Imagine the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, juices bubbling up through a beautifully marbled cut of beef, and the rich aroma wafting from your grill. If this sounds like a scene from your grilling dreams, you’re in the right place. At Timbo’s Food Box, we believe that anyone can achieve steakhouse-quality results right in their backyard. All you need is the right guidance and tools to transform your grill into a powerhouse of flavor.
Grilling steaks is an art, and mastering it can elevate your summer BBQs, Father’s Day feasts, and even weeknight dinners to new heights. The secret? Knowing which cuts of steak are best suited for the grill and how to handle them. In this guide, we break down the top 13 cuts you should consider, each offering unique flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Plus, we’ll recommend some essential grilling products to help you achieve the perfect cook every time.
Ready to become a grill master? Let’s dive into the best steaks for grilling and the tools that will make you the hero of every cookout. Fire up the grill, because things are about to get delicious!
1. Rib-Eye
The rib-eye steak is a favorite among steak lovers for its rich, marbled fat, which promises a juicy and flavorful bite. This cut comes from the rib section of the cow, making it tender and delicious. Keep the seasoning simple with just salt and pepper to let the natural flavors shine. For the best results, I recommend using a Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas Grill. Its consistent heat and spacious cooking area make it perfect for searing rib-eyes to perfection.
Where to Buy: Grass Roots Farmers Co-Op (Save 15% OFF)
2. Filet Mignon (Beef Tenderloin)
Known for its unparalleled tenderness, the filet mignon comes from the small end of the tenderloin. It’s less marbled than other cuts but makes up for it with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect with a rich sauce or seasoned simply. Enhance your grilling experience with the Cuisinart CGS-5020 BBQ Tool Set, which includes all the tools you need for flipping, basting, and serving these delicate cuts.
Where to Buy: REP Provisions
3. Strip Steak (New York Strip)
A steakhouse classic, the New York strip is known for its fine texture and rich flavor. It comes from the short loin and offers a good balance of tenderness and beefy taste. This steak shines with straightforward seasoning and a hot sear. For an even cook and beautiful grill marks, use a Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan.
Where to Buy: REP Provisions
4. Porterhouse
The porterhouse is the king of steaks, combining a strip steak and a tenderloin in one massive cut. It’s perfect for sharing or for those with a big appetite. Grill it with minimal seasoning to let its natural flavors stand out. A reliable thermometer, like the ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer, ensures that your porterhouse is cooked to perfection without any guesswork.
Where to Buy: ButcherBox (Save $50 OFF)
5. Flank Steak
Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s best when marinated and cooked quickly over high heat. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, try using a Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Mat.
Where to Buy: REP Provisions
6. Tri-Tip
Tri-tip is a flavorful and affordable cut from the bottom sirloin. Its triangular shape makes it easy to identify, and it’s best when cooked over direct heat to medium-rare. This cut benefits from a good marinade or rub. The Char-Broil Performance Series Gas Grill offers the high heat needed to sear tri-tip to perfection.
Where to Buy: Grass Roots Farmers Co-Op (Save 15% OFF)
7. Skirt Steak
Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm muscles of the cow. It’s known for its intense beefy flavor and is best when marinated and cooked quickly over high heat. Slice it thinly against the grain for the best results. The BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity is a fantastic tool to get your charcoal ready fast, ensuring your grill is hot and ready for skirt steak.
Where to Buy: US Wellness Meats
8. Cowboy Steak
A cowboy steak is a bone-in rib-eye that’s been frenched, giving it an impressive presentation. This thick cut is rich and flavorful, perfect for special occasions. Cook it over direct heat to achieve a beautiful crust. For handling these hefty steaks, the Grill Beast Beast Claws are perfect for gripping and flipping.
Where to Buy: US Wellness Meats
9. Top Sirloin
Top sirloin is a versatile and budget-friendly cut from the sirloin section. It’s leaner than some other steaks but still delivers a robust flavor. Ideal for grilling and slicing thin for salads or sandwiches. The Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Reverse Flow Smoker adds a smoky depth that enhances the natural flavor of top sirloin.
Where to Buy: US Wellness Meats
10. T-Bone
The T-bone steak is similar to the porterhouse but with a smaller tenderloin section. It’s great for grilling and offers a combination of two textures and flavors in one cut. Simple seasoning and high heat are all you need. For perfect grill marks and even cooking, use the Ash & Ember Park-Style GrillTuscan BBQ Grill.
Where to Buy: Heartstone Farm (Save $20 OFF)
11. Flat Iron
Flat iron steak is cut from the shoulder and is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It’s an affordable alternative to more expensive cuts and grills beautifully, delivering juicy and flavorful results. The Weber 22-Inch Charcoal Grill is a classic choice for grilling flat iron steaks, providing consistent heat and a smoky flavor.
Where to Buy: Porter Road (Save $15 OFF)
12. Chuck Eye
Often called the “poor man’s rib-eye,” the chuck eye steak comes from the shoulder near the rib-eye. It’s a budget-friendly option that still delivers great flavor and tenderness. Best cooked quickly over high heat. The Grillaholics Grill Brush is essential for keeping your grill grates clean and ready for the next steak.
Where to Buy: Porter Road (Save $15 OFF)
13. Tomahawk Steak
The tomahawk steak is a rib-eye with an extra-long bone, giving it a dramatic presentation that’s perfect for impressing guests. This cut is thick and richly marbled, offering a tender and juicy bite. For the best results, sear it over high heat and finish it in the oven or on indirect heat. Use the Traeger Pro Series 34 Pellet Grill to achieve a perfect sear and smoky flavor.
Where to Buy: ButcherBox (Save $50 OFF)
The Ultimate in Steak Quality: Wagyu and Kobe Beef
For those who want the ultimate in steak quality, look no further than Wagyu and Kobe beef. These cuts are renowned for their exquisite marbling and unmatched tenderness, making them the gold standard for steak enthusiasts. If you’re seeking top-notch quality meat, these are the cuts to choose. You can buy premium Wagyu beef from Crowd Cow (Save $25 OFF), known for their exceptional selection and commitment to quality.
At Timbo’s Food Box, we also advocate for grass-fed and finished, non-GMO, and antibiotic-free meats. These options are not only healthier but also offer superior flavor. Grain-fed meat simply can’t compare when it comes to taste and nutritional benefits.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these steaks will help you elevate your grilling game. Pair them with quality tools and premium meats from our recommended companies, and you’ll be sure to impress.
Quick Reviews of Recommended Companies
Grass Roots Farmers Co-Op
Grass Roots Farmers Co-Op specializes in pasture-raised meats that are 100% grass-fed and finished. They focus on sustainable farming practices, ensuring high-quality, non-GMO, and antibiotic-free products. Their commitment to animal welfare and the environment makes them a top choice for health-conscious consumers.
REP Provisions
REP Provisions offers regenerative, grass-fed beef and pasture-raised meats. Their mission is to restore soil health and promote sustainable agriculture. With a focus on transparency and quality, REP Provisions provides consumers with nutritious and flavorful meats that are free from harmful additives.
ButcherBox
ButcherBox delivers high-quality, humanely raised meat directly to your door. They offer a variety of cuts, including grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage breed pork. ButcherBox is known for its convenience, affordability, and commitment to sourcing from trusted farms that prioritize animal welfare.
US Wellness Meats
US Wellness Meats provides a wide range of grass-fed and pasture-raised meats. They prioritize sustainable farming and offer products that are free from hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs. US Wellness Meats is a great option for those looking for nutritious and ethically sourced meats.
Heartstone Farm
Heartstone Farm is a family-owned operation that offers 100% grass-fed and finished beef. Their focus on sustainable farming practices and high-quality standards ensures that customers receive premium, flavorful meats. Heartstone Farm’s dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction sets them apart.
Porter Road
Porter Road delivers hand-cut, pasture-raised meats from small farms. They emphasize quality and sustainability, providing cuts that are free from antibiotics and hormones. Porter Road’s commitment to traditional butchery and high standards results in exceptionally tasty and tender meats.
