Have you ever craved the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of filet mignon, but balked at the eye-watering price tag? Enter the petite filet mignon, a hidden gem in the world of steaks. This lesser-known cut offers an experience remarkably similar to its pricier cousin, but at a fraction of the cost.
Petite Tender: The Underdog Champion
The petite tender, also known as the Teres Major, Bistro Filet, and Shoulder Tender, is a small, incredibly tender muscle nestled within the chuck primal of the cow. While not as widely known as the filet mignon, it boasts an equally impressive tenderness, rivaling the crown jewel of steaks.
Unveiling the Mystery: Petite Tender vs. Filet Mignon
Similarities:
- Tenderness: Both cuts are renowned for their unparalleled tenderness, practically melting in your mouth with each bite.
- Cooking Method: Both petite tender and filet mignon thrive with quick cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing, ensuring juicy, flavorful results.
- Flavor Profile: While not identical, both cuts offer a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that complements various seasonings and sauces.
Differences:
- Price: The petite tender emerges as the clear winner in this category, often costing half the price of a filet mignon. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality.
- Availability: Finding petite tender can be a bit trickier than its more popular counterpart. However, with a bit of searching, you can often find it at specialty butcher shops or online retailers.
- Size: Petite tender, as its name suggests, is a smaller cut compared to the typically larger filet mignon. This makes it ideal for individual portions or as part of a larger mixed grill.
Cooking the Petite Tender: Unleashing Its Flavor
Like any fine steak, the petite tender deserves respect when it comes to cooking. Here’s how to ensure a delicious and satisfying experience:
- Seasoning: Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking. Additional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or thyme can enhance the flavor profile.
- Cooking Method: Opt for high-heat cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare, the ideal doneness for this cut.
- Resting: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness.
The petite tender stands as a testament to the hidden treasures within the world of meat. Its exceptional tenderness, affordability, and versatility make it a worthy contender for any steak lover’s table. So, next time you crave that melt-in-your-mouth experience, consider giving the petite tender a try. You might just discover your new favorite steak!
Chef Recommendations For Mock Tender
Many chefs have provided feedback on this cut, so I’m sharing their expertise here. Mock tenders are comparable to a top sirloin in terms of “tenderness,” but they cannot be cooked MW or Well on the grill because they turn extremely tough. They need to be served promptly because they bleed out during cooking. As a result, they might not make the best catering steak, but they might make a good catering roast. Although it is not as tender as fillet mignon, the mock tender tastes more like beef.
Cuts of Beef Series: Beef Mock Tender, Shoulder Tender, Petite Filet
Today, let’s try something different. While researching interesting anecdotes about the origins of well-known cuts is fascinating and a major reason I write this column, I feel like I’m preaching to the choir when I write about cuts like flank steak and short ribs all the time. Very few things make me happier than making a discovery, whether it’s learning about a new method or working with a fruit I’ve never worked with before.
Another one of those posts that makes you feel good is this one from today: I recently found a meat that resembles filet mignon but has a big, beefy flavor instead of the haute-y attitude of that cut. Oh, and it’s cheaper too. I’m talking about the shoulder tender.
The Different Types of Filet Mignon
FAQ
What is petite mignon?
Is petite filet good?
Is petite tender the same as tenderloin?
Can you make a petite filet mignon for two?
Make petite filet mignon for two with this one pan meal. This complete steak dinner is made with a smaller cut of filet of steak (6-8oz) and served over a potato vegetable hash. It’s a restaurant style steak recipe you can make at home. Let’s cook steak… Why this one pan petite filet mignon is so good…
What is a petite filet mignon steak?
Petite filet mignon cuts are typically less expensive than large filet mignon steak. They cook nice and fast, and are the perfect portion for a weeknight meal. The petite filet is part of the chuck beef area (front of the cow in the shoulder) so they’re pretty lean, but super flavorful and juicy.
Is filet mignon the same as steak?
Yes, for the most part. However, while both cuts come from the tenderloin area of the cow, these steaks have small differences between them. Let’s look at each one to see how they differ in flavor and texture. Where Does The Word Filet Mignon Come From? Filet Mignon is the French word that means “dainty fillet.”
What is the difference between beef tenderloin and filet mignon?
Beef tenderloin and filet mignon are both expensive cuts of beef that you might purchase for a special occasion. Learn about the differences between these two cuts of beef. What Is Beef Tenderloin? Beef tenderloin is a larger cut of beef consisting of the entire tenderloin muscle.