In this guide, we will explore some of the best premium BBQ steaks, the characteristics that make them stand out, and tips on how to grill them to perfection. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned grill master, understanding the cuts and techniques involved in grilling premium BBQ steaks will help you take your outdoor cooking to the next level.
Understanding Premium BBQ Steaks
Premium BBQ steaks are generally high-quality cuts of beef that offer exceptional tenderness, flavor, and juiciness. The term "premium" typically refers to steaks with superior marbling, which contributes to the steak’s flavor and texture. Marbling refers to the thin streaks of fat within the muscle fibers of the meat. These fats melt during cooking, infusing the meat with rich flavors while keeping it moist and tender. Additionally, premium BBQ steaks often come from the most tender muscles in the cow, resulting in cuts that require less effort to chew.
In the United States, steaks are graded by the USDA, and the highest grade is USDA Prime, which is the best option for those looking for an indulgent grilling experience. Other high-quality grades include Choice and Select, which are also great choices for BBQ lovers.
Popular Premium BBQ Steaks
There are many cuts of beef to choose from when selecting premium BBQ steaks, each with its own unique qualities and grilling requirements. Below are some of the most popular cuts that you’ll want to consider for your next BBQ.
1. Ribeye: The King of BBQ Steaks
The ribeye steak is one of the most beloved and well-known premium cuts. It is prized for its rich marbling and bold beefy flavor. Ribeyes are cut from the rib section of the cow and often feature generous streaks of fat, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful when grilled. Whether bone-in or boneless, ribeyes are perfect for BBQ because of their rich flavor and tenderness.
Why Ribeye is Ideal for BBQ
The marbling in a ribeye steak ensures that the fat renders beautifully, creating a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the meat moist and tender inside. The combination of flavor, tenderness, and juiciness makes ribeye steaks a BBQ favorite. They can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, or dressed up with marinades or dry rubs for added complexity.
Ribeye steaks are best cooked over high heat for a quick sear, making them the ideal choice for grilling on a hot barbecue. The rich flavor and tenderness of ribeye steaks are perfect when cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness.
2. Filet Mignon: The Tender Classic
If you’re looking for a steak that is incredibly tender and delicate, filet mignon is the cut for you. This steak is cut from the tenderloin, a muscle that does not do much work, which results in its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. While it is leaner compared to other cuts like ribeye or New York strip, filet mignon is prized for its tenderness and mild flavor.
Why Filet Mignon is Ideal for BBQ
Though it lacks the marbling of other cuts, filet mignon is incredibly tender, which is why it’s often considered the "best" steak for those who prioritize texture above all. Filet mignon is best when grilled quickly over high heat, as it cooks faster than other cuts due to its leanness.
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is often enough to enhance the natural flavors of the filet mignon. If you want to add a little extra richness, wrapping the filet in bacon before grilling is a popular choice, as it adds a smoky flavor and helps keep the steak moist.
3. New York Strip: The Beefy Favorite
The New York strip steak, also known as the Kansas City strip, is another premium BBQ cut known for its bold flavor and tender texture. Cut from the short loin of the cow, it is less fatty than ribeye but still offers a good amount of marbling for a juicy and flavorful steak.
Why New York Strip is Ideal for BBQ
The New York strip is well-known for its beefy flavor, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a steak with a stronger taste. While it doesn't have as much fat as a ribeye, the marbling is sufficient to keep the steak juicy and flavorful when grilled. New York strips are easy to cook and require less preparation compared to other cuts, making them a great choice for beginners and experts alike.
The New York strip is perfect when grilled to medium-rare or medium doneness, as this ensures that the steak stays juicy without becoming overly dry.
4. T-Bone and Porterhouse: Two Steaks in One
The T-bone and porterhouse steaks are two cuts that offer the best of both worlds: a tenderloin filet and a strip steak, both separated by a bone. While they are similar, the key difference is that the porterhouse steak has a larger portion of the tenderloin than the T-bone.
Why T-Bone and Porterhouse are Ideal for BBQ
Both the T-bone and porterhouse are excellent cuts for grilling because they provide a variety of textures and flavors in one steak. On one side of the bone, you have the New York strip, which is rich and beefy, while the other side features the tender, mild filet mignon.
Grilling a T-bone or porterhouse requires a bit more attention to ensure both sides cook evenly. These steaks are great for BBQs because they are large enough to feed one person or be shared among multiple guests.
5. Tomahawk Steak: The Ultimate Showstopper
The tomahawk steak is a ribeye cut with the bone left long, creating an impressive "axe-like" appearance. This cut is often referred to as a bone-in ribeye but is characterized by its long bone, which can be several inches long. The tomahawk steak is often the centerpiece of any BBQ, drawing attention with its dramatic presentation.
Why Tomahawk is Ideal for BBQ
The tomahawk steak offers all the rich, juicy flavor of a ribeye, but with the added flair of its impressive bone. The bone itself is Frenched, meaning that the meat is trimmed off to expose the bone, which makes for an eye-catching presentation. Tomahawks are often cooked to a medium-rare or medium doneness to preserve their tenderness and flavor.
Cooking a tomahawk steak requires a combination of high heat to sear the outside and indirect heat to cook the inside. Because of its size, it’s best to cook the tomahawk over a two-zone grill setup to ensure even cooking.
Grilling Tips for Premium BBQ Steaks
Grilling premium BBQ steaks requires some knowledge of cooking techniques to ensure the steaks are cooked to perfection. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your premium cuts:
1. Preheat Your Grill
Before placing your steaks on the grill, make sure the grill is properly preheated. A hot grill will help achieve that perfect sear on the outside while locking in the juices. Whether you are using a charcoal or gas grill, let it reach the desired temperature before adding the steaks.
2. Seasoning Matters
For most premium BBQ steaks, simple seasoning is best. A generous amount of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper will enhance the natural flavor of the meat. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or a light marinade to complement the steak’s flavor, but be careful not to overwhelm the natural taste of the meat.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
To achieve the perfect doneness, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. Here’s a general guide for desired doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium-well: 150-155°F
- Well done: 160°F and above
4. Rest the Meat
After grilling, let your steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak. Cutting into the steak too soon can cause the juices to run out, leaving you with a drier cut.
5. Sear Then Move to Indirect Heat
For thicker cuts like tomahawk or porterhouse, sear the steak over direct heat for a few minutes per side to create a crust, and then move it to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking using indirect heat. This method helps maintain a tender, juicy steak without burning the outside.
Conclusion
Grilling premium BBQ steaks is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience high-quality beef. Whether you prefer the rich marbling of a ribeye, the tenderness of a filet mignon, or the robust flavor of a New York strip, there is a steak for every palate. With the right cuts and techniques, your BBQ experience can be taken to new heights, ensuring that every guest enjoys a delicious and memorable meal.
So fire up the grill, pick your favorite premium BBQ steaks, and enjoy the rich, mouthwatering flavors that only a perfectly grilled steak can provide.