The T-bone steak is one of the most recognizable cuts of beef available at any steakhouse. This impressive cut combines two cuts of meat separated by a T-shaped bone. In this guide, we have compiled the most important facts about the T-bone steak, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What Is T-bone Steak?
T-bone steak is a cut that comes from the short loin area and features two steaks in one, separated by a distinctive T-shaped bone. On one side of the cut is a New York strip, while on the other is the tenderloin. The New York strip has a bold beef flavor and medium tenderness, while the tenderloin is extremely tender with a very mild beef flavor. These two cuts create a great combination that offers an exciting culinary experience.
Other Names for T-bone Steak
The shape of the bone that runs throughout the T-bone steak has made it so distinctive that people have associated it with names that refer to this shape. Thus, T-bone steak is most commonly known by the following names:
- Loin
- T-Bone
- Porterhouse (Note: In the U.S., calling a T-bone steak a Porterhouse is a mistake)
Where is the T-bone Steak on a Cow?
The T-bone steak comes from 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.
It’s worth noting that the loin area is where strip steak, tenderloin steak, and porterhouse steak come from – these are some of the best cuts of steak in terms of flavor and tenderness.
T-bone Steak Nutrition
| Nutrition | Portion size: 3 oz = 85 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 17.9 g |
| Protein | 20.6 g |
| Zinc | 3.42 mg |
| Potassium | 204 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.563 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.52 µg |
Nutrition facts based on cooked 3-oz t-bone steak (choice-grade).
Data source: USDA.
Buying T-bone Steak
While supermarkets and grocery stores may have T-bone steaks available, the quality of those cuts may not be the best. A local butcher is a good place to buy a high-quality cut of T-bone steak, especially if you prefer to choose the beef grade and the thickness of the cut.
If, on the other hand, there is no good butcher store in your area, you can take advantage of the wide range of online meat delivery companies available. We recommend this option, especially if you want high-quality meat like wagyu beef. Below are a few vendors worth considering:
- Snake River Farms
- Porter Road
- Crowd Cow
- Holy Grail Steak
T-Bone Steak Cooking Techniques
These are the four most popular methods of cooking a T-bone steak.
- Grilling: Grilling a steak on the grill remains one of the most popular methods, especially for larger cuts like a T-bone steak, because it imparts a smoky flavor and creates a crispy crust on the outside.
- Pan Searing: Cooking on the stovetop provides a nice crust and requires only a quality skillet (preferably a cast iron skillet).
- Sous-Vide: Sous-vide cooking steak offers advantages such as consistent cooking, convenience, and versatility, making it a popular choice for achieving perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy meat.
- Oven Reverse Searing Cooking: You can use an oven and an iron skillet, or adapt the method for a grill, to slow-cook your steak using this technique.
T-Bone Steak FAQs
Is t-bone steak good?
T-bone steak is a great option for those who appreciate flavorful and tender cuts, as it offers a combination of two great cuts – new york strip and filet mignon – with one dominating in terms of beefy flavor and the other in terms of tenderness. While the price can be a downside, it is still a great option for a special occasion or for sharing between two people.
Is t-bone steak expensive?
T-bone steak is considered a premium cut, similar to ribeye or filet mignon. It is typically one of the most expensive beef cuts due to its size, weight, and popularity, as well as the tenderness and flavor of the meat.
What’s the difference between a t-bone and a porterhouse steak?
Many people confuse the t-bone steak with the porterhouse, but their size is the main difference between the two cuts. The porterhouse steak has a larger tenderloin section compared to the t-bone steak. For more details, refer to our article on Porterhouse vs. T-Bone Steak.
Discover Other Beef Cuts
Take a look at other cuts of beef that are similar to t-bone steak, especially the first three on this list, which also come from the loin area: