Visiting a high-end restaurant can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are not a fan of fancy dining. Looking at the menu, you will probably end up with confusion as you don’t know most of the items on the list. Go through the steak section, and there are two things that you will often see – New York strip and ribeye.
Want to know more about New York strip vs ribeye? We got you covered in this short article. At first look, the two looks almost the same. They are also both delicious. However, there is more than what meets the eye. Read on and find out what to order next time you crave for a juicy and mouthwatering steak.
A Quick Comparison of New York Strip vs Rib Eye
In this section, we’ll take a look at how these premium cuts are the same and different. Knowing these cuts by heart will help you decide which is better. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal preferences. Since they are both expensive, it is good to know what makes one cut different from the other.
Where are They From?
This is one thing at which the two cuts share similar characteristics. They are both from the rib portion of the beef. This is a part that is not used extensively, so you can expect that the meat will be tender.
New York strip and ribeye are both derived from longissimus dorsi. These muscle strips are located at the spine just slightly outside the ribs. This is the loin of the cattle, which is more tender compared to the parts that are actively used. For the New York strip, the meat is from the short loin. This is between the sirloin and the rib. The ribeye, on the other hand, is derived slightly forward of the short loin and slightly at the rear of the chuck.
Which is More Tender?
While the two cuts are both from parts of the cattle that are mostly inactive, ribeye is tenderer compared to the New York strip. Another thing that makes the ribeye better in terms of tenderness is because of the cut. It is often thicker by an inch compared to ribeye, so you can expect it to be a bit harder to chew. However, when both cuts are properly cooked, they will be tender.
Which is Healthier?
For those who are concerned about their health when eating steak, choose the New York strip. Based on a standard 3-ounce serving, provided that the excess fat has been trimmed, the New York strip will approximately have 160 calories, 2.3 grams of saturated fat, and 25 grams of protein. On the other hand, a standard cut of ribeye will have 190 calories, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 23 grams of protein. With fewer saturated fats and more protein, the New York strip is a slightly better choice if you want a healthier steak.
Regardless of which cut you choose, one of the best ways to make the steak a healthier meal is to consider what you eat it with. From the sauce to the sides, look for those that are dense with the nutrition that your body needs to have a flavorful and delicious meal.
Which is More Flavorful?
New York strips are known for having lesser fat and marbling. This makes it a better option for those who are looking for a leaner cut of meat. On the other hand, because ribeye has more marbling, it tends to be more flavorful. It remains tender as you cook it. For the New York strip, you have to be more careful as it is easy to overcook the meat and can make it difficult to chew.
Which is Harder to Cook?
There is no easy answer to this question. It depends on how you decide to prepare the steak. Make sure to keep an eye to be assured of its tenderness. The seasonings that you will use will also have an impact on the flavor.
Ribeye or New York Strip
Tips and Tricks
Before we conclude this post, allow us to leave you with some tips for both New York strip and ribeye, especially if you decide to grill them instead of ordering these cuts in a fancy restaurant.
Cooking Your Steak
Pan-searing, grilling, and broiling are some of the best cooking methods for the New York strip. Brush the meat with olive oil and add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Before cooking, regardless of the chosen method, allow the meat to come at room temperature. Cook the meat in high heat about five minutes for every side, flipping it only once. It is best to have a thermometer and check if it is already 145 degrees Fahrenheit if you want it to be medium-rare.
On the other hand, for ribeye, you can skip the olive oil because it already has more fat content compared to the New York strip. Stick to salt and pepper. The cooking methods can also be the same as the one mentioned above.
Choosing Meat
If you are buying meat from a butcher or grocery, the considerations are the same as the other cuts of steak. One of the most important is color. Do not choose meat with a dark color as it can be an indication that it lacks freshness. Pay attention as well to the connective tissues as it can make the meat harder to chew. It is also best to choose one with more fat for better marbling.
Eating Your Steak
After cooking your steak, the next concern is how to eat it. Regardless if you choose New York strip or ribeye, you can use the same sauces that you want. Whether it is mushroom gravy or red wine steak sauce, both will be flavorful as long as you cook the steaks properly. The choice for sides is also a personal preference. Sweet potatoes, mashed potato, broccoli, carrot slaw, and zucchini salad are some of the healthiest choices that will go best with your steak.
Gordon Ramsay’s Top 10 Tips for Cooking the Perfect Steak
Conclusion
Now that you are done reading our brief New York strip vs ribeye comparison, it is now time to decide which is better between the two. They are both delicious and from the same parts of the cattle that are inactive. Ribeye is the better choice when it comes to tenderness because it has more marbling. On the other hand, the New York strip tends to be healthier because it has more protein, fewer calories, and fewer saturated fats.