The best cuts of beef steak to use for barbecuing are fillet, scotch fillet, porterhouse, T-bone, rump, round and blade. Look for cuts with a little fat marbled through the meat, as this helps to keep the steak moist.
Place the steaks on the grill and cook until golden brown and slightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the steaks over and continue to grill 3 to 5 minutes for medium-rare (an internal temperature of 135 degrees F), 5 to 7 minutes for medium (140 degrees F) or 8 to 10 minutes for medium-well (150 degrees F).
You'll usually see ribeye, filet mignon, and T-bone or porterhouse steaks listed as the top three most popular in a steak cuts guide. These steaks are commonly on the menu in steakhouses because of their quality and texture.
The rib eye steak is one of the most beloved, flavourful, and tender cuts of beef both here in Australia and around the world. It is also known as the rib fillet or the scotch fillet steak, depending on where you go.
T-bone steak
This quintessential Aussie BBQ steak is a satisfying choice for meat lovers. It packs two different textures and flavour experiences – a tender fillet muscle on the smaller side of the bone and a juicy sirloin on the other.
Sometimes referred to as a tenderloin or just as a filet, filet mignon is always boneless and is cut from underneath a cow's ribs. Filet mignon is incredibly tender and has a mild flavor and fine grain, and it is also generally the most expensive cut of steak.
However, according to Insider, there isn't any steak in the world like Wagyu beef from Japan: This expensive meat can sell for upwards of $200 a pound. Moreover, the Japanese government has strict controls over its production to ensure its quality and protect its value.
Traditionally, beef and pork cuts are most common, but poultry (chicken and turkey) is widely prepared, and lamb and goat are regional favorites. Barbecue has its roots in using tougher, less valuable cuts of meats although today some barbecue establishments even cook prime rib as one of the menu items.
Sear the steaks on the hot side to get a flavorful, golden brown crust and those coveted grill lines, then move them over to the cooler side to finish cooking all the way through. This creates a sizzling steak on the outside, and tender, buttery steak on the inside.
The Sweet Spot: 1.5 Inches
Some steak masters suggest even thicker cuts, such as those that are 1.75 inches or 2 inches thick. But for most, a 1.5 inch steak is the perfect size for at-home grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.
Generally, tougher cuts of beef, such as from the chuck or the round, will benefit from low and slow cooking, whereas tender beef cuts, like filet mignon and rib eye steaks, can be cooked over dry heat on a grill or in an extremely hot pan.
Round Steak
According to The Spruce Eats, round steaks tend to have the least fat marbling, making them very tough and less flavorful than steaks coming from other parts of the cow. Because this cut is 100% muscle, round steaks cannot be cooked quickly with high heat like their fattier counterparts.
We have to admit though, there is something about the ribeye. Known as the “king of steaks”, and for good reason, we love to talk about this incredible piece of meat. Ribeyes are something that just sell themselves. People see the gorgeous fat marbling and can't help but want to bring it home and put it on the grill.
Tenderloin, which is where the filet mignon steak comes from, is the least chewy steak. It is delicate, lean, tender, and has a butter-like texture. It does very little work, so it never has a chance to get tough and fibrous. Technically, it is the psoas major muscle.
Rump steak is one of the more reasonably priced of the recommended grilling cuts. While it does have a firmer texture, it also has a rich flavour. But because of its firmer texture, be careful to not overcook it. This is performed best when cooked to medium or medium rare.
The rib eye or ribeye (known as Scotch fillet in Australia and New Zealand) is a boneless rib steak from the rib section.
The scotch fillet and sirloin (aka porterhouse), coming from the region near the backbone, fit the bill here perfectly. Even more tender is the eye fillet (or tenderloin). The rump, from the inside of the leg, is more active, but while it might not be quite as tender, it is often well priced.
In addition to seasoning the steaks, salt helps break down proteins and make the meat more tender. Liberally salt the steaks up to an hour before cooking, then proceed according to your recipe.
Brush your cooking grates clean and adjust your grill for direct, high heat. The best temperature for steaks is 450°F to 500°F. 4. Put your steaks on the grill, close the lid, and set your timer for 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak.
Grilling retains the nutritional value of the steak while at the same time adding distinctive flavors, which most people love. On the other hand, pan-frying requires more oil, but you get a lovely crust on the outside.