Grilling season is here, and nothing beats the smell of juicy steak sizzling over hot coals. Whether you’re a weekend griller or a backyard chef, choosing the right steak cut can make all the difference in flavor, tenderness, and satisfaction. In this guide, we’ll cover the best steak cuts for BBQ grilling, how to cook steak on the grill like a pro, and tips for getting restaurant-quality results at home.
Why Choosing the Perfect Steak Cuts for Barbecue Matters
The steak cut you choose affects everything—texture, cook time, flavor, and even price. Some cuts are naturally tender, while others need marinades or slow grilling to bring out their best. Knowing which ones to pick helps you avoid chewy, dry, or underwhelming results.
Best Steak Cuts for BBQ Grilling
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and flavorful steaks you should consider for your next barbecue:
1. Ribeye
- Flavor: Rich, juicy, and well-marbled
- Thickness: 1 to 1.5 inches
- Best Cooked: Medium-rare to medium
- Why it’s great: Ribeye has lots of fat marbling, making it one of the most flavorful cuts. It stays juicy even when grilled over high heat.
2. New York Strip (aka Striploin or Kansas City Strip)
- Flavor: Bold, beefy flavor with firm texture
- Thickness: 1 to 1.5 inches
- Best Cooked: Medium-rare to medium
- Why it’s great: This cut has a nice fat edge along one side. It grills evenly and gives you a steakhouse-quality bite at home.
3. Filet Mignon (Tenderloin)
- Flavor: Mild, delicate, and buttery
- Thickness: 1.5 to 2 inches
- Best Cooked: Rare to medium-rare
- Why it’s great: It’s the most tender cut of beef. While it doesn’t have as much fat as ribeye, it’s perfect for special dinners.
4. T-Bone / Porterhouse
- Flavor: A two-in-one: tenderloin and strip steak separated by a T-shaped bone
- Thickness: At least 1.25 inches
- Best Cooked: Medium-rare
- Why it’s great: You get the best of both worlds. Ideal for sharing or for heartier appetites.
5. Flank Steak
- Flavor: Lean, bold flavor
- Thickness: 0.75 to 1 inch
- Best Cooked: Medium-rare
- Why it’s great: This thin cut cooks quickly. Marinate before grilling for added tenderness and taste.
6. Skirt Steak
- Flavor: Very beefy, coarse texture
- Thickness: 0.5 to 1 inch
- Best Cooked: Medium-rare
- Why it’s great: Great for tacos and fajitas. Just remember to slice against the grain.
7. Sirloin
- Flavor: Reasonably beefy, firmer texture
- Thickness: Around 1 inch
- Best Cooked: Medium
- Why it’s great: It’s an affordable option that still packs good flavor.
| Steak Cut | Flavor Profile | Best Cook Temp | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeye | Rich and juicy | Medium-rare | $$$ |
| NY Strip | Bold, firm texture | Medium-rare | $$ |
| Filet Mignon | Mild and tender | Rare | $$$$ |
| T-Bone | Combo of flavors | Medium-rare | $$$ |
| Flank Steak | Lean and bold | Medium-rare | $ |
| Skirt Steak | Beefy, thin | Medium-rare | $ |
| Sirloin | Affordable, firm | Medium | $ |
How to Cook Steak on the Grill the Right Way
No matter which cut you choose, grilling it right is just as important. Follow these easy steps:
1. Let the Meat Reach Room Temperature
Before grilling, leave your steak out for 20-30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
2. Season Well
Use simple ingredients:
- Coarse salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Garlic powder or steak rubs if desired
You can also marinate tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak for 2-4 hours beforehand.
3. Preheat Your Grill
Get your gas or charcoal grill hot—about 450°F to 500°F. High heat gives steaks that perfect sear and crust.
4. Use the Two-Zone Method
Keep one side of the grill hotter than the other. You can sear the steaks on the high-heat side, then move them over to the cooler part to finish.
5. Know Your Times
Here’s a general guide for 1 to 1.5-inch steaks:
- Rare (120-125°F): 2-3 min per side
- Medium-rare (130-135°F): 4-5 min per side
- Medium (140-145°F): 6-7 min per side
Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Don’t guess.
6. Rest Before Serving
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This step lets the juices settle, so they don’t spill out when you cut.
Tips to Make Your Steak Grill-Ready
- Trim excess fat: Prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Oil the grates: Keep your steak from sticking.
- Don’t overflip: Once per side is enough.
- Slice against the grain: Especially for flank and skirt steak. This keeps bites tender.
Top Benefits of Grilling the Right Steak Cut
- Better flavor and texture
- Less guesswork during grilling
- Guests are more impressed (and full!)
- Cuts food waste from failed cooks
- Makes grilling easier and more fun
Extra Tips for Perfect Steak Cuts for Barbecue Success
- Buy thick cuts for better heat control.
- Choose USDA Prime or Choice grades for quality.
- Let steaks dry-brine by salting them a few hours before.
- Use wood chips with charcoal for smoky flavor.
Where to Buy Quality Steak Cuts
You can get quality steaks at local butchers or reputable online stores like Snake River Farms or Crowd Cow. Even Amazon sells gourmet cuts and steaks with great reviews.
Must-Have Grilling Tools
- Instant-read thermometer
- Long-handled tongs
- Grill brush
- Cast iron griddle
- BBQ mitts
Want to go one step up? Check out this popular skillet from Lodge.
Summary: Picking the Best Steak Cuts for BBQ Grilling
Choosing the right cut is key to mastering how to cook steak on the grill. Whether it’s a pricey ribeye or a budget-friendly flank steak, the goal is the same: great taste, ideal doneness, and a steak that’s worth every bite.
Here Are the 5 Keys Again:
- Pick a steak cut that fits your grill plan.
- Let steak warm to room temp.
- Season soon before grilling.
- Use proper heat zones.
- Let it rest before serving.
Get your grill hot, grab your favorite tongs, and showcase your skills with the best steak cuts for BBQ grilling. Your backyard cookout is about to hit the next level.
What’s your go-to steak for grilling? Try one of the cuts above and share your favorite tip with other steak lovers in the comments!