With so many different types of beef cuts for grilling out there, selecting just one winner of the age-old cattle battle is no easy feat. Fortunately, you really can’t go wrong with any of them as long as your beef is prepared and cooked properly.
Ask ten grill masters their favorite beef recipe, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. For some, nothing beats the perfect steak. Others swear by classic, flame-kissed burgers, zesty kabobs, or melt-in-your-mouth carne asada.
Simply put, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to the best beef cuts for grilling. Each cut brings something unique to the table, and there are endless ways to make bovine shine. That said, there are some cuts that really pop when grilled.
Skip the skillet, omit the oven, and unleash your inner grill master with these five primo cuts.
1. Ribeye
Often referred to as the king of steaks, ribeyes are super grill-friendly thanks to their rich marbling, high-fat content, and tender cut.
The fat within and around the meat melts during grilling, infusing the steak with flavor and preventing it from drying out during the cooking process. Ribeye is one of the best beef cuts for grilling because it stays juicy even if slightly overcooked.
As the name implies, ribeye steaks are cut from the cow’s primal rib section. Because those muscles don’t get a lot of exercise, the meat is naturally incredibly tender.
Another reason why ribeyes are among the best beef cuts for grilling is their size and thickness. Ribeyes are often cut to a thickness that is perfect for grilling. They are thick enough to develop a nice char on the outside without drying out the inside.
2. T-Bone
A T-bone steak gives you two cuts in one—on side A of the bone is a New York strip, and on side B is filet mignon! T-bones are among the best beef cuts for grilling, specifically because of the bone.
The bone offers a few benefits. It conducts heat so the surrounding meat cooks evenly and retains moisture. It also releases collagen and fat into the meat, and the meat near the bone has more connective tissue, which becomes extra tender when it breaks down.
Like T-bones, porterhouse steaks also come from the short loin area. However, they’re larger and may be seared over the high-heat zone of the grill, and then moved to the “cool” zone for finishing.
3. Skirt
Skirt steaks beg to be seared and sliced—perfect when you’re looking for the best beef cuts for grilling for a large group. A cutting board covered in these juicy morsels will go fast at a backyard BBQ, so bring backups!
Skirt slices are heavenly on their own, but you can also use them to make fantastic sandwiches, fajitas, or any other steak-centric dish that strikes your fancy. Because skirt steaks are relatively thin, they really take on big flavors when seasoned or marinated.
That thin cut also makes skirt steaks one of the most ideal beef cuts for grilling on high heat—getting a crispy, golden-brown crust is a must. As you’ve probably noticed by now, searing the perfect steak is the key to fully unlocking deep, rich flavors, and tender, juicy textures.
4. New York Strip
The New York Strip steak was made to be barbecued. It makes our list of the best beef cuts for grilling because it has the perfect balance. Although lean, it has just enough marbling to give it a rich, meaty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Its slight fat content beautifully caramelizes during grilling, creating a mouthwatering crust that's just irresistible. Plus, it's versatile. Whether you like your steak rare or well-done, the New York Strip always comes out just right, maintaining its juicy goodness.
It's no wonder steak lovers often reach for it. It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those weekend barbecues or a special dinner. Honestly, it's hard to go wrong with a classic New York Strip on the grill!
5. Flat Iron
Flat iron steaks are one of the best beef cuts for grilling on a budget, thanks to their relatively low price tag. But you’re still getting a divine bovine experience through and through.
The meat is tender and marbled with a robust, beefy flavor that’s delicious as-is, seasoned, or marinated. The uniform thickness allows you to fine-tune the cook (we recommend medium-rare).
Taste the Difference with FlavrQ
As you choose beef cuts for grilling, don’t overlook the role of your equipment. The cut of the beef is just one of many factors to consider. How you grill it makes all the difference in the world.
It’s no secret that charcoal grills tend to produce richer flavors that you just can’t get with gas grills, even when working with the best beef cuts for grilling. We changed that. The FlavrQ Grilling System lets you enjoy charcoal-grilled flavor with gas grill convenience!
All you need is the FlavrQ Grid and our patented Charcoal Chips™. The Grid installs in seconds, and the Charcoal Chips™ delivers the flavor you’ve been craving with no permanent modifications to your trusty gas grill.
Beyond flavor, FlavrQ increases your gas grill’s temperature by 100° or more, making it possible to sear your beef (and other foods) to picturesque perfection. It’s also 100% natural, so it’s better for you and the environment.
Teach Your Old Grill New Tricks
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best beef cuts for grilling, it’s time to get back the flavor you gave up so you can fully enjoy every feast. The FlavrQ Starter Kit comes with everything you need besides the grill and the beef.
Our customer reviews say it all—FlavrQ is a game-changer! Once you try these beef cuts for grilling with a FlavrQ-equipped grill, you’ll never go back.
Questions? Check out our How It Works, Dos and Don’ts, and FAQ pages to learn more, or feel free to get in touch. Follow our BBQ blog for more expert grilling tips. Explore our patented grilling system now!