Best Types of Steak - Smithfield Butchers (2024)

Choosing the best cut of beef for your meal can be difficult as there are many varieties of steak with their own characteristics and benefits to suit different cooking styles. To make this easier, we have compiled a list of the most popular steak cuts along with some information so you can make the most of your meat!

Best Types of Steak - Smithfield Butchers (2)

Ribeye

The Ribeye is generally considered to be the most flavourful steak. These steaks are cut from the ribs and contain a lot of marbling throughout. The muscle from where the Ribeye is cut, isn’t used often so the meat is very tender. Ribeye's can come either boneless or bone-in (bone-in Ribeye's are also known as Tomahawk Steaks). The best way to cook a Ribeye steak is by searing it on a high heat, if you are cooking a bone-in Ribeye, the meat nearest the bone will cook faster so keep an 'eye' on it.

T-Bone

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The T-Bone Steak is cut from the Sirloin and is comprised of sirloin and fillet separated by the T shaped bone. The pairing of the fillet and sirloin means that the T-bone steak has a lot of flavour.

When cooking a T-bone steak, as this steak contains two cuts of beef, the fillet is likely to cook faster than the sirloin. We recommend searing the steak on a high heat for a couple of minutes each side and the transfer into the oven to finish off.

Sirloin

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Cut from the mid- back between the ribs and rump, the Sirloin steak is characterised by its beefy flavour and good amount of marbling. The Sirloin steak is also known for its tenderness however it needs to be cooked carefully to ensure it doesn't loose it. We would recommend frying the Sirloin on a high heat and leaving it to rest for around 5 mins to make sure its retains its tenderness.

Fillet

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The fillet steak, also known as Filet Mignon, is widely regarded as the premium cut. It is from the lower back of the cow which is rarely used meaning the fillet steak is the most tender cut. It is also very lean, with minimal marbling which means that it is not as flavoursome as other cuts. Due to the tenderness of this steak, it is well suited to cooking on high heats for a few minutes each side, you don't want to over cook this steak as it may loose some of its tenderness.

Rump

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Cut from the back end of the cow, the muscle is frequently used which means the rump steak is not as tender as some of the other cuts and is very lean. Rump Steaks are generally marinated before cooking and are suited to frying and broiling.

Hanger

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Also known as the ‘Butcher’s steak’, the hanger steak is less well known as the others above however it is a great cut of steak. The hanger steak is cut from the underside of the cow which means that it is incredibly tender due to the muscle rarely being used. This cut of steak is best fried on a high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side (medium rare).

Best Types of Steak - Smithfield Butchers (2024)

FAQs

Best Types of Steak - Smithfield Butchers? ›

These cuts—ribeye, New York strip loin, and filet mignon—can certainly be dubbed the best, and few will disagree. “Filet is the most tender cut, but has the least amount of flavor. Ribeye is the most flavorful, but the least tender of the three, and New York is in the middle.” Flannery explains.

What is the best steak to buy from a butcher? ›

These cuts—ribeye, New York strip loin, and filet mignon—can certainly be dubbed the best, and few will disagree. “Filet is the most tender cut, but has the least amount of flavor. Ribeye is the most flavorful, but the least tender of the three, and New York is in the middle.” Flannery explains.

What is the best cut of steak butcher? ›

Filet Mignon is known as the king of steaks, thanks to its extreme tenderness and delicate, buttery flavour. This steak comes from the tenderloin, which is located just below the spine of the cow. Because this muscle isn't used as much during the cow's lifetime, it is one of the most tender cuts available.

What are the top 5 most tender steaks? ›

Famously tender cuts like filet mignon, prime rib, and porterhouse steak may need very little additional seasoning, but hanger steak and flat iron steak can be just as delicious with the help of marinades.

What are the best types of steak? ›

When it comes to mouthwatering steak here are the top five you should be grilling this weekend:
  1. Grilling Filet Mignon. Black Angus filet mignon is the most tender cut of beef used for steaks. ...
  2. Grilling Black Angus Ribeye Steak. ...
  3. Grilling Porterhouse Steak. ...
  4. Grilling T-Bone Steak. ...
  5. Grilling Strip Loin Steak.

What is the most high quality steak? ›

What are the top five best cuts of steak? Japanese Kobe beef, Japanese Wagyu beef, American Wagyu beef, filet mignon, and beef tenderloin are some of the best steaks in the world based on overall quality.

What is the tastiest steak? ›

The Ribeye is generally considered to be the most flavourful steak. These steaks are cut from the ribs and contain a lot of marbling throughout. The muscle from where the Ribeye is cut, isn't used often so the meat is very tender.

Is ribeye or sirloin better? ›

With more marbling, ribeye steaks are better known for their rich flavor and texture. However, dry-aging grilled sirloin steak can enhance its beefy taste without adding fat. Both ribeye and sirloin are wonderfully tender cuts, but ribeye has the edge here.

What is the most expensive cut of steak? ›

1. A5 Japanese Kobe Beef. The A5 Japanese Kobe steak holds the record for being one of the most expensive steaks. While the prices may range at different places, one thing is certain - the pricing point is way above most cuts.

What is the number 1 cut of steak? ›

1. Filet Mignon. Filet mignon is considered one of the most luxurious and expensive cuts of beef prized for its tender and buttery texture. It comes from the center cut of the tenderloin, which is a long, cylindrical muscle located along the spine of the cow.

What is the best cut of steak that isn't chewy? ›

Top sirloin

Despite being boneless, this cut, which comes from the cow's top rear end, is typically far more soft and tasty. It rarely becomes extremely chewy and rubbery when cooked properly. Even though it is less expensive than some of the more expensive steaks, this steak is still excellent.

What is the most chewy steak? ›

Some parts of the cow are more prone to being chewy because of their muscle structure. Typically, leaner cuts like the flank or skirt can be chewy if not prepared correctly. Cooking Method: Overcooking can cause the steak to lose its moisture, making it dry and chewy.

What is the best steak to buy from a grocery store? ›

If flavor is your top priority, you'll probably want to seek out cuts with higher fat content, like ribeye and New York strip. Ribeye steak (which comes either boneless or bone-in) is often considered the most flavorful, thanks to the marbling throughout, with New York strip occupying a close second place.

What are the most tender steaks? ›

Filet Mignon Steak

The Filet Mignon is the most tender cut of beef - known for its buttery-rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and mild flavor. It is a highly sought-after cut of steak.

What is the best steak to buy at a grocery store? ›

Rib-eye or top round are your best choices.

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