Which Cut of Steak Has the Most Fat? (Lean vs. Fatty)
I’ve always had a soft spot for a juicy, well-seared steak. Whether I’m grilling on a lazy weekend or dining at a steakhouse, that rich, melt-in-your-mouth bite is always satisfying. Over the years, I’ve sampled just about every cut—ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon—you name it. Each one has its own character, but there’s one thing I’ve noticed: the fattier the steak, the more flavor it brings to the plate.
But that got me thinking—which cut of steak actually has the most fat? Is it the beautifully marbled ribeye that chefs rave about, or does another contender take the title? Many people feel lost when looking at the meat case in a butcher shop or a steakhouse menu. They wonder which cut is the richest and most tender. Let’s dive into the delicious truth behind fat content in steak—and why it matters more than you might think.
This article will show you the fattiest cuts of beef. You’ll see how they stack up against lean cuts. Plus, discover why fat can actually enhance flavor. This guide helps you choose the right steak, whether you’re tracking macros or just want a delicious bite. Enjoy your next sizzling craving with confidence!
Top 8 Fattiest Cuts of Steak
1. Ribeye Steak
Ribeye steak, also known as rib roast or prime rib steak, is a very marbled cut of beef from the cow’s rib section and is the fattiest steak on our list.
Ribeye steaks are one of the most tender, flavorful, and juicy cuts of steak. Its substantial fatty layers help retain its juiciness and texture whether you slow-roast or pan-sear its red meat.
Approximate nutritional facts of rib-eye steak:
- Calories: 291
- Total Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Protein 24 grams
2. Skirt Steak
Skirt steak, or flank steak, is an extended, thin cut of lean meat from the cow’s diaphragm muscle.
It has a bold, beefy flavor. You often find it in Mexican and Latin American dishes. It’s grilled or seared, then thinly sliced for fajitas, tacos, and more.
Approximate nutritional facts about skirt steak:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Protein: 26 grams
3. New York Strip
New York strip steak, or sirloin tip in the UK or strip loin in Canada, is a very tough cut and one of the fattiest beef cuts from the cow’s short loin section.
It has substantial intramuscular fat, less than rib eye steak or T-bone steak, yet is known for its tenderness, rich flavor, and beefy notes.
The approximate nutritional facts for New York strip steak are as follows:
- Calories: 308
- Total Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Protein: 26 grams
4. T-Bone Steak
T-bone steak is another cut of beef from the cow’s short loin section and includes a T-shaped bone with meat on either side.
T-bone steak has both tenderloin and strip steak. It’s usually grilled or broiled. This cooking method gives it a charred crust outside and a juicy, tasty inside.
Approximate nutritional facts of T-bone steak:
- Calories: 247
- Total Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
5. Porterhouse Steak
Porterhouse steak is a fatty cut from the cow’s short loin. It has a T-shaped bone. One side has a large portion of tenderloin, and the other has a smaller strip steak.
Porterhouse steaks are similar to T-bones but have a more significant portion of tenderloin, making it a more substantial cut of meat.
Approximate nutritional facts of porterhouse steak:
- Calories: 247
- Total Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
6. Filet Mignon
Filet mignon, also known as beef tenderloin, comes from the cow’s tenderloin section. It has little connective tissue, making it very tender. This cut is known for its buttery texture and mild flavor.
“My favorite animal is steak.”
― Fran Lebowitz, American author, Public Speaker & Occasional Actor
The perfectly cooked slab of this juicy tenderloin meat is brutal to turn down and is often considered a luxurious cut of steak.
Approximate nutritional facts of filet mignon steak:
- Calories: 267
- Total Fat: 17 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Protein: 26 grams
Read: Can You Cook Steak in Coconut Oil?
7. Flap Steak
Flap steak, also called bottom sirloin butt, comes from the cow’s bottom sirloin. It has a strong beefy flavor and a loose, coarse grain.
It is relatively thin and long-cut and has a flavor somewhere near skirt steak. It is best cooked quickly over high heat, making it ideal for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.
Approximate nutritional facts of flap steak:
- Calories: 263
- Total Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Protein: 29 grams
8. Chuck Eye Steak
Chuck eye steak, also called poor man’s rib eye, is a cut of beef from the cow’s shoulder or primal chuck section.
It has a rich, beefy flavor and tenderness. It tastes and looks like a ribeye steak, but it is usually cheaper.
Approximate nutritional facts of chuck eye steak:
- Calories: 274
- Total Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
Benefits of Eating Fatty Cuts of Steak
Fatty cuts of steak pack a beneficial amount of essential vitamins and minerals such as protein, iron, zinc, potassium, and more.
It is a good energy source. It has B vitamins and more calories than lean cuts like sirloin tip steak, top sirloin steak, top round steak, or top round roast.
Fatty cuts of beef not only provide energy but also boost satiety. This means you feel full longer, which can aid weight loss efforts.
Tips & Tricks When Cooking a Fatty Steak
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes at room temperature before cooking. It allows the meat to be cooked more evenly.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. It allows the juices to be absorbed and redistributed throughout the meat, resulting in a tender, juicy steak.
- Season the steak with a generous amount of salt and pepper or any preferred herbs and spices. The fat layers will help distribute the flavors inside out.
- Check the steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to help ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness of the meat.
FAQs
What has more fat, sirloin or NY strip?
NY strip steak generally has more fat content than sirloin. NY strip is well-known for its marbling or intramuscular fat dispersed throughout the meat, while sirloin is a leaner cut of beef.
Does steak have unsaturated fat?
Yes, the fattiest steak cut has unsaturated fat. Lean cuts also have some. This type includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
What’s the best steak to eat on a keto diet?
Ribeye is the best steak for a keto diet. It’s high in fat and has no carbs. This makes it great for boosting fat intake while cutting carbs.
What grade of beef has the most fat?
The grade of beef with the most fat is prime grade beef, as determined by the amount of marbling, texture, and tenderness of its meat.
It usually comes from younger, well-fed cattle and has more intramuscular fat, giving it a richer flavor and a more tender texture.
In a Nutshell
Steaks with more fat or marbling taste richer and are more tender.
But you must always consider that it still varies depending on the quality and grade of the red meat, the animal’s diet, and how it is cut and prepared.
Finally, eating the fattiest cuts of steak offers several vitamins and minerals for our bodies.
Still, it’s best to eat in moderation to avoid possible health issues.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fat/art-20045550
