The Ribeye steak is one of the most popular beef cuts worldwide. Highly prized for its unique flavor and tender texture, it enjoys an excellent reputation on a global scale. Allow me to guide you through the essential information about the Ribeye steak.
What is a Ribeye Steak?
A ribeye steak (rib eye, rib steak) is a premium cut of beef from the rib area. Renowned for its high-fat content, tenderness, and rich flavor, the ribeye ranks among the most sought-after beef cuts. Ribeye steak is available in bone-in or boneless versions; when the bone is left in, it’s commonly referred to as rib steak.
What makes a ribeye steak unique is its composition. It consists primarily of a long, tender muscle called the longissimus dorsi, which extends from the hip to the shoulder. Since this muscle doesn’t see as much use as others, it maintains a superior level of tenderness. Additionally, the longissimus dorsi contains a significant amount of fat, contributing to the steak’s characteristic flavor and juiciness.
What Are the Other Names for Ribeye Steak?
Here are some of the most popular other names for the ribeye steak:
- Rib eye steak
- Rib steak
- Ribeye roll steak
- Delmonico steak
- Beauty steak
- Spencer
- Market steak
- Entrecôte (French)
- Scotch fillet (Australia and New Zealand)
Please bear in mind that the term “Delmonico steak” has historically been used to refer to various cuts of beef, and in some places, it may not exclusively represent ribeye steak.
Where Does a Ribeye Steak Come From on a Cow?
The ribeye steak comes from the area of ribs on a cow, located behind the chuck and in front of the loin (it covers the region from the 5-6th to the 12-13th rib).
Ribeye Steak Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Portion size: 3 oz = 85 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 225 |
| Total Fat | 14.3 g |
| Protein | 22.6 g |
| Zinc | 4.07 mg |
| Potassium | 277 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.451 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.49 µg |
Data source: USDA.
Where to Buy Ribeye Steak?
You can easily find ribeye steaks at most supermarkets. However, for those seeking higher-quality cuts, I advise you to visit a reputable butcher shop. Alternatively, you can explore the offerings of online butcher stores, which often provide top-notch cuts of beef. For instance, Snake River Farms offers American Wagyu, and Crowd Cow features not just American but also Japanese, Australian, and Olive Wagyu steaks. If you’re seeking something special, it’s worth taking the time to browse a few different stores.
Below is a list of tried-and-true, highly respected online steak delivery services.
- Snake River Farms
- Crowd Cow
- Wild Fork Foods
- Porter Road
- Grand Western Steaks
Is Ribeye Steak Tender or Tough?
When ranking steak cuts in terms of tenderness, the tenderloin comes first, followed by the flat iron in second place, and ribeye ranks third. Thus, based on these rankings, it is clear that ribeye is one of the most tender cuts of steak you can find.
What Does Ribeye Steak Taste Like?
Each bite of ribeye delivers a rich, robust beef flavor and a wonderfully juicy, tender texture that leads many to rank ribeye as the best steak. Remember that the grade of the cut plays a significant role in determining its taste, as it can contain a generous amount of marbling, which enhances the meat’s distinct flavor and juiciness.
The ribeye is undoubtedly one of the most flavorful cuts of beef available. If you haven’t yet experienced the taste of a ribeye steak, I highly recommend doing so as soon as possible.
What is the Average Length and Weight of a Ribeye Steak?
The average length of a ribeye steak is between 6 and 7 inches (15 to 18 cm), depending on the cut. If the steak is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick, it typically weighs around 15 oz. (425 grams). I recommend a thickness of 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.1 cm) for ribeye steaks.
Does Ribeye Have a Bone?
Yes. A ribeye can either come bone-in or boneless, according to your preference. If it contains a bone, it’s frequently referred to as a rib steak. If it features a long bone, it’s known as a tomahawk steak, whereas a ribeye with a medium-length bone is known as a cowboy steak.
Interestingly, bone-in ribeye steaks are more popular at steakhouses than at grocery stores.
Is Bone-in Ribeye Better Than Boneless?
No, in terms of taste, there is no difference between a bone-in or boneless ribeye. The difference lies in the cooking process; the bone in steak acts as an insulator, causing the meat near the bone to cook slower than the rest of the steak. As a result, the portion of the steak near the bone tends to be less cooked than the rest.
However, I understand that the presentation of a bone-in steak is much more enjoyable. That’s why you often find bone-in ribeye steaks featured in restaurants, steakhouses, or special lunch and dinner menus.
Is Ribeye Steak Expensive?
Yes, the ribeye steak falls into the category of more expensive cuts of beef. Its price can vary from a few dozen dollars to several hundred, especially for premium options like wagyu ribeye steak. The cost is impacted by various factors, with the grade of beef playing a significant role. Additionally, the location and the vendor from whom you purchase the steak also contribute to its overall price.
How Many Calories are in Ribeye Steak?
The number of calories in ribeye steak varies depending on the specific cut and its level of marbling. For instance, a 15 oz (425 grams) grilled choice-grade ribeye steak contains approximately 893 calories (source).
Is Ribeye Pork or Beef?
Ribeye is most often associated with beef. However, the term ‘ribeye’ can also apply to pork, such as in the instances of ‘Ribeye pork chops’ or ‘pork ribeye steak’.