There’s nothing better than biting into a tender, mouthwatering, buttery steak. There are so many cuts of meat available, and it can be difficult to navigate.
If you’re unsure what you’re looking for, you could end up with a fairly tough piece of meat that isn’t as enjoyable to eat.
When it comes to steak, you want a tender and soft cut. These cuts tend to be more expensive, but they are so worth it.
This article is going to discuss some of the most tender steaks available. So, whether you’re ordering at a restaurant or a local butcher, this article will guide you on some of the best cuts you can choose.
It’s worth noting that the cut of steak you want will depend on what you intend to do with it. If you want to serve a tender and juicy steak, this list will be super helpful to you.
However, if you want to make a stew or something similar, using the steak mentioned here would only be a waste.
What Is Steak?
Before I dive into all the different types of steak, let’s discuss what steak actually is. Steak is meat that is cut from the connective tissue and muscle fibers of an animal, such as a cow. There are plenty of other steaks from other animals, like tuna or mutton. Beef, however, is the most popular.
Some of this meat surrounds a bone. This is referred to as a bone-in steak, such as a T-bone. On the other hand, meat that doesn’t surround a bone is known as a boneless steak.
When there’s fat around this connective tissue, it’s referred to as marbling. A steak that is well-marbled will have a fuller flavor and be incredibly popular. An example of beef that is known for its incredible marbling is none other than wagyu, for one.
What Is The Most Tender Steak?
Every steak lover has their own opinions over what the best steak is. However, there are a few cuts that are conventionally known for being the most tender.
Interested in finding out what those are and putting them to the test yourself? Take a look at the options I’ve listed below.
Filet Mignon
Filet Mignon is widely known as one of the most tender cuts of steak. This cut of meat is taken from the smaller part of the tenderloin of the cow.
It’s part of a muscle that is rarely used, which makes the fibers very fine. As a result, it’s one of the most sought-after cuts of meat.
It’s known for being wonderfully tender, boasting a ‘melt in your mouth’ texture that steak enthusiasts love. You can try it yourself, by ordering Wagyu Filet Mignon from CrowdCow, or by visiting your local butcher.
Flat Iron Steak
Flat Iron Steak is also known as a top blade steak. It comes from the shoulder area of the cow. Despite this muscle being used a lot by the cow, this cut of meat takes second place for most tender after the Filet Mignon.
Aside from being tender, it also has lovely marbling, which adds rich and delicious flavor, as well as soft tenderness. It’s also a much more affordable cut of meat compared to other premium cuts, like the Filet Mignon.
Top Sirloin Steak
The top Sirloin is cut from the sirloin subprimal of the cow. There are two sections to this area, the top sirloin butt, and the bottom sirloin butt.
The top portion of the subprimal is more tender, and this is where top sirloin cuts are from. While this area of the cow is more exercised, there’s less fat. This means there’s less marbling, and it is also less tender than a Filet Mignon.
However, aging the cut maximizes the tenderness of the steak. Many restaurants will take this meat through a 21 to 28-day aging process in order for the meat to tenderize as much as possible. It’s a more affordable way to get meat that’s still delicious and tender.
Teres Major Steak
Teres Major is a cut that comes from the chuck section of the cow, which is right below the front leg. This area of the cow is subject to a lot of exercise, so the increased blood flow makes the meat have more flavor and complexity.
While more exercise makes for a tougher cut of meat, the location of the teres major allows it to remain both tender and flavorful. You really do get the best of both worlds.
Hanger Steak
Hanger steak comes from the muscle that supports the diaphragm. It hangs between the rib and the loin. Due to the lack of movement, it’s one of the most tender cuts of meat you can find.
It is also known as the ‘butcher’s steak’ because butchers used to keep it for themselves as customers wouldn’t usually ask for it. It has a lovely beef flavor with a wonderful texture due to its tenderness.
Rib-Eye Cap Steak
The Ribeye steak is one of the most loved steaks in the steak world, but the rib-eye cap takes it to a whole new level.
The rib-eye cap is taken from the outer muscle of the rib-eye roll, and is also known as the ‘butcher’s butter’. Don’t confuse it with prime rib, though, there are some differences between prime rib and ribeye.
This cut is marbled to perfection and will melt in your mouth like butter. It’s tender, juicy, and so flavorful. This combination makes it one of the most prestigious cuts you’ll ever come across.
You can buy some amazing Wagyu Ribeye Cap Steaks from CrowdCow or ask about it at your local butcher.
Tips For Cooking A Tender Cut Of Steak
Now that you know what cuts of steak are the most tender if you’re buying from a butcher in order to cook it yourself, here are a few tips. Follow these, and you will always get a delicious steak to enjoy.
Always Choose High-Quality
You should always research your supplier before buying from them. If their meat isn’t of good quality, then even the cuts that are known for being tender will be tough.
Not only that, but flavor is also hugely determined by what the cows are fed. You will be able to notice a difference in flavor between grass or grain fed cattle.
Cooking Time
When it comes to the tenderness of the meat, cooking time is very important. For example, skirt steak can be quite tough, but if it is cut thinly and cooked rare, you’ll find yourself with a wonderful tender steak.
Use a thermometer to get the internal temperature of your steaks as you cook. This will reduce overcooking and ensure that the meat is always cooked to a safe level.
Marinades
Some of the most tender steaks are not likely to need much seasoning, but tougher cuts can be made more tender with a helping hand of some flavor. Marinating some slightly tough meat in ginger and soy sauce can make for a delicious and tender steak!
There are plenty of other methods you can use to marinade meat, too. Simply adding salt will help break down the muscle fibers. Do some research for which tenderizing marinades will suit your steak.
Final Thoughts
This article has discussed some of the most tender cuts of meat you can find. While they are likely to be on the more pricey side, their ‘melt in your mouth’ texture and delicious flavor will be completely worth it once you try them.
Need the proper tools for the proper job? Check out my comparison of the best cast iron pans for steaks! There’s plenty for you to learn about over there, too!
