Top Blade

Meat

Top Blade

Beef top blade sits in the shoulder clod with a central line of connective tissue—when that sinew is removed, the two resulting pieces become flat-iron steaks, among the most tender chuck cuts. Left whole, top blade braises beautifully. Flavour is rich and beefy with good marbling on higher grades. Remove the sinew for steaks; grill medium-rare. Or braise whole for pot roast. Do not ignore the sinew if serving as steak—it will remain chewy.

Track this ingredient

Unit

Characteristics

Preparations

BraisedFlat Iron SteaksGrilled

Traits

BeefyCentral SinewFlat Iron SourcePopular ValueTender After Sinew OutTender When Prepared

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 190

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 12.7 g
  • Saturated Fat 4.98 g
  • Trans Fat 0.2 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 4.86 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.01 g
  • Cholesterol 71.3 mg
  • Sodium 56.9 mg
  • Salt 0.15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 22.4 g
  • Water 61.9 g
Detailed nutrients

Leaf tissue is fibre- and water-forward with low energy density.

Grading systems

Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.

United States

USDA

History

US

University and industry work popularised the flat iron from top blade.

US

Retail chains widely stocked flat-iron steaks cut from top blade.

Home butchery guides taught sinew removal from top blade roasts.

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