The Teres Major Steak is one of beef’s best-kept secrets. Found deep in the cow’s shoulder, this small, lean muscle offers remarkable tenderness. Known as the shoulder tender or petite tender, it’s often overlooked because it’s tricky to extract.
But here’s the surprise — the teres major is almost as tender as filet mignon, yet it costs far less. It comes from the chuck primal, near the shoulder blade, and delivers a mild, buttery flavor.
Understanding the Teres Major Beef Cut: Location, Origin & Anatomy
Unlike other shoulder cuts, the teres major has fine muscle fibers and minimal connective tissue, making it ideal for quick cooking. It’s lean, juicy, and full of umami depth.
📍 Where on the Cow Is the Teres Major Located?
The teres major sits beneath the shoulder blade (scapula), tucked inside the chuck. Butchers often remove it from the clod section, alongside the top blade and flat iron.
To visualize: imagine a small muscle about six inches long, shaped like a mini tenderloin. It weighs around 10–12 ounces — just right for one or two servings.
(Pro Tip: When buying, ask your butcher for “teres major” or “shoulder tender.”)
🧬 Why It’s Also Called the Shoulder Tender or Petite Tender Steak
Across regions, you’ll find several names — beef shoulder tender, teres major filet, and petite tender steak. In the U.S., it’s called shoulder tender, while in Australia and Canada, many butchers sell it as petite tender or teres major filet.
Different names, same incredible cut.
🏷️ Alternate Names Around the World (USA, Canada, Australia)
- USA: Teres Major Steak, Shoulder Tender, Petite Tender
- Canada: Teres Major Filet, Beef Shoulder Tender
- Australia: Petite Tender, Teres Major Beef Cut
Each market prizes this cut for its filet-like tenderness and beef-forward flavor.
💎 Why the Teres Major Steak Deserves More Attention Than Filet Mignon
Many chefs say teres major steak is the best value cut in the butcher’s case. It’s nearly as tender as filet mignon but with deeper, richer flavor.
🥩 Taste, Texture & Tenderness Explained
The teres major delivers a fine-grained texture similar to tenderloin. It’s soft but not mushy, with a delicate beef flavor and buttery finish. Its marbling gives it juiciness even when cooked to medium doneness.
💰 Teres Major Steak Price vs Filet: Affordable Luxury
While filet mignon can cost over $50 per pound, teres major usually sells for $14–$20 per pound. That’s nearly 70% cheaper with comparable tenderness — making it the smart choice for steak lovers.
(Tip: Check online butchers in the USA, Canada, or Australia for availability and pricing.)
🔥 How to Cook Teres Major Steak Like a Chef (Methods + Temperatures)
The teres major steak shines with quick, high-heat cooking methods. Whether seared, grilled, or sous-vide, this cut stays juicy and tender.
🍳 Pan-Seared & Grilled Teres Major Steak Recipe
- Pat the steak dry.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil.
- Heat a cast-iron pan until smoking.
- Sear 2–3 minutes per side for a crust.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
(Pro Tip: Brush with garlic butter before serving for that steakhouse finish.)
🧂 Sous Vide & Reverse Sear Teres Major Steak Guide
For precision cooking:
- Set sous-vide to 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
- Cook for 1 hour, then sear quickly in a hot pan.
- Finish with herbs and butter for restaurant-level flavor.
🌡️ Teres Major Steak Temperature Chart
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Rest Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F / 52°C | 5 min | Very soft and red center |
| Medium-Rare | 130°F / 54°C | 5–6 min | Juicy, tender, ideal |
| Medium | 140°F / 60°C | 7 min | Slight pink center |
| Well-Done | 155°F / 68°C | 8–9 min | Still tender if rested well |
🍽️ Teres Major Steak Recipes You’ll Love
🥗 Grilled Teres Major Medallions with Herb Butter
Slice teres major into medallions. Grill over high heat, then top with parsley-garlic butter. Serve with roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.
🌎 International Flavors: Australian BBQ & Canadian Marinade Styles
- Australian Style: Brush with BBQ glaze, grill until charred, and serve with slaw.
- Canadian Style: Marinate in maple-soy blend, pan-sear, and glaze with butter.
🍷 Perfect Pairings: Sauces, Sides & Wines
Pair teres major steak with red wine reductions, herb sauces, or truffle butter. Try Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz for balance.
🏪 Where to Buy Teres Major Steak (USA, Canada, Australia)
You can buy teres major steak from:
- Online butchers like Crowd Cow, Porter Road, or Wild Fork.
- Local specialty butchers (ask for “petite tender” or “shoulder tender”).
- Supermarkets that carry premium beef cuts in select regions.
(Tip: In Australia, check local farms that sell direct to consumers. In Canada, many online butchers offer frozen shipping.)
⚖️ Nutritional Value & Health Benefits
Teres Major Steak is lean yet nutrient-rich.
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 145 | Lean protein source |
| Protein | 26g | High-quality muscle protein |
| Fat | 5g | Mostly unsaturated |
| Carbs | 0g | Keto & paleo-friendly |
It’s perfect for low-carb, high-protein, and paleo diets.
📊 Teres Major Steak vs Other Cuts — Comparison Chart
| Cut | Tenderness | Flavor | Price/Lb | Ideal Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teres Major | 9/10 | 8/10 | $15–$20 | Grill, pan-sear, sous vide |
| Filet Mignon | 10/10 | 7/10 | $50+ | Pan-sear, broil |
| Flat Iron | 8/10 | 9/10 | $12–$18 | Grill, stir-fry |
| Hanger Steak | 7/10 | 10/10 | $14–$19 | Grill, marinate |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What part of the cow is Teres Major Steak?
The Teres Major Steak comes from the cow’s shoulder area, specifically below the shoulder blade bone.
Q2: Is Teres Major Steak the same as Shoulder Tender?
Yes. The Teres Major is also known as the shoulder tender or petite tender cut in most butcher shops.
Q3: How to cook Teres Major Steak in the oven?
Sear it first for two minutes per side, then roast at 400°F (204°C) for 10–12 minutes for a tender, medium-rare finish.
Q4: Why is Teres Major Steak so tender?
It’s a little-used muscle with fine muscle fibers and very little connective tissue, making it naturally tender.
Q5: How much does Teres Major Steak cost?
It typically costs $14–$22 per pound in the USA and Canada, and around $25–$30 AUD per kilogram in Australia.
Q6: What’s the best marinade for Teres Major Steak?
Use olive oil, garlic, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of smoked paprika for flavor depth and tenderness.
Q7: Is Teres Major Steak healthy?
Yes. It’s a lean, high-protein cut that’s low in fat and ideal for keto, paleo, and high-protein diets.
Q8: How does Teres Major compare to Filet Mignon?
It’s nearly as tender as filet mignon but offers a stronger beef flavor at a fraction of the price.
Q9: What’s the best way to cook Teres Major Steak?
The grill or cast-iron pan gives the best sear. Cook over high heat and rest for five minutes before slicing.
Q10: Can you sous vide Teres Major Steak?
Absolutely. Cook it sous-vide at 130°F (54°C) for one hour, then sear for 60 seconds per side for perfect results.
Q11: What does Teres Major Steak taste like?
It has a buttery, beef-forward flavor — rich like tenderloin but slightly more robust, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Q12: Is Teres Major Steak the same as Flat Iron Steak?
No. The Flat Iron comes from a different shoulder muscle and has more marbling, while the Teres Major is leaner and smoother.
Q13: Where can I buy Teres Major Steak in the USA, Canada, or Australia?
You can find it at specialty butchers, online meat retailers like Crowd Cow or Porter Road, and some local grocers.
Q14: How should I slice Teres Major Steak after cooking?
Always slice against the grain to preserve tenderness and achieve a buttery texture in every bite.
Q15: Can I freeze Teres Major Steak without losing quality?
Yes. Wrap it tightly in butcher paper or vacuum seal it, then freeze for up to 6 months without losing flavor or texture.
🧾 Conclusion: Why Teres Major Steak Deserves a Place on Your Plate
The Teres Major Steak combines tenderness, flavor, and affordability in one perfect cut. Whether you grill, sear, or sous-vide it, this steak delivers impressive results.
Try it once, and you’ll wonder why it isn’t famous already.
