Back to Basics: Best Steak for Grilling: New York Strip vs Ribeye

April 22, 2023

At Texas Beef Company, we know not everyone is an expert chef, so we’ve launched a back-to-basics cooking series for aspiring grill masters. From the best steak for grilling to mixing up delicious marinades, these articles will help you build confidence and develop your outdoor cooking skills. 

In this edition, we’ll discuss the best steak for grilling: Ribeyes and New York Strips. These are two of the most popular cuts for beef lovers. They have many similarities but also some crucial differences. Let’s get started!

Best Steak for Grilling: Ribeyes vs New York Strips – Similarities and Differences

Since beginners have trouble telling ribeyes and New York strips apart, let’s start with a quick review of their similarities and differences. 

First, both cuts are roughly the same size and shape, making them nearly identical at first glance. But upon further inspection, the ribeye comprises two distinct sections, but the strip is made up of three.  

Second, these are the best steak for grilling because the ribeye and the strip are richly marbled and deliver big beefy flavors. That being said, ribeyes tend to have more extensive deposits of interior fat, whereas stips are leaner in the middle with a large fat cap along the side.

Speaking of flavor, the extra internal fat in the ribeye makes it richer and more tender than the New York Strip, which has a firmer texture. This is not to say that a properly cooked New York strip is tough. In fact, many people prefer it. It’s just not quite as velvety as a ribeye.

Lastly, both steaks are popular and easy to find at any grocery store. Still, if you want the best quality for your family, we recommend trying our very own Premium Quality Texas Beef Ribeyes and New York Strips. They’re grass-fed, grain-finished, and always hormone and steroid-free. Life’s short, Eat Better Beef! 

Best Steak for Grilling: How to Cook Ribeyes and New York Strips

As we said, both New York strips and ribeyes are very well-marbled. This means they have many small fat veins running through them. This fat makes these the best steak for grilling and gives them their signature juiciness.

With all this flavor already built in, creating a delicious meal with either cut doesn’t take much. Simply season with salt and pepper or one of our Texas Beef Company Signature Rubs, and grill over high heat for a few minutes per side or until reaching your desired doneness. It’s that easy!

Here are some more detailed steps:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.

2. Generously season your Premium Quality Texas Beef Ribeye or New York Strip using salt and pepper or one of our Texas Beef Company Signature Rubs. 

3. Grill the beef for 3 – 6 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired temperature. That’s 125 F for rare, 135 F for medium rare, 145 F for medium, and 150 F for medium well.

4. Don’t forget to rest your meat for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the cut, keeping each bite moist and delicious.

Pro Tip:

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Don’t risk overcooking! 

Best Steak for Grilling: Now It’s Your Turn!

Now that you understand the similarities, differences, and how to cook ribeyes and New York strips, which one will you try first? Each has pros and cons, but here’s the good news: you can’t go wrong. These are the best steak for grilling for a reason. Both are full of flavor and can satisfy any meat lover’s cravings. 

Just remember: 

• To keep steaks tender, cook them hot and fast, then slowly zero in on your desired temperature.

• The high-fat content of ribeyes and New York strips can cause fiery flare-ups, so try using a “two-zone grilling” method, where you can sear the steak on high and then finish it on medium. 

Check us out! We offer grass-fed, grain-finished, sustainably raised bulk beef and Premium Quality custom beef boxes. Each one is chock-full of all your favorite cuts. We also have tons of Texas Beef Company merchandise. Show the world that you Eat Better Beef!