There are few things better than a perfectly cooked slab of juicy steak. The only thing that might come between a man and his beef are the negative effects that red meat, in all its marbled-with-fat and butter-basted glory, has on your heart and your waistline. It’s no secret lean meats are better for you, but that doesn’t mean you should ditch steak altogether. You just need to know what the leanest and fattiest cuts of meat are.
Red meat is packed with protein, which is critical for muscle growth and recovery. It’s also high in iron and vitamin B-12, which boosts the immune system and keeps red blood cells healthy. But there’s a difference among cuts like top sirloin steak, top round roast, and rib eye steak.
So here’s a handy list of the best cuts of steak that you don’t have to feel guilty for indulging in once the craving for a slab of meat hits.
Whether it’s a dinner out at your favorite restaurant or a cookout at home with the fellas, here are the cuts of juicy greatness you can put on your plate—as well as the ones to bail on at the butcher shop.
Beef Cuts Chart
Note: The American Heart Association recommends limiting lean meat, poultry and seafood consumption to six ounces per day. The USDA defines an extra-lean cut of beef as a 3.5-ounce serving (about 100 grams) that contains fewer than 5 grams total fat, 2 grams of which are saturated fat, and 95 milligrams of cholesterol.
The Leanest Cuts of Beef
1. Sirloin Tip Side Steak
Taken from the sirloin tip or the top of the round. Very lean, but still holds flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories:Â 206
- Fat:Â 5.4g
- Saturated Fat:Â 2.06g
- Protein:Â 39g
2. Top Round Steak
Cut from the hip (part of the round) and considered flavorful and more tender than other cuts from the round.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories:Â 240
- Fat:Â 7.6g
- Saturated Fat:Â 3g
- Protein:Â 36.9g
3. Eye of Round Steak
Similar to the cuts taken from the tenderloin, but tougher and less juicy.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories:Â 276
- Fat:Â 7g
- Saturated Fat:Â 2.4g
- Protein:Â 49.8g
4. Bottom Round Steak
Taken from the outer park of the round that is a well exercised area of the animal. The meat tends to be tough and typically needs marinating.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8
- Protein: 47.2g
5. Top Sirloin
Has good flavor, but can be tough, so typically needs marinating.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 316
- Fat: 10.6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 51.6g
The Fattiest Cuts of Steak
1. Flap Steak
Very flavorful, but can be fibrous and chewy
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Protein: 33g
2. Filet Mignon (Chateaubriand or Tenderloin)
The most tender and sought-after, it’s considered one of the best cuts of beef.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 348
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 48g
3. Porterhouse steak
Very expensive and flavorful. Cut from the choice tenderloin.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 346
- Fat: 16.4g
- Saturated Fat: 6.6g
- Protein: 46.2g
4. Skirt Steak
Also known as a flank steak. Taken from the plate or chest of the cow, it’s known for its flavor over tenderness.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 348
- Fat: 17.2g
- Saturated Fat: 6.6g
- Protein: 45.4g
5. New York Strip Steak
Very tough cut of meat taken from the T-bone area.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 46g
6. T-Bone Steak
A cut from below the porterhouse. Its high fat content means that it stays tender while cooking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 376
- Fat: 25.6g
- Saturated Fat: 10.6g
- Protein: 33g
7. Rib-Eye Steak (Rib Roast, Prime Rib)
The crème de la crème of steaks. Very marbled cut, which means it’s flavorful and stays tender while cooking.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories:Â 466
- Fat:Â 37.6g
- Saturated Fat:Â 15g
- Protein:Â 30g
