Are you looking to impress your dinner guests with a perfectly grilled petite tender beef filet?
Look no further! Grilling this cut of meat can be intimidating, but with the right technique and timing, you can achieve a juicy and flavorful result every time.
In this article, we’ll explore the best methods for grilling petite tender beef filet, including tips for seasoning and temperature control.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this guide will help you achieve a delicious and impressive meal.
So fire up the grill and let’s get started!
How Long To Grill Petite Tender Beef Filet?
The petite tender beef filet is a lean and tender cut of meat that is perfect for grilling. But how long should you grill it for?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the thickness of the cut and your desired level of doneness.
As a general rule, you should grill a 1-inch thick petite tender beef filet for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. For medium, grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
It’s important to note that these are just guidelines and your grill, steak size, and personal preference may vary. To ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
What Is Petite Tender Beef Filet?
Petite tender beef filet, also known as bistro filet or shoulder petite tender, is a small and lean cut of meat that comes from the chuck primal or shoulder of the cow. This cut is relatively rare to find in stores because it takes more time and skill to cut than other steaks. It is shaped like a flattened version of the beef tenderloin and can be cooked whole like a small tenderloin roast or cut cross-wise into filet-style steaks.
The petite tender beef filet is known for its rich, beefy flavor and is one of the most tender muscles after the tenderloin or filet mignon. It’s best cooked quickly over high heat and is typically used for stir-fries, kebabs, steak fajitas, or just grilling. The muscle that makes up the petite tender beef filet is called teres major, which shares its name with the same shoulder muscle in human anatomy.
This cut of meat is usually less expensive than larger filet mignon cuts and can weigh anywhere from about 6 to 12 ounces. When cooked properly, it can be quite tender, but it’s important not to overcook it. To grill a petite tender beef filet, you should grill a 1-inch thick cut for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. For medium, grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Preparing The Meat For Grilling
Before grilling your petite tender beef filet, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure that it cooks evenly and retains its flavor.
First, remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.
Next, season the steak with your desired spices or rub. You can use a pre-made spice mix or create your own by combining herbs like rosemary and thyme with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can season the steak the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, build a hot coal bed with lump charcoal and stabilize the temperature at around 500°F. If using a gas grill, preheat on high for 10-15 minutes.
Once your grill is hot, place the steak on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. For medium, grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remember that carryover cooking will occur once you remove the steak from the heat. Therefore, it’s important to remove the steak from the grill when it is slightly undercooked to your desired level of doneness.
Finally, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure that it stays moist and flavorful. Serve and enjoy!
Seasoning Options For Petite Tender Beef Filet
While the petite tender beef filet is delicious on its own, adding some extra seasoning can take it to the next level. Here are a few seasoning options to consider:
1. Herb Rub – Combine parsley, thyme, paprika, and garlic in a small bowl. Rub the mixture all over the beef filet before grilling for added flavor.
2. Soy Sauce Marinade – Combine beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a Ziploc bag and marinate for 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the meat with a savory umami flavor.
3. Rosemary and Garlic – Mix together rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Generously coat the beef filet with the seasoning and optionally add fresh rosemary sprigs on top before grilling.
4. Butter and Garlic – Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes and spoon the mixture over the grilled beef filet for a rich and decadent flavor.
No matter which seasoning option you choose, be sure to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Enjoy your perfectly grilled petite tender beef filet!
Grilling Techniques For Perfect Results
To achieve perfect results when grilling a petite tender beef filet, there are a few grilling techniques that you should keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. This can be done by letting it sit out of the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will ensure that your cooking times are more accurate.
Next, preheat your grill to high heat and clean the grates well. Keep the lid closed and let the internal temperature get up to around 500°F.
When placing the steak on the grill, season both sides of the filet generously with salt and pepper and fresh herbs like rosemary. Rub with a little olive oil and pat down to coat it well.
Sear the steak undisturbed for 5 minutes with the cover up. Flip the filet and sear for an additional 5 minutes for medium-rare. For rare, sear for 4 minutes a side. For medium, 6-7 minutes per side. For medium-well, grill for 8+ minutes per side.
It’s important to note that thinner fillets will cook faster than thicker ones, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Once you’ve achieved your desired level of doneness, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 7-10 minutes before serving. This is important to bring your steak to its final serving temperature.
By following these grilling techniques, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly grilled petite tender beef filet every time.
Temperature Control For Juicy And Flavorful Meat
One of the most important factors in grilling a petite tender beef filet is temperature control. This will ensure that your meat is juicy and flavorful.
First, it’s important to allow your steak to come to room temperature before grilling. This will allow for a more even cook throughout the meat. Preheat your grill to a high temperature, around 450-degrees Fahrenheit, and add a little oil to the grill racks to prevent sticking.
When grilling, start with the most intense heat and close the lid. Keep the steak in place for the recommended time according to its thickness, then flip and turn it over. Close the lid and continue cooking until the desired internal temperature is reached.
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, while medium should reach 145°F. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak, as this will ensure that it’s cooked to your liking.
Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, it’s important to let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
Resting And Serving Your Grilled Petite Tender Beef Filet.
Once your petite tender beef filet is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s important to allow it to rest before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
To rest your grilled petite tender beef filet, remove it from the grill and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cut. This will allow the internal temperature to rise a few degrees and the juices to settle.
Just before serving, add a pat of butter or a drizzle of finishing sauce for added flavor. Slice against the grain into medallions and serve immediately.
Remember, the key to a perfectly grilled petite tender beef filet is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that you reach your desired level of doneness and allow it to rest before serving for optimal flavor and tenderness.
