Porterhouse vs T bone: Which Steak Is Right for You?
We’re going to compare the porterhouse and the t-bone steak.
Both the porterhouse and the t bone come from the short loin and include a “T-shaped” bone with meat on each side.
The porterhouse is cut from the rear end of the short loin and includes more tenderloin steak, while the t-bone is cut closer to the front and contains a smaller section of tenderloin.
Strictly from a visual perspective, that is the biggest difference. The Porterhouse includes two custs, both the tenderloin filet and new york strip steak. The Porterhouse is larger.
The T-Bone has a much smaller serving of tenderloin.
Size Difference Between T-Bone and Porterhouse:
The porterhouse steak is a larger steak than the t-bone.
A porterhouse steak can weigh up to 24 ounces, while a t-bone typically weighs between 12 and 16 ounces.
Additionally, the porterhouse steak will have a larger section of tenderloin compared to the t-bone.
Visual Comparison: Porterhouse vs T Bone
Below is a picture of a porterhouse steak: you can see how the filet side is about the size of a fist.
Below is a picture of a t bone steak: you can see how the filet side is much smaller compared to the porterhouse.
Taste Difference:
The porterhouse will have a richer flavor than the t-bone because it contains more marbling (fat) throughout the meat.
The extra fat in the porterhouse also means that it will be more tender than the t-bone. Porterhouse steaks are more tender than t-bone because they have a higher ratio of tenderloin to strip steak.
T-bone steaks have less fat overall, but since the strip steak portion is on one side of the bone, it can sometimes taste dry.
Nutritional Difference Between T-Bone and Porterhouse:
Porterhouse steaks are going to be a little higher in calories and fat than t-bones. This is because porterhouses contain a larger section of tenderloin, which is a fattier piece of meat.
However, both porterhouses and t-bones are excellent sources of protein, iron, and zinc.
A porterhouse steak that weighs 24 ounces can contain up to 1200 calories and 80 grams of fat, while a t-bone steak of the same size will have about 1000 calories and 60 grams of fat.
If you’re looking to save some calories or you’re cooking for one or two people, then the t-bone might be a better option.
Price Difference Between T-Bone and Porterhouse:
Porterhouses are going to be more expensive than t-bones, simply because they are a larger steak and they contain more tenderloin.
You can expect to pay about $20-$30 per pound for a porterhouse, while t-bones will be around $15-$20 per pound.
USDA PRIME porterhouses can even cost upwards of $50 per pound.
Best Way To Cook A T-Bone Steak:
T-bone steaks can be cooked using either wet or dry heat methods, but since they have less marbling, they should not be cooked past medium-rare to avoid drying out the steak.
The best way to cook a T-bone steak is by using the reverse sear method.
Best Way to Cook a Porterhouse Steak:
Porterhouse steaks are best cooked using dry heat methods such as grilling, broiling, or baking. Grilling or broiling porterhouse steaks should be done on medium-rare to avoid drying out the steak.
When cooking a porterhouse steak, you’ll want to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness this is especially helpful with porterhouses and steaks that are at least 1.25 inches thick.
For a medium-rare porterhouse steak, cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
For a medium-rare t-bone steak, cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Location of Porterhouse Steak On the Cow:
Porterhouse steaks are cut from the rear end of the short loin, which is located in the center of the cow between the rib and sirloin primal cuts.
Location of T-bone Steak On the Cow:
T-bone steaks are cut closer to the front of the short loin, just behind where the porterhouse steak is cut.
Let’s take a final look! T Bone Vs Porterhouse
So, which one should you choose?
The porterhouse steak is a great choice if you’re looking for a tender, juicy steak. The extra tenderloin makes this steak one of the most popular choices at steakhouses.
The T-Bone Steak is the winner if you’re looking for a steak with more flavor. The smaller section of tenderloin means that there’s more room for the delicious strip steak flavor to shine through.
If you want a tender, juicy steak, go for the porterhouse. If you’re looking for a steak with lots of flavor, go for the t-bone.
Happy cooking!