Grilling petite tender beef filet is an art that requires attention to detail if you want a tender, juicy, and flavorful steak This prized cut may look small, but it offers big, bold beef flavor reminiscent of a filet mignon With quick cooking times and easy preparation, the petite tender is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasion meals. Read on to learn all the tips and tricks for grilling the perfect petite tender beef filet.
What is Petite Tender Beef Filet?
The petite tender, sometimes labeled as teres major, beef shoulder tender, or shoulder tender medallions, comes from the teres major muscle that runs along the shoulder blade of the cow. It sits adjacent to the tenderloin and possesses a similar melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that has earned it the nickname “mini filet mignon.”
Unlike many shoulder cuts that require long braising the petite tender is naturally tender. Abundant marbling gives each bite a buttery texture and rich beefy flavor. These petite steaks weigh around 1/2 pound each and measure 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Their small size means quick cooking times of just 4 to 8 minutes per side.
Benefits of Cooking Petite Tender Filet on the Grill
There are several advantages to grilling petite tender beef filet:
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Fast cook time – The petite size allows the steaks to cook in less than 15 minutes total. Perfect for weeknights.
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Tender and flavorful – Abundant marbling keeps the meat moist and enhances the beefy flavor.
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Budget-friendly – Costs a fraction compared to filet mignon.
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Easy to prepare – Simple seasoning is all that’s needed. No marinade required.
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Impressive presentation – Petite filets look refined and elegant plated as individual portions.
Grilling brings out the best in the petite tender filet. The high heat sears the outside to lock in juices while keeping the interior deliciously tender.
How Long to Grill Petite Tender Beef Filet
The exact grilling time for petite tender beef filet depends on the thickness of the steaks and desired doneness. Follow these guidelines:
- 1 inch thick steaks
- Rare: 4-5 minutes per side
- Medium rare: 5-6 minutes per side
- Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
- 1 1/2 inch thick steaks
- Rare: 5-6 minutes per side
- Medium rare: 6-8 minutes per side
- Medium: 8-9 minutes per side
These times are for steaks cooked over direct high heat, around 450°F. Flip the steaks just once halfway through grilling to get grill marks on both sides. Resist the urge to keep flipping repeatedly.
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for accuracy rather than just estimating doneness by time. Remove the petite tender filets from the grill when they reach the following internal temperatures:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
The temperature will continue rising by about 5°F during the resting period.
Step-by-Step Guide for Grilling Petite Tender Filet
Follow these simple steps for grilling petite tender beef filet steaks flawlessly every time:
1. Pat the Steaks Dry
- Blot surface moisture with paper towels right before grilling. Dry exterior allows better browning.
2. Generously Season
- Coat both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or steak seasoning.
3. Preheat Grill to 450°F
- Use high heat to achieve a good sear while cooking quickly.
4. Place Steaks on Hot Grill
- Arrange over direct heat. Avoid overcrowding.
5. Grill for 4-8 Minutes Per Side
- Cook times depend on thickness and doneness desired. Flip only once.
6. Check Internal Temperature
- Test doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer sideways.
7. Allow to Rest 5 Minutes
- This redistributes juices prior to slicing.
8. Slice Against the Grain
- Cut perpendicular to the muscle fibers for tenderness.
9. Serve Immediately
- Petite tender steaks are best enjoyed piping hot off the grill.
Following this straightforward process results in tender and juicy petite tender filets bursting with rich, beefy flavor in under 15 minutes.
Choosing High-Quality Petite Tender Beef Filet
Not all petite tender steaks are equal when it comes to flavor and tenderness. Here’s what to look for when selecting petite tender filets:
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Uniform thickness – Pick steaks about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
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Marbling – Seek out steaks with liberal marbling for moisture and flavor.
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Color – Choose steaks that are deep red rather than brown or gray.
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Firm texture – Meat should be tender but not mushy.
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Fresh scent – Raw beef should have a subtle sweet aroma. Avoid odors.
Investing in high-quality petite tender filets guarantees you’ll get the best results from the grill.
Flavoring Ideas for Grilled Petite Tender Filet
The beauty of the petite tender beef filet is that it shines with simple seasoning. A basic coating of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the natural flavor. However, you can also kick things up a notch with rubs and marinades:
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Herb rub – Coat steaks with minced rosemary, thyme, oregano, and garlic.
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Coffee spice rub – Top with ancho chile powder, coffee, brown sugar, and cumin.
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Chimichurri marinade – Soak steaks briefly in a bold chimichurri sauce.
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Teriyaki marinade – Marinate for 1-2 hours in a sweet and savory teriyaki.
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Dry steak seasoning – Use pre-made steak seasoning blends from the grocery store.
Let your imagination run wild with creative ways to add flavor to petite tender filets before hitting the grill.
Cooking Whole Petite Tender Beef Filet
While petite tender steaks are commonly cut into individual servings, you can also grill a whole petite tender roast weighing 2-3 pounds. Roast the whole filet with these adjustments:
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Grill at lower heat – Use medium heat around 350°F to avoid burning exterior.
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Rotate frequently – Turn the roast every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
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Longer cook time – Grill for 25-30 minutes total until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Rest longer – Allow 15 minutes rest before slicing into medallions for serving.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Petite Tender
Given their refined elegance, petite tender beef filets demand equally sophisticated side dishes like:
- Hasselback potatoes
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Roasted asparagus spears
- Creamed spinach
- Tomato and mozzarella salad
- Crispy Brussel sprouts
- Skillet cornbread
On the plate, play up the contrast between the rich, hearty steak and bright, fresh vegetable sides and starches.
Grilled Petite Tender Perfection
Grilling petite tender beef filet is simple, fast, and rewarding. In less than 15 minutes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality steak full of rich flavor right from your own backyard. For the juiciest, most tender results, follow the guidelines provided to determine the ideal grilling time based on thickness and doneness preference. Master grilling petite tender filet, and you’ll never go back to ordinary steaks again. This cut offers an upscale steakhouse experience without the price tag or effort.
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.
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.
Petite Tender [Teres Major] Steak Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a petite tender beef filet?
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