There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled steak – smoky, juicy, and with a tantalizingly crisp crust. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, grilling steak is a culinary delight that never disappoints. But before you start grilling, it's essential to choose right cuts of steak.
While the short loin is typically the go-to choose for grilling, we've curated a selection of standout steaks from various beef cuts. From premium cuts of steak to more budget-friendly options, each steak promises mouthwatering flavor on the barbecue. And to improve your grilling experience further, we've included a range of recipes. So, explore, and let's fire up the grill for an unforgettable steak feast!
9 Best Cuts of Steak
The optimal steaks for the grill have a balance of rich marbling, good thickness, and proper tenderness. Here are go-to grilling choices:
Ribeye
Renowned for its unparalleled tenderness and robust flavor, the rib-eye steak stands out as a top choice among steak enthusiasts. Whether you prefer boneless or bone-in, rib-eye steaks are perfect for grilling, offering a luxurious dining experience. Also known as a rib steak, this cut dazzles with its versatility – pair it with a spicy dry rub for an extra kick, or simply season with salt and pepper to let the natural flavors shine. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked to your liking and savor every succulent bite of this exceptional steak.
Filet Mignon
Recognized for its tenderness and exquisite flavor, filet mignon stands as a pinnacle in the world of steaks. Whether you prefer it wrapped in bacon or au naturel, filet mignon is an excellent choice for grilling. Sometimes referred to as tenderloin steak, this cut is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle yet luxurious taste. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked to perfection and indulge in the delightful experience of savoring every tender bite of this premium steak.
Prime Rib
Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, is a culinary masterpiece revered for its rich flavor and succulent texture. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a premium dining experience, prime rib is an exquisite choice for the grill. Indulge in the robust taste of this marbled cut, seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices, and cooked to perfection over medium-high heat. Whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well-done, prime rib promises a gratifying feast to fit for any steak enthusiast.
Flat Iron
This increasingly popular cut comes well-marbled from the chuck section. When trimmed and sliced correctly, flat iron offers foolproof tenderness and richness on par with pricier steaks.
To prepare a delicious Flat Iron steak, start by marinating the steak in a blend of olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and your preferred herbs and spices for a minimum of 30 minutes. Once marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before thinly slicing it against the grain.
Tenderloin
The beef tenderloin, known for its exceptional tenderness and higher price point, is a prized cut derived from the beef short loin. This elongated, slender muscle is nestled deep within the beef, away from the tougher portions that can result in chewy steaks. However, its tenderness comes at the expense of robust flavor. Filet mignon, obtained from the tapered end of the tenderloin, is a popular cut (beware of mislabeled steaks). Due to its lower fat content, caution is needed to prevent dryness when grilling; avoid overcooking. A classic pairing for grilled filet mignon is a decadent bearnaise sauce.
Porterhouse
The porterhouse steak, sourced from the beef short loin's rump end, offers a unique cross-section showcasing both the rib-eye muscle and a slice of tenderloin. Typically, these steaks come with a hefty price tag at upscale steakhouses, but you can enjoy them from the comfort of your own grill at a fraction of the cost.
New York Strip
With the bone removed, New York strips offer pure steak flavor. The striploin cut has the right marbling and dense texture to take on spice rubs and smoke while avoiding dryness.
For a delicious New York strip steak, start by seasoning the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness. Avoid flipping the steak too often to allow a nice sear to form on the outside. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
T-Bone
T-bone steaks resemble porterhouse steaks but are cut slightly forward on the short loin, resulting in less or no tenderloin muscle attached. This positioning leans them more towards the rib-eye end of the steak spectrum. However, since they are further away from the rump, the rib-eye muscle in T-bone steaks tends to be slightly more tender than in porterhouse steaks. Pair these juicy steaks with buttery sautéed mushrooms for a delightful combination—the earthy flavor of the mushrooms complements the bold flavor of the T-bone perfectly.
Bavette
Also called flap steak, the bavette comes from the bottom sirloin. Despite its leanness, quick hot grilling maintains moisture and produces robust beefiness. Slice against the grain when serving.
Bringing home quality beef ensures the perfect grilling experience. Our grass-fed, grain-finished Angus beef offers ideal marbling and consistency for all your steak needs.
Why Choose 3 Lakes Ranch to Order Your Favorite Cuts of Steak?
We, at 3 Lakes Ranch, are committed to providing USDA Certified Beef that meets the highest quality standards. Our beef is known for its tenderness, rich flavor, and superior marbling, ensuring that your grilling experience is exceptional. Here’s why you should consider choosing us:
- Sustainability: 3 Lakes Ranch places a strong emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Our commitment to ethical ranching and land stewardship ensures that the beef you enjoy is not only delicious but also produced with respect for the planet.
- Variety: 3 Lakes Ranch offers a wide variety of beef cuts, including rib-eye, strip steak, sirloin, tenderloin, and strip loin steak, making it easy to find the perfect cut for your grilling needs.
- Peace of Mind: When you choose 3 Lakes Ranch, you can grill with confidence, knowing that you're serving your family and friends the best beef available, both in terms of flavor and responsible sourcing.
FAQs
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What are the different cuts of steak?
Common steak cuts include ribeye, strip, tenderloin, T-bone, porterhouse, tri-tip, flank, flat iron, hanger, chuck eye, bavette, and skirt steak. They come from various areas of the cow.
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Which cuts of steak are best for grilling?
The top grilling cuts are ribeye, porterhouse, tenderloin, strip, T-bone, tri-tip, flat iron and flank steak. Well-marbled steaks with good thickness perform excellently over the high dry heat.
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How do I choose the right cut of steak for grilling?
Consider thickness, marbling, fat content, tenderness, optimal cooking method and flavor when choosing grilling steaks. Research where cuts come from on the cow and prices to select your preferences.
