Few meals are as good as the ones with steak in the center of the plate, and when it comes to steak, you have a lot of delicious types to choose from. There’s nothing quite like a thick, delicious porterhouse, New York strip, T-bone, or ribeye steak, and if you’ve ever wondered about the differences between the latter two, you’ve come to the right place. Both ribeyes and T-bones are tender and delicious, but there are a few differences between them, and you’ll soon know just what they are.
Ribeye steak is tender and fatty because it comes from the cow’s rib section – more specifically, the area behind the shoulder and above the cow’s hind legs. Most often, the ribeye comes from a section that is right in between the sixth rib and the twelfth rib. In addition, since the meat comes from muscles located near the cow’s head, the steaks are a little fattier than other types of steaks. This is a very tender cut of steak that is also very easy to cut.
Where Does T-Bone Steak Come From?
T-bone steak is taken from the cow’s short loin section. The reason it’s called a T-bone is because this is what the large bone in the steak is shaped like. It has a small amount of tenderloin and is further away from the head and neck region than it is from the rib section. What that means in practical terms is that a T-bone steak always has less fat than a ribeye steak, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. Indeed, this is still a very tender, juicy piece of steak.
Let’s take a look at some of the differences and similarities between ribeye steaks and T-bone steaks.
Ribeye Steak vs T-bone Steak
The Flavor and Texture
Both ribeye and T-bone steaks are extremely tender and very tasty, but their tastes are still a bit different. Ribeye steaks have a lot of fat and therefore, they create a savory taste when they’re cooked. It is fatty, tender, easy to cut, and has no bone in it. It has such a good flavor and texture that only light seasoning is necessary. Ribeye steaks are usually sold in large chunks and have fat marbling that contributes to its yummy flavor.
On the other hand, T-bone steaks taste like part tenderloin and part filet mignon. They are very meaty and tend to be considered top-of-the-line steaks. In fact, the tenderloin part of the steak is rather thin but very meaty, while the rest of it is very tender. In many ways, a good T-bone steak is separated into two very different tastes, but it is still meaty, tender and delicious all the way through. T-bone steaks are a little meatier than ribeyes and only need light seasoning to taste great.
Levels of Fat
Ribeyes have a lot of fat and fat marbling, which is one of the reasons they are so delicious. Because of this fat, you can cook ribeye steaks in their natural juices and end up with a delicious flavor and a lot of juiciness. Some people, however, dislike the amount of fat found on a ribeye steak. On the other hand, T-bone steaks have less fat but also have a much meatier taste. When it comes to fat content, ribeye steaks come out on top.
How They’re Cooked
Ribeye steaks and T-bone steaks tend to be cooked differently, mostly because they have different fat contents. Ribeye steaks turn out best when you cook them medium-rare. In fact, it’s best not to cook them past medium if you want them to taste right. Cook them for 6-8 minutes on each side for great results, and they taste even better when they’re cooked on a grill. If you follow these tips, your ribeye should have the most juiciness and flavor.
T-bone steaks are excellent when cooked in a skillet. You can cook them on a grill, but they lose some of their natural juices that way. Start by putting cooking oil in the skillet and add the steak once the oil starts to smoke. Then, cook the steak for about 4 minutes on each side, although you should keep in mind that the tenderloin side often cooks faster than the other side. Both ribeyes and T-bones have great tastes and need very little seasoning added to them – a touch of salt and pepper works best!
Which is Better – Ribeye or T-Bone?
The bottom line is, both ribeye steaks and T-bone steaks are excellent cuts of meat that are tender and juicy, so deciding which one tastes best is actually subjective. If you prefer a fattier meat that is more reasonably priced and is perfect for cooking on the grill, you’ll want to choose a ribeye. On the other hand, if you have a special occasion planned, don’t like as much fat as other types of meat, and are willing to pay a little more for the steak, you should choose a T-bone steak.
These steaks are top-notch when it comes to quality and taste. Remember that the T-bone is an expensive cut of meat, so saving it for anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations is a smart thing to do. Nevertheless, both ribeyes and T-bones are super-juicy, tender, and delicious, so you won’t have anything to complain about regardless of which one you choose. To be sure, both of these steaks are exquisite in taste and texture, and choosing one of them is a decision you won’t regret.
Hi, my name is Kunal Sharma, and I am a self-certified foodie. I love everything about food - from its preparation to cooking, raw ingredients to final dishes.
Some people relax by taking a walk outside or painting, but my release from the day is when I get to come home and cook for my wife and kids. Luckily they aren’t fussy eaters, because it’s a different meal every night!
If you are like me and can’t get enough of all things food related, then I invite you to come on a journey through my website.
