When it comes to enjoying steak, most people have personal preferences that influence how they want to enjoy their meal. For some, it’s the toppings, if any, and for others, it’s the way the steak is cooked in general. Something that people don’t always consider is the actual kind of steak they are eating in the first place.
The type of steak you eat matters because different cuts of steak have other qualities that affect their taste. This is true for two of the most popular cuts of steak available: ribeye and sirloin. This blog will go over the differences between these two cuts. By the end, you’ll be able to know what you’re in for when you either go out to eat or cook one for yourself.
The Ribeye Steak
The ribeye steak is one of the most popular cuts of beef for grilling, and it is known for its excellent flavor and succulent texture. As the name suggests, the ribeye comes from the rib section of the cow, located in the center of the animal's back. The ribeye is known for being fattier than other steaks. This makes it juicy and flavorful when cooked, and adds a rich and full-bodied taste.
Another critical factor about ribeye steaks is the marbling. Marbling is the white streaks of fat that you can see in specific cuts of meat. This fat is proven to be a healthy addition to a nutritious diet, on top of making the steak even more delicious. Additionally, this fat helps to tenderize the steak when cooked, further adding to the succulent taste of the ribeye steak.
The Sirloin Steak
When comparing any one cut of steak to sirloin, you have to remember that there’s no single kind of sirloin. It’s actually one big cut of steak that is separated into other, more minor cuts. These cuts include top sirloin, bottom sirloin, tri-tip, sirloin bavette, and even t-bone. While these are all distinct in their own way, one thing that links them all is the fact that sirloin cuts are lean with high protein.
This lean quality comes at the cost of the added flavor that ribeye steaks have. This is because sirloin steaks have a much lower fat content. The texture of a sirloin steak won’t be as tender as a ribeye, either, due to its low-fat content. Still, sirloin steak is beloved in home kitchens and steak houses across the world and is still a fantastic cut of steak.
Which One is Superior?
As with most cooking matters, the better cut of steak comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer fatty, tender steaks, then the obvious choice will be ribeye steaks. If you want lean, high-protein cuts, then sirloin steaks are the way to go for you. For some, price is a factor, and in this case, ribeye steaks tend to be more expensive than sirloin. However, how much this matters also depends on where you buy them from.
One difference between the two cuts of steak that may matter to some is how you use them. Ribeye steaks are better served intact as a complete cut of steak. Sirloin steaks are better for when you want to cut your steak and serve it in thinner slices on sandwiches or other meals. However you plan to prepare your steaks, you have two fantastic options to choose from ribeye and sirloin.
Let Braveheart Help You Find Your Ideal Steak
Be it lean or fatty, Braveheart has a variety of delicious and affordable steak cuts for you to enjoy. Take the stress out of deciding which cut to go with or where to find them by letting Braveheart provide you with more than enough options to choose from. Our selection of meats is sure to satisfy you and anyone you may serve at the dinner table.
Contact us today with any questions you may have, and feel free to take a look at the rest of our products to find one that’s right for you.