Choosing a porterhouse vs ribeye steak is…hard.
The age-old question is: Which steak is the premier cut? Ribeye or Porterhouse? Either choice is a high-quality, delicious piece of meat. But which one is the best?
What’s the difference between a porterhouse and a ribeye? Let’s compare both of these cuts and see which one comes out on top!
First, some schooling on good meat…
What is a porterhouse steak?
The porterhouse is a cut of meat from the cow’s T-bone. The cut is a mix of strip loin and filet mignon, making it a bit smaller than the ribeye.
What is a ribeye steak?
The ribeye is from the cow’s rib section and is primarily rib meat. Because of this, the porterhouse tends to be more tender than the ribeye.
What are the main differences?
A porterhouse cut is larger than a ribeye and includes two types of steak: strip steak and filet mignon.
Conversely, the ribeye is a single-strip steak, so it’s smaller than the porterhouse. The porterhouse is a bit more tender. The ribeye is juicier and has a stronger beef flavor.
A ribeye will also have more marbling and is thus more flavorful than the porterhouse. The ribeye’s main positive trait is its flavor, which is a result of the high marbling percentage.
Porterhouse vs Ribeye comparison chart
Comparing Nutritional Value
Both porterhouse and ribeye are high in protein and have a moderate amount of fat. These attributes make them considered healthy cuts of meat.
On average, a 9-oz porterhouse has 500 calories, 22 grams of fat, and about 70 grams of protein.
A similar-sized ribeye cut averages about 450 calories, 19 grams of fat, and 64 grams of protein.
Overall, nutritionally, the ribeye and the porterhouse are equal cuts of meat.
Comparing Flavor
The ribeye comes out on top when comparing the flavor between a ribeye and a porterhouse. The porterhouse is a bit blander in flavor than the ribeye. This is because the porterhouse includes the filet mignon, which is less flavorful because of its leanness.
Conversely, the ribeye is one of the most flavorful cuts of steak. The marbling throughout the meat adds taste to every bite. The ribeye is the winner in this department.
Comparing Tenderness
Porterhouse steaks are generally more tender than ribeyes. They come from the T-bone, including the tenderloin and the striploin. The ribeye comes from the rib section, which has less marbling and is thus less delicate than the porterhouse.
Both steaks are tender when cooked properly, but the porterhouse usually has more tender meat. Porterhouse is the winner in the tenderness category.
Comparing Size
How hungry are you? Generally, a porterhouse will be between 1.25 inches and 3 inches thick. A ribeye will be 1.5 inches to 2 inches thick.
More often than not, the porterhouse is larger because of its T-bone shape and double-cut. A good rule of thumb is that a porterhouse is great for two people to share. A good-sized ribeye is nice for one hungry person.
The porterhouse is a larger cut of meat than the ribeye.
Comparing Price
The price for porterhouse vs ribeye can vary depending on the butcher and the USDA grading. Porterhouses are generally more expensive than ribeyes.
The ribeye costs more per pound because the porterhouses are a larger cut of meat, so the price is higher overall.
Ribeyes typically cost between $16 and $23 per pound. A porterhouse’s pricing will be a little lower, at $13 to $17/lb (but it will be a larger steak).
When you add the large size of the porterhouse, it is the more expensive cut.
Porterhouse vs Ribeye
The truth is, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Both of these cuts are amazing.
If we had to choose, the porterhouse would be better. This is because there is less fat (marbling) than the ribeye, making it a little healthier. You also get to try two cuts of steak (strip and filet) versus just one.
When should you choose a porterhouse over a ribeye?
The porterhouse is the healthier cut compared to the ribeye. Porterhouses have less fat (marbling). They include two cuts of steak, so you get more food and different sections of beef.
When should you choose a ribeye over a porterhouse?
Go with the ribeye over the porterhouse for a more flavorful, juicy steak. Ribeyes’ high marbling percentage gives them a more intense beef flavor.
Which is a better cut of meat, porterhouse vs ribeye
In general, porterhouses are better for a healthier and more tender option. Ribeyes are better if you’re looking for a more flavorful and juicy steak!
Both are high-quality cuts of meat that will leave you feeling full. Neither is necessarily “better,” but one may be more appropriate for certain occasions.
If you have not tried either, no one can tell you which one you’ll like more. Our recommendation is to buy and prepare both cuts so you can decide.
Cook them both the same way, whether stove-top, BBQ, etc, using the same seasonings. This will give you the best comparison between a porterhouse and a ribeye. After you’ve tried both, select your favorite.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Steak
Regardless of your choice, prepare it right:
- Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality, well-marbled beef.
- Resting is Key: Allow your steak to rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.
- Temperature Control: Check your steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Season: Salt and pepper are all you need to enhance the steak’s natural flavors.
Whether you opt for a porterhouse or a ribeye, remember to savor every bite of this culinary masterpiece. Pick your choice and improve your dining experience!
And the winner is…
So, who is the winner of this steak showdown? Porterhouse or ribeye? The porterhouse takes the trophy! Being a larger cut and more tender than the ribeye, this is a must-try for any steak lover.
Try either (or both) of these delicious cuts at your next BBQ. You’ll be satisfied!
Happy grilling!