What cuts of meat are in a porterhouse steak? - Chef's Resource (2024)

Porterhouse steak is a revered cut of meat, known for its size and tenderness. It is a popular choice among steak lovers for its rich flavor and succulent texture. But what exactly goes into making a porterhouse steak? Let’s explore the cuts of meat that make up this delicious steak.

The **porterhouse steak is composed of two main cuts of meat**: the tenderloin and the striploin. It is essentially a combination of a New York strip steak and a tenderloin steak, separated by a T-shaped bone. This bone, specifically shaped like the letter “T,” lends the porterhouse its distinct appearance and contributes to its mouthwatering taste.

The larger portion of a porterhouse is the striploin or strip steak. This section comes from the back of the cow, along the spine. It is a well-marbled cut, providing ample flavor and juiciness. The striploin is known for its robust, beefy taste and slightly firmer texture, making it a favorite among steak enthusiasts.

The **other side of the porterhouse is the tenderloin**, also known as filet mignon. This is an exceptionally tender and lean cut of beef located beneath the backbone and between the ribs. The tenderloin is highly prized for its tenderness and buttery soft texture. It is a delicacy that practically melts in your mouth.

The presence of both the striploin and the tenderloin in a porterhouse steak make it a versatile option to satisfy different tastes. Those who prefer a more marbled and flavorful steak can indulge in the striploin, while those seeking unparalleled tenderness can relish the tenderloin section.

Contents

  • 1 FAQs about Porterhouse Steak:
  • 2 1. What size of porterhouse steak should I buy?
  • 3 2. How should I cook a porterhouse steak?
  • 4 3. What is the difference between a porterhouse and a T-bone steak?
  • 5 4. Can I cook a porterhouse steak in the oven?
  • 6 5. Is a porterhouse steak suitable for grilling?
  • 7 6. How should I season a porterhouse steak?
  • 8 7. Is a porterhouse steak better for rare or well-done preparations?
  • 9 8. Can I order a porterhouse steak at a restaurant?
  • 10 9. How can I check the doneness of a porterhouse steak?
  • 11 10. Can I marinate a porterhouse steak?
  • 12 11. Is the bone in a porterhouse steak edible?
  • 13 12. Can I freeze a porterhouse steak?

FAQs about Porterhouse Steak:

1. What size of porterhouse steak should I buy?

The size of a porterhouse steak typically varies, but an ideal size weighs around 24-32 ounces (680-910 grams).

2. How should I cook a porterhouse steak?

For the best results, it is recommended to grill or pan-sear a porterhouse steak. This allows the natural flavors to shine, while creating a charred crust on the outside.

3. What is the difference between a porterhouse and a T-bone steak?

While both cuts share a similar appearance, the main difference lies in the proportion of tenderloin to striploin. A porterhouse has a larger tenderloin section compared to a T-bone steak.

4. Can I cook a porterhouse steak in the oven?

Yes, you can definitely cook a porterhouse steak in the oven. A popular method is to sear it in a hot skillet and then finish cooking it in the oven.

5. Is a porterhouse steak suitable for grilling?

Absolutely! Grilling a porterhouse steak enhances its flavors and creates a tantalizing crust, making it a perfect choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

6. How should I season a porterhouse steak?

A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder is often enough to accentuate the natural flavors of the porterhouse steak. However, you can experiment with your preferred mix of spices and herbs.

7. Is a porterhouse steak better for rare or well-done preparations?

Due to the presence of two different cuts, a porterhouse steak is suitable for various levels of doneness. The tenderloin section is better for those who prefer their steak rare, while the striploin can handle a medium or well-done cook.

8. Can I order a porterhouse steak at a restaurant?

Yes, most steakhouse restaurants offer porterhouse steaks on their menus. It is a popular choice among steak enthusiasts seeking a substantial and delectable meal.

9. How can I check the doneness of a porterhouse steak?

Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable method to check the doneness of a porterhouse steak. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, and the internal temperature should be 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.

10. Can I marinate a porterhouse steak?

Although marinating is not necessary for a porterhouse steak due to its already enticing flavors, you can marinate it for a short period to add an extra layer of flavor. However, avoid acidic marinades for too long as they can start to break down the meat’s texture.

11. Is the bone in a porterhouse steak edible?

While the bone in a porterhouse steak is not typically consumed, it does add flavor to the meat during cooking. Some people enjoy gnawing on the bone for added enjoyment.

12. Can I freeze a porterhouse steak?

Yes, you can freeze a porterhouse steak. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer bag before storing it in the freezer to maintain its freshness and prevent freezer burn.

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What cuts of meat are in a porterhouse steak? - Chef's Resource (2024)

FAQs

What cuts of meat are in a porterhouse steak? - Chef's Resource? ›

Big flavor and often big enough for two. Simply season this sublime combination of Strip and Tenderloin for the grill or oven. Differentiated from the T-Bone steak by its larger Tenderloin muscle.

What cuts of meat are on a porterhouse? ›

It's a cut from the rear end of the short loin, where the tenderloin and strip portion are larger, and because of this the Porterhouse includes more tenderloin steak than T-bone, along with a larger New York strip steak. A bone holds the New York and tenderloin cuts together, creating the Porterhouse cut.

What primal cut does the porterhouse steak come from? ›

The area below the backbone is home to some of the most tender and popular cuts of beef, such as the Tenderloin, Strip Steak, T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks. Loin cuts are great prepared on the grill or under a broiler.

What is the best cut of steak according to chefs? ›

Most chefs opt for a ribeye as being one of the best cuts of meat. A ribeye has everything – from the way it holds together to the fat marbling, and when thickly-butchered, it simply makes for an excellent steak.

What is the difference between T-bone and porterhouse? ›

While Porterhouse steaks are cut from the rear area of the short loin, T-Bones are cut closer to the front. This gives the Porterhouse a little bit more of the tenderloin than the T-Bone. So when you're looking at a T-Bone and a Porterhouse side-by-side, you'll notice the Porterhouse is bigger.

Is a filet mignon in a porterhouse? ›

The Porterhouse is a bigger loin cut (serving 2-3) and includes both a filet mignon and a strip steak. A little edgier than the loin cuts, the Porterhouse can actually be less expensive to buy than a portioned filet and offers a more striking presentation than a portioned strip steak.

Is a porterhouse steak better than a ribeye? ›

Everyone has their own unique taste preferences, but if you're debating between porterhouse vs. ribeye, you really can't go wrong with a bone-in ribeye steak (like the two shown below). However, if you want a leaner, healthier steak, it's better to choose a porterhouse vs. a ribeye, as ribeye contains more fat.

What is the highest quality steak in the world? ›

What is the highest quality steak in the world? Generally, A5 Kobe beef makes some of the highest quality steaks in the world. A5 is a rating given to the best-of-the-best Kobe beef. Kobe is rare on its own, coming from cattle raised in a specific area of Japan.

What part of the beast does porterhouse steak come from? ›

The porterhouse steak is the same cut as the T-bone and has the same characteristic T-shaped bone. It's cut from the far back and contains a larger portion of filet mignon. For many steak lovers, it is the perfect cut, as it combines an aromatic strip steak and a tender fillet.

What is the tastiest cut of steak? ›

These cuts—ribeye, New York strip loin, and filet mignon—can certainly be dubbed the best, and few will disagree. “Filet is the most tender cut, but has the least amount of flavor. Ribeye is the most flavorful, but the least tender of the three, and New York is in the middle.” Flannery explains.

What is the king of steaks cut? ›

Often referred to as “the king of steaks”, the Porterhouse is actually two steaks in one. One side of the bone yields a succulent and tender tenderloin, while the other side yields a flavourful striploin. Porterhouse steaks are famous for their size.

What 3 steaks are in a porterhouse? ›

The porterhouse is a composite steak that's derived from the point where the tenderloin and top loin meet. If you remove the bone and cut out the two steaks that make up the porterhouse, you get a tenderloin steak and a top loin (or New York strip steak). So if you order a porterhouse, expect big portions!

How to pick a good porterhouse steak? ›

That section is chewy and tough, so while it may make the porterhouse look bigger, you'll end up paying porterhouse prices for a large chunk of meat you won't enjoy eating very much. If you want your porterhouse to be as perfect a steak as possible, look for cuts that don't have any vein-ends or streaks of sinew.

Why is a porterhouse more expensive than T-bone? ›

Price / Cost Difference

The filet or tenderloin portion of a porterhouse is thicker, meaning you'll get more of that coveted tender and juicy beef — and you'll pay for the privilege.

Which is better, porterhouse or New York strip? ›

The Porterhouse is more tender due to its higher fat content, making it extremely juicy and succulent. Meanwhile, the New York Strip steak is slightly firmer, resulting in a denser and chewier steak. This doesn't mean it's bad though, since some individuals prefer chewy steaks.

Is porterhouse an expensive cut? ›

Prime Porterhouse steaks are the highest quality Porterhouse steak available, and as such, they cost more than choice-grade steaks. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $33 per pound for these delicious cuts.

Is sirloin and porterhouse the same cut? ›

Sirloin steak a.k.a. porterhouse steak or New York steak

The steak lovers' choice, this cut is lean, notably tender, rich in flavour and extremely juicy.

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