The Petite Tender Beef Filet – An Underrated Cut Worth Discovering

The petite tender, also known as the bistro filet or shoulder tender, is a little-known but delicious cut of beef that comes from the chuck primal or shoulder of the cow. If you’re looking to expand your steak horizons beyond the usual ribeyes and NY strips, the petite tender is a superb option that’s definitely worth seeking out.

What is the Petite Tender?

The petite tender is a small oblong-shaped muscle that sits underneath the shoulder blade of the cow. It’s essentially the cap muscle of the shoulder tender – hence its alternate name of “shoulder tender.” This location means the petite tender doesn’t get much exercise, resulting in an incredibly tender and succulent piece of meat despite coming from a well-worked area of the cow.

While this cut was more popular in the past, the petite tender fell out of favor over time as larger cuts like the ribeye grew in popularity. However, more recently this tender and flavorful steak has been regaining attention, especially among steak connoisseurs looking to diversify their red meat selections.

Key Characteristics of the Petite Tender

So what sets the petite tender apart from other steaks? Here are some of its defining characteristics

• Tenderness – The petite tender is supremely tender, even more so than tenderloin cuts like the filet mignon. This tenderness comes from its small size and lack of exercise during the cow’s life.

• Rich, beefy flavor – Although tender the petite tender is still richly flavored. It offers a concentrated beefiness unlike the almost buttery tenderness of the filet mignon.

• Juiciness – Coming from the hard-working shoulder region, this cut contains a decent amount of intramuscular fat. This marbling helps keep the petite tender nice and juicy when cooked.

• Versatility – Measuring about 4-6 ounces, the petite tender works nicely for individual portions. Its tenderness also allows it to be cooked quickly over high heat or slowly using moist heat.

• Relative rarity – Part of the allure of the petite tender is that it’s lesser known and harder to find than common cuts like ribeyes and strips. Specialty butchers are more likely to carry it than standard grocery stores.

How to Cook a Petite Tender Steak

The petite tender’s tenderness and quick cooking time make it ideal for fast, hot cooking methods:

• Grilling – The high, dry heat of the grill gives a nice char while cooking the steak through in 4-8 minutes. Target an internal temp of 135°F.

• Pan searing – Cook in a very hot cast iron skillet for 2-3 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare doneness. Baste with butter or oil as it cooks.

• Broiling – Place 4-6 inches under the broiler for 6-8 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The dry heat caramelizes the exterior.

• Sous vide – For the ultimate in tender, edge-to-edge cooking, sous vide the petite tender before searing to finish.

Slow, moist cooking can also yield delicious results:

• Braising or stewing – Diced petite tender works wonderfully braised slowly in liquid. It absorbs flavors nicely.

• Roasting – Season it simply and roast alongside vegetables at 350°F for 15-25 minutes for rare to medium.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The richness of the petite tender makes it very versatile to serve. Consider these tasty options:

• Top with a flavorful compound butter after cooking and serve with roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes.

• Pair with a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec wine; the flavors complement each other nicely.

• Serve sliced on salads in place of steak tips or flank steak for an upscale take on salad.

• For a restaurant-worthy dish, serve atop a bed of sautéed wild mushrooms with sides like asparagus or brussel sprouts.

• Slice thinly and use in sandwiches, tacos, wraps, or flatbreads in place of other grilled and sliced meats.

Where to Find Petite Tender Steaks

Since the petite tender is a more obscure cut, finding it takes a bit more effort than picking up common steaks at the grocery store. Here are some tips for locating this underappreciated gem:

• Check with high-end butcher shops and meat markets, especially those that source sustainable, high-quality meat. The best butchers will know how to properly cut and trim petite tender steaks.

• Look for petite tender steaks at specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods Market that have in-house butchers skilled at preparing a wide variety of cuts.

• You may be able to request petite tender steaks as special order items from standard grocery store meat departments. Be sure to make this request 1-2 days in advance.

• Search for online mail order steak companies that offer petite tender steaks, such as Snake River Farms or Rastelli’s. This ensures easy access.

• If you can’t find petite tenders, ask your butcher for recommendations on other lesser known tender cuts like the teres major or hanger steak.

Is the Petite Tender Worth Tracking Down?

In a world filled with so many delicious steak options, is seeking out the petite tender truly worth the effort? For serious carnivores and steak aficionados, the answer is a resounding yes!

The rich, intensely beefy flavor and supreme tenderness of properly prepared petite tender steaks provide a special eating experience not quite like any other cut of beef. It’s the type of wow-factor steak that’s perfect for special dinners and impressive entertaining.

Sure, it may take a bit more work to find petite tenders compared to grabbing standard steaks. But making the discovery – and savoring that first unforgettable bite – will assure you it’s an effort that’s well rewarded in the end.