best practices for grilling it to succulent excellence.
Factors Affecting Grill Time
Several elements impact how long it takes to grill petite tender filet to various levels of doneness. Being aware of these will allow you to adjust your technique accordingly.
Thickness – Thicker cuts require more grill time than thinner ones.
Grill Heat – Cooking over high heat reduces grill duration versus low heat.
Marinade – Marinating infuses flavor but can extend cooking time slightly.
Doneness Preference – Rare filet takes less time than one cooked to medium or beyond.
Cooking Method – Direct or indirect heat changes required cooking time.
Quality of Grill – Type of grill (gas, charcoal) affects heat control and cook times.
Checking Doneness with a Meat Thermometer
The most foolproof way to test the doneness of petite tender filet is by using an instant read thermometer. Target the thickest part of the meat and aim for these optimal internal temperatures:
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Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
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Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
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Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
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Medium Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
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Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and beyond
Investing in a good digital thermometer provides precision and consistency when grilling petite tender filet.
Grill Times based on Level of Doneness
Referring to the following estimated grilling times for various doneness levels will help produce flawless petite tender filet off the grill:
Rare: 4-6 minutes total
Medium Rare: 6-8 minutes total
Medium: 8-10 minutes total
Medium Well: 10-12 minutes total
Well Done: 12-15+ minutes total
These times are approximations and should be used in conjunction with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Average Grill Times for Petite Tender Filet Thickness
The thickness of the petite tender filet greatly impacts overall grill duration. Here are the typical times based on cut thickness:
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3/4 to 1 inch thick: 6-8 minutes total
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1 to 1 1/4 inch thick: 8-10 minutes total
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1 1/2 inches thick: 10-12 minutes total
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2 inches thick: 12-15 minutes total
Adjust times up or down based on your preferred doneness and meat thermometer readings.
Helpful Tips for Grilling Petite Tender Filet
Implementing these handy tips will take your grilled petite tender filet to new heights of succulence and satisfaction:
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Let filet sit at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling.
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Pat filet dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
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Coat filet lightly with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking.
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Preheat grill to medium high heat, around 400-450°F.
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Sear filet over direct heat before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking.
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Flip filet every 2-3 minutes for even cooking on all sides.
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Baste with herb butter or glaze during last few minutes on grill.
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Allow filet to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
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Cut filet across the grain into medallions for maximum tenderness.
Applying these grilling best practices will result in tender, mouthwatering petite tender filet cooked to your preferred doneness.
Grilling Petite Tender on a Gas vs Charcoal Grill
While the petite tender can be grilled on either a gas or charcoal grill, there are some differences in technique:
Gas Grill
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Preheats quicker and offers more direct heat control.
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Use all burners on high for fastest preheating.
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Sear over direct high heat before reducing heat to finish cooking.
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Grill delicate filet over medium heat, around 375°F.
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Rotating filet frequently provides even exposure to heat.
Charcoal Grill
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Requires more time to preheat coals thoroughly.
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Creates hot and cool zones for indirect grilling.
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Place filet off center, over medium heat level coals.
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Sear filet then move to indirect area, covering grill to retain heat.
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Add fresh coals as needed to maintain temperature.
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Use hardwood chunks for extra smoky flavor.
Both grills can produce phenomenal results. Just adjust for their individual heating characteristics.
Marinade, Rub and Basting Options
Incorporating marinades, spice rubs, and basting during the grilling process adds wonderful flavor complexity to petite tender filet:
Marinades – Wine, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, oregano, Worcestershire sauce.
Spice Rubs – Sea salt, cracked pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder.
Basting Sauces – Herb butter, chimichurri, bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup.
Take your pick of incredible ingredient combinations to complement the natural flavor of petite tender filet.
Ensuring Proper Preparation
Proper preparation is key to grilling petite tender filet to succulent perfection:
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Pick filets as uniform in thickness as possible.
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Trim off any excess fat or silver skin for better presentation.
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Pat filets dry before applying rubs or marinades.
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Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
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Remove filets from fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
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Oil the grill grates right before placing filets to prevent sticking.
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Position filets over direct heat to get a good initial sear.
Following these preparatory steps will lead to professional grilling results.
In Summary
Grilling the perfect petite tender beef filet requires understanding its unique properties, adapting to thickness, using proper heat levels based on doneness preference, and employing flavor boosting techniques like marinades and basting. Equipping your grill station with the right tools and closely monitoring with a meat thermometer are also vital. Master these methods and your petite tender will emerge juicy, savory and melt-in-your-mouth tender every time. Delight your family or dinner guests with expertly grilled petite tender filet that rivals the finest steak houses.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you go to make this wondrous main course.
We suggest you have a quick chat with your favourite trusted butcher. Tell them you’re going to grill the tenderloin and talk about what size you should get based on how many people you want to serve.
The best beef tenderloin has little fat on it, which is another reason to get help from a trained professional. Your butcher will be happy to cut off the extra fat from your tenderloin so that it’s ready to grill.
Please see the comments and rub recipe below for our great rub. Let the tenderloin come to room temperature before you start. Depending on the weight, I find 45 minutes to an hour will do the trick. This essential step will ensure that the meat cooks evenly on the grill.
The rub is about two things – ease of preparation and flavour. It calls for only five ingredients, but together they create some serious flavour. I’m a new fan of ancho powder and love its smoky, pepper notes. Find it in the spice section of your favorite grocery store, or click on one of the links below to buy it from Amazon.
We time the recipe to make a GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN that is just right for medium-rare in the video and the recipe below. Setting the grill to 500°F and having a reliable meat thermometer both helped us do that.
Because each barbecue operates differently, promise me you’ll err on the side of caution. Better to take the tenderloin off early rather than leaving it on for too long and overcooking it.
When your meat thermometer reads 40°C / 110°F, which is our general rule, you should take the tenderloin off the grill. Don’t forget that you need to loosely cover the meat with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting it.
If you’re still reading this, you’re probably getting excited to make this legendary main course. Our CHIMICHURRI is the only thing you need to go with this tenderloin. Click HERE to watch our 1-minute video on how to make it. Have it at the ready when you go to serve. You can pair this main dish with our CLASSIC POTATO SALAD, our WARM BEAN SALAD, or our GRILLED BABY ROMAINE LETTUCE SALAD. All of these suggested sides can be assembled quickly, while the foil-tented tenderloin rests.
Finish off your dinner with our famous HARVEY WALLBANGER CAKE, our rich, custard-like PLUM CLAFOUTIS, or our unforgettable NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE.
Turn your next barbecued meal into a special occasion with this GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN
I have a longstanding appreciation for this superior cut of beef, especially when it’s served medium-rare, my preference. Nothing else compares to it. If you like meat, just follow our step-by-step instructions on how to make GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN. We bet you’ll savour and enjoy each and every bite.
Making this main course for the first time is a bit of a nail-biter. If your biggest fear is overcooking the meat, this recipe will help you achieve great success.
Petite Tender [Teres Major] Steak Recipe
FAQ
How long to grill petite filets?
Is petite filet the same as filet mignon?
How long to cook Morton’s of Omaha petite tender beef filets?
How do you Grill a petite filet of beef?
How do you grill petite filet of beef? Rub steak with olive oil, season with garlic salt, pepper, salt & pepper to taste, sear on both sides, transfer to direct cook, cover, turn every 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees, 2 to 3 hours. Remove from direct cooking and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
How long do you cook a tender beef filet?
The cooking time for a Petite Tender Beef Filet will depend on your preferred level of doneness and the cooking method used. As a general guideline, for medium-rare, cook the filet for about 4-5 minutes per side over high heat. Adjust the time accordingly if you prefer it more or less cooked.
How long do you cook Tenderloin filets on a grill?
Heat your grill to medium high heat, and set up for direct heat cooking. Once the grill is hot, place the tenderloin filets directly over the heat, and cook for approximately 8 minutes. Cook for 2 minutes per side on the long sides, then cook for 1 minute per side on the short sides.
How long do you cook beef on a grill?
Place beef onto the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your “doneness” preference. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, then remove from the heat, cover with tinfoil and let rest at least 5 minutes – however 10 minutes is best. The following are affiliate links.