Chuck Tender – Subprimal Cut

Chuck tender is a medium-sized cut of beef from the chuck primal, specifically from the shoulder area of the animal. It’s a subprimal cut that is broken down by a butcher into two smaller cuts: chuck tender steak and chuck tender roast. It looks a lot like beef tenderloin, but don’t let that fool you – they’re completely different when it comes to flavor, texture, and tenderness.

Chuck tender is a lean cut with a strong, beefy flavor, but it’s naturally extremely tough and chewy. It’s not the kind of cut you want to throw on a hot grill or cook quickly like a steak. Instead, chuck tender is best for slow cooking methods like braising or pot roasting, where the long cooking time helps break down its toughness. While it’s an inexpensive cut, it’s only a good choice for those who know how to handle tough, lean meat and have the time to cook it properly.