There are a lot of different cuts of steak to buy at the grocery store, but which one is the best? This blog post will break down the best cuts of steak to buy and what to look for when purchasing them.
You might be wondering what is the best steak to buy at your local grocery store. Well, wonder no more!
So whether you’re a novice or an experienced steak eater, read on for some tips.
Jump to:
- What to look for when you buy a steak at a grocery store
- The best cuts of steak to buy at a grocery store
- How to cook steak
- Different ways to season the steak
- Recipes for different types of steak you can buy at a grocery store
- The best way to store steak after you buy it at a grocery store
- What is the best cut of steak to buy at a grocery store?
- FAQs about the best steak to buy at grocery store
What to look for when you buy a steak at a grocery store
When you are purchasing steaks, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips:
- Choose steak that is bright red with no brown or gray areas.
Steaks that are brown or gray have been sitting around for a while and will not be as fresh meat.
- The steak should be firm to the touch and not mushy.
- When purchasing steaks, it is essential to look for well-marbled ones, which means that a good amount of fat runs through the meat.
The fat helps to add flavor and juiciness to the steak.
Steaks that are not well-marbled will be less flavorful and juicy.
Now that you know what to look for when purchasing steaks, you can be sure that you will always choose the best meat!
Beef grades
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for grading beef to assure the quality of meat.
USDA Grade names of beef include Prime, Choice, and Select. These are the three highest levels that you can find on retail packages at any local meat market.
However, there are also lower classifications: standard, commercial, utility, cutter, and canner.
Here you can read about Pasture Raised Vs Grass Fed cattle.
The best cuts of steak to buy at a grocery store
When you go to the grocery store or meat markets, there are different types of steaks that you can purchase.
Each type of steak, depending on the part of the cow, has its unique flavor and texture that makes it ideal for certain dishes.
But which one is the best?
Tenderloin
This cut comes from the lower rib section, and it is prized for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Beef tenderloin is a great steak if you want to splurge on special occasions where you want the steak to be the star of the show.
Ribeye Steak
Another cut of beef that is both tender and flavorful is rib-eye steak.
This cut comes from the rib area of the cow, and it has a higher fat content than other cuts, making it ideal for grilling or pan-frying, as the fat helps keep the meat juicy.
Ribeye steaks can be more expensive than other cuts, but they are well worth it.
Strip steak
This cut of steak is less tender than the tenderloin but is still a good option for those who want a flavorful steak.
It is also less expensive than the tenderloin.
If you’re looking for a delicious, juicy cut of meat that’s sure to please, the strip steak is the way.
Also known as New York strip steak, this meat cut comes from the cow’s loin and is well-marbled with fat, which gives it its characteristic flavor and tenderness.
Strip steak is perfect for grilling or pan-searing and can be cooked to any level of doneness.
Whether you like your steak rare or well-done, the strip steak is sure to satisfy.
So next time you’re in the mood for a nice piece of meat, be sure to pick up a strip steak. You won’t be disappointed.
Sirloin
Sirloin steaks are also relatively lean, so they’re a healthier option than some available cuts and are good for those who are watching their fat intake.
And because they’re less expensive than tender cuts like ribeye and filet mignon, sirloin steaks are a great option for feeding a crowd.
T-Bone
The T-bone steak offers the best of both worlds. The T-bone is cut from the short loin of the cow, which means it contains a smaller amount of fat than other cuts of steak.
However, the T-bone also includes a tenderloin strip, which gives it its characteristic flavor and tenderness.
In addition, the bone marrow adds a richness to the steak that is unmatched by any other cut.
For these reasons, the T-bone is widely considered one of the best cuts of steak available.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and juicy steak, be sure to pick up a T-bone next time you’re at the butcher shop.
This is a good steak to buy at a grocery store!
Skirt Steak
It’s hard to beat skirt steak when it comes to the best overall value.
Skirt steak is a long, narrow strip of meat that comes from the area around the cow’s diaphragm.
It’s one of the most marbled cuts of beef, which means it’s full of flavor.
And because it’s a relatively tough cut of meat, it benefits from being simmer over low heat.
That makes it ideal for grilling or braising. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable cuts of steak, so you can save money without sacrificing flavor.
Flank Steak
Flank steak is an excellent option for those who want a delicious, juicy steak without spending much money.
This meat cut comes from the cow’s flank, which is located between the brisket and the loin.
Flank steak can be grilled, pan-fried, or roasted, and it pairs well with a variety of sauces and sides.
When shopping for flank steak, look for a piece that is reddish-brown with marbled fat.
The steak should be firm to the touch and free of any blemishes or bruises.
If you are not planning to cook the steak right away, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
A flank steak is a great option for an affordable, delicious meal with its rich flavor and tender texture.
How to cook steak
There are a few different ways you can cook steak. Here are some tips:
When you are ready to cook your steaks, allow them to come to room temperature before cooking to help them cook evenly and avoid the muscle fibers from tensing up.
If you want a tender, juicy steak, the best way to cook it is by grilling or broiling.
For a more well-done steak, you can cook it by pan-frying or oven-broiling.
When cooking a steak, you should use a meat thermometer to ensure it is adequately cooked.
If you are not sure how to cook a steak, you can ask the local butcher at the grocery store for help.
Different ways to season the steak
There are many different ways you can season your steak. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic: Rub a garlic clove with olive oil on the steak before cooking.
- Rosemary: Season the steak with dried or fresh rosemary.
- Salt and pepper: Season the steak with salt and black pepper to taste.
Recipes for different types of steak you can buy at a grocery store
There are many different recipes you can make with steak. Here are some ideas:
Tenderloin steak with roasted vegetables
Season a tenderloin steak with salt and pepper.
Grill or broil the steak to your desired doneness. Serve with roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Strip steak with mushroom sauce
Season a strip steak with salt and pepper.
Pan-fry or oven-broil the steak to your desired doneness. Serve with a mushroom sauce made with mushrooms, shallots, and beef broth.
Sirloin steak with green beans
Season a sirloin steak with salt and pepper.
Grill or broil the steak to your desired doneness. Serve with steamed green beans.
The best way to store steak after you buy it at a grocery store
The best way to store steak is in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Once you’ve cooked the steak, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want it to last longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw the steak in the fridge overnight, and then reheat it in a skillet over medium-high heat when you’re ready to eat.
What is the best cut of steak to buy at a grocery store?
When it comes to steak, there is no shortage of choices.
There are various cuts to choose from, each with its unique flavor and texture.
So, what is the best cut of steak to buy?
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, there are a few factors to consider when making your selection.
One important consideration is the amount of fat content.
Cuts with higher fat content tend to be more flavorful, but they can also be more expensive.
Another factor to consider is the level of tenderness.
Some cuts, like filet mignon, are very tender, while others, like flank steak, are less so.
So, take some time to experiment and find the best type that suits your taste buds.
Ultimately, the best cut of steak for you is the one that you’ll enjoy eating the most.
Planning a barbacue? Read here about how much brisket per person you should buy.
FAQs about the best steak to buy at grocery store
Steak can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Some common cuts of steak include tenderloin, strip steak, and sirloin.
No, you should not wash your steak before cooking. USDA recommends not washing raw meat or poultry.
Some common ways to cook steak include grilling, broiling, pan-frying, and oven-broiling.
You can use a meat thermometer to check your steak’s internal temperature.
Steak is typically cooked to medium-rare (145 degrees Fahrenheit), medium (160 degrees Fahrenheit), or well done (170 degrees Fahrenheit).
Yes, you can wrap your steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Steak nutrition facts? Here you can read about them.