Porterhouse steak enjoys a fantastic reputation among meat lovers and is one of the most popular steaks in fine steakhouses worldwide. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about porterhouse steak, including answers to frequently asked questions like where on the cow it comes from, why it’s expensive, and why it is one of the most challenging steaks to cook.
What Is Porterhouse Steak?
A Porterhouse steak is a premium steak cut from the cow’s short loin. It is often referred to as a two-in-one steak because it combines a strip cut and a tenderloin cut, divided by a T-shaped bone. Porterhouse offers a unique flavor profile, combining the tenderness of the tenderloin with the rich, beefy flavor of a strip steak. With its generous size, a porterhouse steak makes an ideal shareable meal for two.
Other Names for Porterhouse Steak
The Porterhouse steak does not have many other commonly known names. Sometimes, you may come across it referred to as the king steak, although this is quite rare.
Many people often mistake the Porterhouse for a T-bone steak. Both cuts come from the short loin section of a cow, and each includes a “T-shaped” bone with meat on either side. However, the main difference between the two cuts is the size of the filet (tenderloin) portion. The tenderloin section of the porterhouse is wider than that of the t-bone.
I invite you to check my Porterhouse vs. T-Bone steak article for a side-by-side comparison and a visual understanding.
Where Is the Porterhouse Steak on a Cow?
A porterhouse steak comes from the rear area of the short loin section of the cow, which is part of the larger loin primal cut found on the animal’s back between the ribs and the sirloin.
Porterhouse Steak Nutrition
| Nutrition | Portion size: 3 oz = 85 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 241 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16.8 g |
| Protein | 21.1 g |
| Zinc | 3.48 mg |
| Potassium | 217 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.558 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.71 µg |
Data source: USDA.
Buying Porterhouse Steak
Porterhouse is one of the best cuts of beef, so it’s readily available even in supermarkets. However, when purchasing this type of steak, it is crucial to ensure it meets specific criteria. Ideally, it should be at least 1.5 inches thick and have a good amount of marbling. While your local butcher store may offer a wide selection, if you’re looking for something unique or have limited options in your area, online butcher shops can be a way better alternative.
Butcher shops available online are an excellent option for highly graded steaks with home delivery. Below, I have listed for you a few tried-and-true retailers:
- Snake River Farms
- Crowd Cow
- Porter Road
- Holy Grail Steak
Porterhouse Steak Cooking Techniques
The best methods for cooking a porterhouse steak involve using either a grill or a broiler. Both methods offer better temperature control than a pan, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cook. For beginners, I do not recommend pan-searing as it can be more difficult to control the temperature and achieve the desired level of steak doneness.
Pan-searing a porterhouse steak can be challenging for inexperienced cooks because the steak consists of two distinct cuts on either side of the bone. During cooking, the meat tends to shrink, which can cause the bone to stick out and prevent perfect contact with the pan surface. Additionally, the tenderloin section, which has less fat content, cooks faster than the strip steak, making it difficult to achieve optimal doneness for both cuts simultaneously.
FAQs
Is porterhouse steak good?
Without a doubt, the porterhouse steak is a very delicious two-in-one steak. The strip section boasts a robust flavor and juiciness. On the other hand, the tenderloin section, although leaner, is the most tender cut and can melt in your mouth when cooked to perfection. As you can see, the combination of the two cuts in a porterhouse steak gives the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Due to its size, a porterhouse steak is an excellent option, even for two people. Although it has a higher price tag, its exceptional presentation and taste make it a popular choice for special occasions. If you enjoy a tender and juicy steak with a beefy flavor that looks impressive, you will not be disappointed with a porterhouse steak.
What is the width of the filet portion in a porterhouse steak?
According to the USDA, the filet portion of a porterhouse steak must be at least 1.25 inches wide. However, it typically measures about 2 inches.
What is the average length and weight of a porterhouse steak?
On average, a porterhouse steak measures about 8 inches in length. However, the actual length of the meat is shorter because of the bone within the steak. In terms of weight, a porterhouse can range from 1.5 to 3 lbs, depending on how thickly it’s trimmed.
Is porterhouse steak expensive?
Yes, the porterhouse is one of the more expensive cuts of steak because it includes two premium cuts in one. Each porterhouse consists of a strip steak and a tenderloin, with a bone separating them. Additionally, the size of the steak itself makes a big difference – the average porterhouse steak weighs about 1.5 to 3 lbs. For this reason, many steakhouses recommend one porterhouse steak for two people.
What’s the difference between ribeye and a porterhouse steak?
One of the most significant differences between ribeye and porterhouse steak is their origin. Ribeye is a single cut taken from the rib’s primal, whereas porterhouse is made up of two steaks – the strip and the tenderloin – both from the loin primal. While both cuts are considered premium, ribeye is known for its generous marbling. In terms of flavor profile, the porterhouse offers a richer taste experience thanks to the tenderloin’s tenderness and the strip’s beefy flavor. Another advantage of ribeye is its ease of cooking. As for prices per pound, they are similar for both cuts, as they are considered premium options.
In conclusion, I prefer ribeye as an everyday steak, but I would choose porterhouse for special occasions. To learn why I think ribeye is the better choice for inexperienced cooks, check out my article on porterhouse vs. ribeye.
Discover Other Beef Cuts
Feel free to explore other cuts similar in flavor or tenderness to the porterhouse steak. Here are my suggestions: