Ribeye steak is known for its rich, juicy flavor and texture. It’s a favorite of many grill masters because it stands up to the heat and holds onto moisture better than other cuts of beef.
Unfortunately, ribeye can be quite expensive due to its popularity in restaurants and grocery stores.
If you want that same delicious taste without breaking the bank, there are some great ribeye steak substitutes, such as prime rib steak, filet mignon, sirloin steak, or flank steak.
We’ll dive into these alternatives for steak lovers, so you can find your perfect ribeye substitute and get grilling with confidence this summer season.
What Is Ribeye Steak?
Ribeye steak is a beef cut from the cow’s rib section. It is one of the most popular cuts of steak due to its marbling, which gives it an intense flavor and tender texture. The ribeye is also known as Delmonico or Scotch fillet in some countries.
The ribeye has a distinct fat cap on one side, which helps keep it juicy when cooked. This makes it ideal for grilling or pan-frying over high heat because the fat melts into the meat, creating a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping it moist and juicy inside.
Ribeyes are usually sold bone-in but can be boneless if requested at your local butcher shop or grocery store.
When selecting a rib eye steak, look for steaks with good marbling throughout—the more evenly distributed white flecks throughout each slice mean better flavor and juiciness when cooked.
Also, ensure there’s enough fat around the edges so that you get those delicious crispy bits when searing in a hot skillet or grill grate.
Ribeyes are best served medium rare to medium doneness since they tend to dry out quickly if overcooked beyond this point. They pair well with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, macaroni, cheese, or even buttery garlic bread.
Ribeye steak is a popular beef cut known for its marbling and juicy flavor but can be quite expensive. In this article, we will explore why ribeye steaks are so pricey and what alternatives you can use in place of them.
Why Is Ribeye Steak So Expensive?
Ribeye steak is one of the most popular cuts of beef, and it’s also one of the most expensive. But why? It all comes down to a few factors: marbling, tenderness, flavor, and availability.
Marbling refers to the amount of fat that runs through the meat. Ribeye steaks have more intramuscular fat than other cuts, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful when cooked properly. This extra fat content also helps keep ribeyes tender during cooking so they don’t dry out, as some other cuts can do.
The flavor is another factor in why ribeye steaks are so expensive. The high-fat content gives these steaks an intense flavor that can’t be found in leaner cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Additionally, because ribeyes come from a heavily worked muscle group on the cow (the shoulder), they tend to have deeper flavors than other parts of the animal due to their higher concentration of myoglobin (a protein responsible for giving beef its color).
Finally, availability plays a role in why ribeye steaks cost more than other types of beef. Ribeyes are cut from only about 10% of each carcass, so there’s less supply available than cheaper cuts like chuck roast or brisket that come from larger portions of each cow’s body weight. This limited supply drives up prices as demand increases over time, making it difficult for retailers to keep up with customer demand while still maintaining profitability margins on their products.
Overall, ribeye steak is an incredibly delicious cut that offers great value for money if you’re willing to pay a bit extra for quality ingredients and flavor profiles not found elsewhere in beef production today.
Ribeye steaks are expensive because of their high quality and flavor, but plenty of other steak options can provide a similar experience without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at 7 of the best substitutes for ribeye steak.
7 Best Substitutes For Ribeye
When it comes to grilling steak, ribeye is often the go-to choice. It’s a cut of beef that’s well marbled with fat, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful when cooked. However, this cut of meat can be expensive and hard to find in some areas. Fortunately, there are several types of steak that make great substitutes for ribeye steak.
- Prime Rib Steak
- Filet Mignon
- Sirloin Steak
- Flank Steak
- Beef Tenderloin
- Strip Steak
- Skirt Steak
If you’re looking for an alternative to a ribeye steak, these seven options will satisfy your craving for a delicious meal of tender steak.
1. Prime Rib Steak
A prime rib steak is one of the most sought-after cuts of beef. It’s a large, tender cut that comes from the cow’s rib section and has an intense flavor. The prime rib steak is usually served as a roast or in steaks, but it can also be used for other dishes such as stews and soups.
What Makes Prime Rib Steak Special?
The prime rib steak stands out due to its marbling – small flecks of fat throughout the meat, giving it flavor and making it tender when cooked properly. This makes it ideal for grilling or roasting, as well as braising and stewing. Its rich flavor makes it popular with chefs who are looking to add something special to their menu items.
Why Is Prime Rib Steak So Expensive?
Due to its high quality, prime rib steak is more expensive than other cuts of beef. It’s typically only available at specialty butcher shops or online retailers because they need to source higher-quality cows to get this particular cut of meat.
Additionally, since there’s less yield per cow (only two ribs), prices tend to be higher than other cuts like sirloin or chuck roast, which have larger yields per animal carcass weight.
How To Cook Prime Rib Steak Perfectly?
A prime rib steak is a great option for grilling, and if you’re looking for something similar but with a different flavor profile, then filet mignon may be the perfect substitute.
2. Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is one of the most sought-after cuts of meat. It’s a tender, lean cut that comes from the small end of the beef tenderloin and is prized for its flavor and texture. Filet mignon has become synonymous with luxury dining, often appearing on restaurant menus as an expensive option.
What Is Filet Mignon?
Filet mignon is a French term meaning “dainty fillet” or “delicate filet” in English. It refers to a thick, boneless slice of beef taken from the smaller end of the beef tenderloin.
This part of the cow contains some fat but not much marbling, which makes it more delicate than other cuts like ribeye or strip steak.
The meat itself is quite lean and very tender when cooked properly – making it ideal for grilling or pan-searing over high heat.
Why Is Filet Mignon So Expensive?
Filets are considered premium steaks because they come from such a desirable part of the animal: The short loin section near its back legs where there isn’t much fat content or connective tissue to make them tough to chew through when cooked correctly.
As such, they tend to be pricier than other cuts like sirloin or flank steak since they require more skillful butchering and trimming before being sold at market prices – thus making them costlier per pound compared to their less exclusive counterparts.
How To Cook Filet Mignon?
When preparing your filets for cooking, season generously with salt and pepper before adding any additional herbs or spices if desired; this will help bring out all those delicious flavors during the cooking process.
Additionally, ensure not to leave too much fat on while trimming away excess pieces – this can cause flare-ups on the grill or pan due to increased oil content present in trimmed bits left behind after cutting away larger chunks beforehand.
Filet mignon is a luxurious cut of beef that makes for an excellent ribeye steak substitute. Sirloin steak is another great option for those looking for something slightly different.
3. Sirloin Steak
Sirloin Steak is a classic cut of beef that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s one of the most popular cuts of steak due to its tenderness and flavor.
The sirloin is located in the lower back area of the cow, just above the round and flank steaks. It’s made up of two parts: top sirloin and bottom sirloin, which are separated by a thin line called the “eye” or “medial line.”
Top Sirloin:
This part is more tender than bottom sirloin but not as tender as rib-eye or filet mignon. Top sirloins are usually sold boneless, making them easier to cook on a grill or stovetop without worrying about bones getting in the way. They can be cooked quickly over high heat with minimal seasoning for an excellent steak dinner experience.
Bottom Sirloin:
Bottom sirloins are less expensive than top sirloins but still offer great flavor when cooked properly. These steaks tend to be tougher because they contain more connective tissue, so it’s important to cook them slowly over low heat using moist cooking methods such as braising or stewing for best results.
When grilling any steak, it is important to remember that timing is key. For medium rare doneness, aim for an internal temperature between 130°F – 135°F (54°C – 57°C).
To ensure even cooking throughout your steak, use tongs instead of a fork when flipping your meat on the grill; this will help prevent juices from escaping and drying out your steak during cooking time.
Lastly, let your steaks rest before slicing into them; this will allow all those delicious juices you worked hard at preserving while grilling to stay locked inside each piece until served onto plates.
Sirloin steak is a great substitute for the ribeye steak, offering good flavor and texture. Flank steak is another great alternative that can be used in various recipes.
4. Flank Steak
Flank steak is a popular cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. It’s lean, flavorful, and relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of steak. This makes it an ideal choice for grilling or pan-frying on the stovetop.
Flank steak has a rich flavor and juicy texture when cooked correctly, making it perfect for tacos, fajitas, stir-fries, salads, and more.
However, this cut can become tough and chewy if overcooked or sliced incorrectly. To get the most out of your flank steak, follow these tips:
Choose Wisely:
Flank steaks vary in size, so choose one that fits your needs – usually, 1/2 to 2 pounds will do just fine. Look for steaks with even marbling throughout, as this indicates better flavor and juiciness when cooked properly.
Marinate:
Marinating helps tenderize tougher cuts like a flank steak by breaking down some of its fibers with acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice before cooking it. For best results, marinate overnight, but at least 30 minutes should do the trick.
Slice Against The Grain:
When slicing your finished flank steak, be sure to slice against (or perpendicular) its grain which are long muscle fibers running through each piece – this ensures maximum tenderness when you bite into each piece.
If not done correctly, pieces may become too chewy or stringy after cooking them all together in one big chunk instead of individual slices across their grain lines first.
Flank steaks cook quickly due to their thinness, so keep an eye on them while they’re grilling over high heat – about 4 minutes per side should do it, depending on thicknesses.
Otherwise, they can dry out easily if left too long without flipping regularly during cooking time.
Also, remember not to press down hard with tongs while flipping as this will squeeze out any juices inside, making them less flavorful than desired once served up hot off the grill plate, ready for eating enjoyment afterward.
Flank steak is a great substitute for ribeye steaks, offering a leaner cut of beef with bold flavor.
5. Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is one of the most sought-after cuts of steak. It’s prized for its tenderness, flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The cut comes from the short loin section between a cow’s sirloin and rib. This part is known to produce some of the most desirable steaks due to its lack of fat or connective tissue.
What makes beef tenderloin so special?
First off, it’s incredibly lean with little fat marbling throughout, giving it an almost buttery taste when cooked correctly.
Secondly, because there are no bones in this cut, you get more meat per pound than other steaks like ribeye or strip steak.
Lastly, beef tenderloin has very little connective tissue making it extremely easy to chew and digest compared to tougher cuts like flank steak or skirt steak that require longer cooking times and higher heat levels for optimal results.
When shopping for beef tenderloin at your local grocery store or butcher shop, look for bright red with minimal fat marbling throughout and a good amount of moisture still present on the surface before purchasing.
You can also ask your butcher if they have any “prime grade” beef available, which will be even more flavorful than regular grade selections but may cost slightly more money per pound depending on where you live in relation to availability in your area.
Beef tenderloin is an excellent ribeye steak substitute, offering a juicy and flavorful cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection.
6. Strip Steak
Strip steak, also known as New York strip or Kansas City strip steak, is a popular cut of beef that comes from the short loin.
It’s considered one of the most tender and flavorful steaks available. The meat is usually well-marbled with fat, giving it an intense flavor and juicy texture when cooked correctly.
The name “strip” comes from its shape – long and flat like a strip of bacon. Strip steaks are usually 1 to 2 inches thick and can weigh anywhere between 8 to 24 ounces each.
They’re best served medium rare to medium, so they remain tender and juicy on the inside while still having a nice char on the outside.
When buying strip steak at your local butcher shop or grocery store, look for cuts that have good marbling throughout – this will ensure you get maximum flavor out of your steak when cooking it.
You should also ensure there aren’t any large pieces of fat running through the middle, as these can be difficult to cook evenly without burning them off first.
When preparing your strip steak for grilling, season generously with salt and pepper before placing it over direct heat on your grill grate or in a cast iron skillet over high heat until desired doneness is reached (about 4 minutes per side for medium rare).
Be sure not to overcook, as this will dry out the meat quickly. Once done cooking, let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips for serving alongside sides such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.
Strip steaks are perfect for those looking for an intensely flavored cut that doesn’t require much effort in preparation but still packs plenty of punch when cooked properly.
Whether you choose to serve them up solo or pair them with some delicious sides, you’ll be sure to enjoy every bite.
Strip steak is a great substitute for ribeye, offering similar flavor and texture at a lower price point.
7. Skirt Steak
Skirt Steak is a cut of beef that comes from the plate primal, located beneath the rib and above the flank. It’s an incredibly flavorful cut of meat with a deep beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked correctly.
Skirt steak has long been used in Mexican cuisine for dishes like fajitas, but it can also be enjoyed in many other ways.
Flavor Profile
The skirt steak has a strong, beefy flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings like garlic, cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika. The intense flavor makes it perfect for marinating to add even more depth of flavor to your dish.
Texture
When cooked properly, skirt steak should have a nice balance between tenderness and chewiness. If overcooked, it will become tough and chewy; if undercooked, it will be too soft and mushy.
To achieve optimal results cook over high heat until just done – about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare – then let rest before slicing against the grain into thin strips or cubes.
Uses
Skirt steak is best suited for quick cooking methods such as grilling or pan-frying since its thin shape allows it to cook quickly without drying out too much.
It’s also great for tacos, burritos, or stir-fries where you want big chunks of juicy meat without waiting hours on end while slow-roasting something else.
Additionally, skirt steaks are often used in restaurants for their affordability compared to other cuts of beef, making them ideal for large gatherings or parties where you need lots of food at once.
FAQs in Relation to Ribeye Steak Substitute
How should I season a ribeye steak substitute?
For the most flavorful steak substitute, season the meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before cooking. For even more flavor, try adding fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme right before cooking.
What are some side dish ideas for ribeye steak substitutes?
Some delicious side dishes to pair with ribeye substitutes include roasted potatoes, sautéed veggies, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, grilled asparagus, and various salads.
What is the best way to store leftovers of ribeye steak substitutes?
Once the steak has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat leftovers, ensure they are thawed (if frozen) before popping them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Are there any vegetarian or vegan substitutes for ribeye steak?
Yes! Some great vegetarian or vegan alternatives to ribeye steak are seitan steaks, tempeh steaks, and mushroom steaks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ribeye steak is a delicious and expensive cut of beef that can be hard to come by.
However, several great substitutes for ribeye steak will provide the same juicy flavor without breaking the bank.
Prime rib steak, filet mignon, sirloin steak, flank steak, beef tenderloin, strip steak, and skirt steaks are all excellent ribeye alternatives when looking for a quality substitute.
No matter which option you choose from this list of ribeye steak substitutes, your taste buds won’t be disappointed.
