Steak cuts are worth learning for any steak lover, because the specific cut of meat you order or prepare will have a big impact on your enjoyment of it. For example, if you have a delicate tenderloin or filet steak in mind, you might be less likely to enjoy a juicy porterhouse steak.
To some people, the names and characteristics of these various cuts are second nature - and if a steakhouse is your favorite place to eat out, you've probably sampled them all! Some of us are relative novices, however, and knowing what the basic cuts are like will simplify your shopping and restaurant ordering.
The porterhouse, already mentioned, used to be one of the most popular steak cuts. Nowadays, with our emphasis on lean beef, some people tend to find it a bit too fatty. For others, though, it hits the spot - and it might be the only steak cut that will truly satisfy. This is a thick, juicy steak for hearty appetites or for sharing.
The sirloin steak is also among the most popular steak cuts, characterised by a large wedge of bone. Somewhat leaner than the porterhouse, the sirloin steak is nonetheless large, thick and satisfying. Legend has it that this steak got its name when King Henry VIII (who had a healthy appreciation of both food and drink) enjoyed his joint of meat so much that he knighted it, saying "Arise sir loin"! Most likely, though, this is no more than a colorful story; the French "sur loin" means "above the loin", which is precisely where this cut of meat comes from.
Those with more delicate appetites might wish to try different steak cuts, such as a club steak or a filet. A club steak comes from the short, rib end of the loin, while a filet is removed from the loin at the very beginning, before any other steak cuts are made. A filet is therefore boneless and thin, and can be very tender. This might be a good choice for people who don't eat much meat, but want to enjoy a steak for a change of pace.
Of course, the filet mignon (also called a tenderloin steak) is, as the name implies, an exceptionally tender, delicate steak - it can also be rather high end in terms of price!
Meat and Potatoes
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