Steak cuts guide
Short answer: Most steakhouse menus revolve around a few cuts: ribeye from the rib,[1] strip (New York strip) from the short loin,[2] filet mignon from the tenderloin,[3] and the T-bone and porterhouse, which combine strip and tenderloin on one bone.[4] USDA quality grades (Prime, Choice, Select) describe marbling, with Prime the highest.[5]
What are the main steak cuts?
| Cut | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ribeye | A steak from the rib section; a “tomahawk” is a ribeye trimmed with a long section of rib bone left on.[1] |
| Strip (New York strip) | Cut from the short loin.[2] |
| Tenderloin / filet mignon | Cut from the tenderloin.[3] |
| T-bone and porterhouse | Cut from the short loin with a T-shaped bone, strip on one side and tenderloin on the other; the porterhouse is cut from the rear end, with more tenderloin.[4] |
| Delmonico | A name used for several different cuts, popularized by Delmonico’s restaurant in New York; menus use it differently.[6] |
What do Prime, Choice and Select mean?
According to the USDA, Prime beef comes from young, well-fed cattle, has at least slightly abundant marbling and is generally sold in upscale restaurants; Choice has less marbling than Prime; Select is normally leaner and may lack some juiciness and flavor of the higher grades.[5]
What are Certified Angus Beef and Wagyu?
Certified Angus Beef is a brand of Angus beef with its own specifications.[7] Wagyu refers to Japanese beef cattle breeds; Wagyu cattle are also raised in the United States and Australia, including fullblood animals and crossbreeds.[8] Heritage Steakhouse says it serves USDA Prime, Certified Angus and Wagyu.[9]
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a T-bone and a porterhouse?
Both have strip and tenderloin on a T-shaped bone; the porterhouse is cut from the rear of the short loin and includes more tenderloin.[4]
Is Prime the highest USDA grade?
Yes, of the grades sold to consumers, Prime has the most marbling.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b Rib eye steak. Wikipedia. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ a b Strip steak. Wikipedia. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ a b Filet mignon. Wikipedia. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ a b c T-bone steak. Wikipedia. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ a b c Beef Grading Shields. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ Delmonico steak. Wikipedia. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ Certified Angus Beef brand (official website). Certified Angus Beef. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ Wagyu. Wikipedia. Retrieved 7 October 2026.
- ^ Heritage Steakhouse | Prime Steaks in Santee, San Diego (official website). Heritage Steakhouse. Retrieved 7 October 2026.