What is a Feather blade of Beef?

A featherblade of beef is similar to a flat iron steak. It is sourced from the shoulder blade of the cow, and its name is derived from the feather-like tissue that runs through the meat. A blade steak tends to be quite small, but offers a sweet flavour. When cooked properly, this feather of tissue and the fat render down to offer more flavour and a more moist, succulent texture.

A featherblade of beef is one of those cuts of beef that you have to seek out. It’s never really offered to us in supermarkets, which is a real shame as it’s a very good cut of beef that’s low on price but big on flavour.

How to cook featherblade of beef

A featherblade of beef is best when braised and slow-cooked, helping give you tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat. You can also pan-fry a featherblade if you don’t have as long to cook your beef.

Slow-cooked beef featherblade

Braised featherblade of beef has grown in popularity since the slow cooking boom, and we’re fully on board with this method of cooking. Braising and slow cooking help the meat to fully tenderise and develop flavour.

The result is super tender meat that falls apart at the touch of a fork, and a burst of juicy flavour when you take that first bite.

Pan-fried beef featherblade

If you are cooking a featherblade steak and don’t have the time for the slow cooking method, the steak should be pan-fried quickly over a high heat and left to rest.

Ideally, you should aim for medium-rare, as anything more will result in a tougher texture.

Is featherblade beef expensive?

A beef featherblade is moderately priced, at around £14 per 500g. It’s not available in most supermarkets and is typically only available from a butcher.

Is a featherblade of beef fatty?

No, a featherblade is a lean cut with light fat marbling. It’s known for the distinctive connective tissue that runs through the meat. When slow-cooked, the connective tissue breaks down into gelatin, making the meat moist and tasty.

Featherblade of beef from Campbells

Buy feather blade of beef today at Campbells Meat, Scotland’s best online butcher. Our beef is procured from grass-fed Scotch beef cattle, raised on farms reputed for high standards of animal welfare. Your feather blade of beef order is prepared in Linlithgow by our experienced butchers and is delivered to your door fresh, so you can choose between freezing or consuming within a few days.