{"id":1886267,"date":"2026-04-16T13:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T10:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1886267"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:52:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T10:52:00","slug":"beef-has-never-been-more-expensive-these-are-the-cheap-cuts-that-butchers-buy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1886267","title":{"rendered":"Beef Has Never Been More Expensive. These Are the Cheap Cuts That Butchers Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/06b57089797378824d90b7860f4445826ff8c716\/hub\/2019\/09\/06\/b2d5eb6b-15f4-43fc-9926-dc1eb32389e2\/costco-prime-beef.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=675&amp;width=1200&#8243;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-94c9c770-e2a0-4bd7-ac6e-cf1e4743112c\" class=\"c-pageArticle_body sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-6 lg:u-col-start-4\">\n<div class=\"c-pageArticle_content\">\n<div class=\"u-grid-columns\">\n<article class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-12\">\n<p class=\"u-speakableText-p1\">Beef prices continue to climb, reaching a new record high\u00a0in April. As of Tuesday, live cattle is trading at $2.51 per pound, a more than 25% increase from just a year ago. Limited supply is largely to blame for the spike, and it&#8217;s driven the\u00a0average price of ground beef\u00a0to about $6.70 per pound, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics&#8217; March price index.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"u-speakableText-p2\">These\u00a0<span><span>supermarket spikes<\/span><\/span>\u00a0don&#8217;t bode well for budget-conscious carnivores, but all is not lost. Finding cheaper cuts of beef at the supermarket is one way to feed your appetite for steak and burgers without going broke. While rib eye and filet mignon may have bounced out of budget, there are other, perfectly good beef cuts worth considering, and many of them are considered butcher favorites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Meat Delivery Services of 2026<\/span> See at CNET<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>To suss out the best budget beef, I spoke with career butchers and industry experts to identify the cheapest cuts of steak that still deliver a deep, savory experience without the exorbitant cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Rib eye is great, but you&#8217;ll pay for it<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3d77fc4c46f7723f3111701bb989765ded123c72\/hub\/2025\/05\/15\/2a4e63d6-b99a-4036-b9ff-e1db8b6b4d58\/gettyimages-1441726865.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"Close up two Ribeye, rib eye steak, raw beef meat tender marbled striploin steak on dark background, with salt, garlic clove and spices rosemary on black stone board. Uncooked sirloin. Preparation for cooking\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>There are suitable alternatives to rib eye that cost much less.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Natalia Gdovskaia\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;A rib eye comes from the area between the loin and the shoulder, and is commonly known for its rich flavor and juicy texture,&#8221; Jason Jerome, beef supply chain expert at Beef. It&#8217;s What&#8217;s For Dinner, told me in an email. Despite its mouth-watering qualities, rib eye is among the most expensive cuts of meat and therefore is the No. 1 candidate to swap for a cheaper cut of steak.<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Places to Buy Meat Online in 2026<\/span> See at Cnet<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mark Dommen, head chef and partner at San Francisco&#8217;s One Market restaurant, says, &#8220;There are a number of beef and steak cuts that can ably stand in for rib eye, offering up value for the budget-conscious without sacrificing on flavor and texture.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2> Best cheap beef cuts<\/h2>\n<h3> 1. Flat iron steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/2c95a6bbe1a8016eac7387f0734711c0757cef00\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/b7b7312b-c2ac-4e67-bd19-d7946815c731\/flat-iron-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"flat iron steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Flat iron steak has the required marbling to match the grill&#8217;s intensity.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Ozgurcoskun\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re craving the tenderness of rib eye, Jerome suggests the flat iron steak as a worthy alternative. &#8220;The flat iron steak is the second most tender cut of beef, behind the beef tenderloin,&#8221; he said. While beef tenderloin is generally not recommended for high-heat grilling due to its delicate nature, the flat iron has sufficient marbling to withstand the grill&#8217;s intensity. &#8220;These steaks are known for their rich beef flavor and are well-marbled,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That makes this cut stand out above others and it can be used in a variety of ways.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 2. Strip steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/a8cf16a30607872eab9cce94b99ea64583328a8a\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/c3052b74-66d9-417d-9a57-e6f28ed62ec5\/strip-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"strip steak on white background \" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Strip steak is tender and it can be a tasty substitute for rib eye.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Kativ\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Strip steak is incredibly tender and can be a tasty substitute for rib eye,&#8221; said Jerome. It&#8217;s also one of the closest in flavor to everyone&#8217;s favorite steak. The major difference between the two cuts is marbling; rib eye has more internal marbling throughout the cut, which accounts for its tenderness and flavor. Strip steak tends to have a thick band of fat on the outside of the cut that isn&#8217;t generally eaten, but which contributes to its robust flavor.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-small c-shortcodeImage-pullRight\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/280d76d51b00e2644f50066919647d63162c62d8\/hub\/2024\/11\/11\/68ba59d6-43a6-42de-a4f0-94053f5b9422\/tips-home.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"CNET Home Tips badge; click for more\" \/><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Jerome also adds that you can easily tease out more portions in a strip steak. &#8220;You can cut a strip steak in half for smaller portioned strip filets,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Not only does it increase your portions, but it&#8217;s also perfect paired with fresh veggies for an easy weeknight dinner.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>As with all cuts of meat, if you find something on sale, you should stock up and freeze portions for later, but with strip, Jerome also advises considering buying whole and doing a little bit of your own butchering for added savings. &#8220;With a whole striploin, you can save up to $2 per pound by buying in bulk and cutting down your own strip steaks at home,&#8221; he said. &#8220;On average, a striploin weighs 14 to 15 pounds, so that could be an average savings of up to $28 to $30.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<h3> 3. Sirloin steak or sirloin cap <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/38c49c3dd0148762f2180887ca6db298a5c8003c\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/3c87a390-21a9-4aa2-96da-49b603b8b2e8\/sirloin-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw sirloin steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Sirloin steaks are a tasty, budget-friendly option.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Nycshooter\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sirloin is a primal cut, located farther down toward the rump of the animal than the rib. Steaks cut from muscles get more work than rib eye, which also makes them a leaner choice for grilling. &#8220;Sirloin steaks are a great budget-friendly option chock-full of flavor,&#8221; said Jerome, who also suggests cutting sirloin steaks into smaller pieces for another budget-stretching, grill preparation: kabobs. &#8220;Top sirloin steaks are a great option to have something lean but also tender and flavorful for your beef kabobs.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Dommen also mentions another cut from the sirloin to consider for your barbecue. &#8220;The cut is what Brazilians call the picanha,&#8221; he said. It&#8217;s instantly recognizable as a frequently skewered cut served in Brazilian churrasco. &#8220;The picanha comes from the sirloin cap at the rear of the animal. The muscles get more work and have more flavor but also need to be cut with care against the grain,&#8221; he said. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more<\/strong>:\u00a0<span><span>You&#8217;re Cooking Steak the Hard Way. Reverse Searing Makes It Foolproof<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3> 4. Flank steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/0c5b5d71a83806391f2c5a46587e32b3bd8703cc\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/605cf902-4d86-4d28-a92a-e14ae2c0561f\/flank-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw flank steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>A marinade is a good way to ensure some added tenderness to your flank steak before grilling.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">BWFolsom\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Because a flank steak is so large, coming from just above the belly in the rear quarter of the animal, it qualifies as buying in bulk unto itself. It&#8217;s therefore a terrific, budget-friendly option for your cookout. &#8220;Flank steak is a versatile cut that&#8217;s perfect for fajitas,&#8221; said Jerome. That makes it another preparation that&#8217;s great for the grill and easy to feed a crowd with. Because of its natural leanness, however, a marinade is a good way to add tenderness before grilling. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Acidic marinades with vinegar or lime juice are better suited for flank steak than dry rubs,&#8221; said Jerome, &#8220;and the longer you marinate, the better, even up to 24 hours. Add pantry olive oil and spices to your acidic base and you&#8217;re ready to go.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 5. Beef short rib <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/39a112251357b830b213f27bb10a3980e3a308bc\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/c5e5b3f5-3169-4122-9064-28016a523586\/short-rib.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw short rib on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Short ribs are most commonly braised but you can grill them too.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">BWFolsom\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Short ribs are known for being braised, but they can also be grilled,&#8221; said Dommen. &#8220;Short ribs have a lot of marbling, which makes them great for grilling.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Short ribs come from an area near the prime rib, coming from the chuck, not actually from the rib, as the name suggests. (This is why beef requires experts.) While rib eye comes from the top of the animal, short ribs are closer to the belly. Short ribs for braising are typically sold bone-in and in shorter pieces, but you can ask your butcher for boneless short ribs that are cut in longer pieces for steak. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Short ribs should be grilled to medium rare with a nice sear to make sure all the intermuscular fat is warmed,&#8221; advised Dommen. &#8220;I grill short ribs to an internal temperature of 115 Fahrenheit and it will carry over another 10 degrees while resting.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 6. Chuck eye steaks <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/33686841c9fc5480906fa9a3bbac6339f4461e85\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/34ceddc1-07d8-4718-bffd-5ea2a31b0d3a\/chuck-eye-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"chuck eye steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ve probably already put chuck on the grill.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Milanchikov\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Chuck eye steaks are sometimes referred to as a &#8216;butchers&#8217; steak,'&#8221; said Jermone. And it bodes well for the cut&#8217;s quality if butchers are hoarding them. Chuck is a cut at the very top and front of the animal, from which ground meat is often processed, so if you&#8217;ve ever grilled burgers, you&#8217;re already accustomed to putting chuck on the grill. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The steak gets its nickname because years ago, butchers would keep this steak for themselves because it cooked and tasted like a rib eye while being more budget-friendly,&#8221; said Jerome. &#8220;This steak sits right next to the rib eye primal and therefore inherits a lot of the same qualities you would get from a rib eye.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<h2> Expert tips for grilling meat <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/83129c0e0c173e22b3e7c03faa146b78e79bfb2d\/hub\/2025\/07\/10\/8d8a8bfc-9837-41db-8402-78537e715019\/gettyimages-1495829370.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"person tending to grill amidst smoke and flames\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>With beef prices at record highs, make sure you&#8217;re cooking it with care.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Stefania Pelfini\/La Waziya Photography\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>No matter what cut you&#8217;re grilling, consider a few expert tips to make the most of what you have. &#8220;Elevate more tender cuts of beef with dry rubs,&#8221; said Jerome. &#8220;You can use spices you already have in your pantry for added savings. Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice are on trend, and work great on the grill.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>You should also consider extending your budget by choosing dishes and meals that call for less steak per person than simply steak for steak&#8217;s sake. &#8220;Beef is a highly versatile ingredient,&#8221; Jerome said. In addition to kabobs and fajitas, mentioned above, &#8220;beef up any salad for a quick, easy meal or pair sliced steak with a grain and lots of veggies to make it stretch in a delicious stir fry or bowl with Mexican or Mediterranean flavors.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There are certain principles that apply to all cuts of beef when grilling,&#8221; Dommen said. &#8220;By the time your meat is cooked, it should also ideally have a nice sear on it. Always let the meat rest before slicing, as this lets its juices redistribute. Other than rib eye, always slice meat against the grain to ensure tenderness.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>For more beef tips, see our picks for the\u00a0best places to order meat online and\u00a0the best rubs. You can also check out how shopping at Whole Foods can actually save you money, and how to make your food last longer in the fridge to save some cash. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-pageArticle_articleAuthorBioFooter\">\n<div class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter\">\n<div class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter\">\n<div class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter_body\">\n<div class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter_nameBlock\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-articleAuthorBioFooter_image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/24ea61c6f4fd1c6c8f3d1e7f6b41eea45700995d\/hub\/2022\/10\/27\/d868b4ec-7e30-44b0-9e49-7742ad918a53\/pamela-vachon-headshot-1.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=64&amp;width=64\" alt=\"Headshot of Pamela Vachon\" height=\"64\" width=\"64\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter_nameText\">\n<div class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter_name\"><span>PAMELA VACHON<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter_credentials\">Contributor<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"c-articleAuthorBioFooter_bio\"><span>Pamela is a freelance food and travel writer based in Astoria, Queens. While she writes about most things edible and potable (and accessories dedicated to those topics,) her real areas of expertise are cheese, chocolate, cooking and wine. She&#8217;s a culinary school grad, certified sommelier, former bartender and fine dining captain with 10 years in the industry. When not sitting at the keys, she leads in-home cheese classes, wine tastings and cocktail demonstrations.<\/span> See full bio <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-pageArticle_content\">\n<div class=\"u-grid-columns\">\n<article class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-12\">\n<p class=\"u-speakableText-p1\">Beef prices continue to climb, reaching a new record high\u00a0in April. As of Tuesday, live cattle is trading at $2.51 per pound, a more than 25% increase from just a year ago. Limited supply is largely to blame for the spike, and it&#8217;s driven the\u00a0average price of ground beef\u00a0to about $6.70 per pound, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics&#8217; March price index.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"u-speakableText-p2\">These\u00a0<span><span>supermarket spikes<\/span><\/span>\u00a0don&#8217;t bode well for budget-conscious carnivores, but all is not lost. Finding cheaper cuts of beef at the supermarket is one way to feed your appetite for steak and burgers without going broke. While rib eye and filet mignon may have bounced out of budget, there are other, perfectly good beef cuts worth considering, and many of them are considered butcher favorites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Meat Delivery Services of 2026<\/span> See at CNET<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>To suss out the best budget beef, I spoke with career butchers and industry experts to identify the cheapest cuts of steak that still deliver a deep, savory experience without the exorbitant cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Rib eye is great, but you&#8217;ll pay for it<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3d77fc4c46f7723f3111701bb989765ded123c72\/hub\/2025\/05\/15\/2a4e63d6-b99a-4036-b9ff-e1db8b6b4d58\/gettyimages-1441726865.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"Close up two Ribeye, rib eye steak, raw beef meat tender marbled striploin steak on dark background, with salt, garlic clove and spices rosemary on black stone board. Uncooked sirloin. Preparation for cooking\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>There are suitable alternatives to rib eye that cost much less.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Natalia Gdovskaia\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;A rib eye comes from the area between the loin and the shoulder, and is commonly known for its rich flavor and juicy texture,&#8221; Jason Jerome, beef supply chain expert at Beef. It&#8217;s What&#8217;s For Dinner, told me in an email. Despite its mouth-watering qualities, rib eye is among the most expensive cuts of meat and therefore is the No. 1 candidate to swap for a cheaper cut of steak.<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Places to Buy Meat Online in 2026<\/span> See at Cnet<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mark Dommen, head chef and partner at San Francisco&#8217;s One Market restaurant, says, &#8220;There are a number of beef and steak cuts that can ably stand in for rib eye, offering up value for the budget-conscious without sacrificing on flavor and texture.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2> Best cheap beef cuts<\/h2>\n<h3> 1. Flat iron steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/2c95a6bbe1a8016eac7387f0734711c0757cef00\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/b7b7312b-c2ac-4e67-bd19-d7946815c731\/flat-iron-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"flat iron steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Flat iron steak has the required marbling to match the grill&#8217;s intensity.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Ozgurcoskun\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re craving the tenderness of rib eye, Jerome suggests the flat iron steak as a worthy alternative. &#8220;The flat iron steak is the second most tender cut of beef, behind the beef tenderloin,&#8221; he said. While beef tenderloin is generally not recommended for high-heat grilling due to its delicate nature, the flat iron has sufficient marbling to withstand the grill&#8217;s intensity. &#8220;These steaks are known for their rich beef flavor and are well-marbled,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That makes this cut stand out above others and it can be used in a variety of ways.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 2. Strip steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/a8cf16a30607872eab9cce94b99ea64583328a8a\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/c3052b74-66d9-417d-9a57-e6f28ed62ec5\/strip-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"strip steak on white background \" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Strip steak is tender and it can be a tasty substitute for rib eye.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Kativ\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Strip steak is incredibly tender and can be a tasty substitute for rib eye,&#8221; said Jerome. It&#8217;s also one of the closest in flavor to everyone&#8217;s favorite steak. The major difference between the two cuts is marbling; rib eye has more internal marbling throughout the cut, which accounts for its tenderness and flavor. Strip steak tends to have a thick band of fat on the outside of the cut that isn&#8217;t generally eaten, but which contributes to its robust flavor.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-small c-shortcodeImage-pullRight\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/280d76d51b00e2644f50066919647d63162c62d8\/hub\/2024\/11\/11\/68ba59d6-43a6-42de-a4f0-94053f5b9422\/tips-home.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"CNET Home Tips badge; click for more\" \/><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Jerome also adds that you can easily tease out more portions in a strip steak. &#8220;You can cut a strip steak in half for smaller portioned strip filets,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Not only does it increase your portions, but it&#8217;s also perfect paired with fresh veggies for an easy weeknight dinner.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>As with all cuts of meat, if you find something on sale, you should stock up and freeze portions for later, but with strip, Jerome also advises considering buying whole and doing a little bit of your own butchering for added savings. &#8220;With a whole striploin, you can save up to $2 per pound by buying in bulk and cutting down your own strip steaks at home,&#8221; he said. &#8220;On average, a striploin weighs 14 to 15 pounds, so that could be an average savings of up to $28 to $30.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<h3> 3. Sirloin steak or sirloin cap <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/38c49c3dd0148762f2180887ca6db298a5c8003c\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/3c87a390-21a9-4aa2-96da-49b603b8b2e8\/sirloin-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw sirloin steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Sirloin steaks are a tasty, budget-friendly option.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Nycshooter\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sirloin is a primal cut, located farther down toward the rump of the animal than the rib. Steaks cut from muscles get more work than rib eye, which also makes them a leaner choice for grilling. &#8220;Sirloin steaks are a great budget-friendly option chock-full of flavor,&#8221; said Jerome, who also suggests cutting sirloin steaks into smaller pieces for another budget-stretching, grill preparation: kabobs. &#8220;Top sirloin steaks are a great option to have something lean but also tender and flavorful for your beef kabobs.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Dommen also mentions another cut from the sirloin to consider for your barbecue. &#8220;The cut is what Brazilians call the picanha,&#8221; he said. It&#8217;s instantly recognizable as a frequently skewered cut served in Brazilian churrasco. &#8220;The picanha comes from the sirloin cap at the rear of the animal. The muscles get more work and have more flavor but also need to be cut with care against the grain,&#8221; he said. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more<\/strong>:\u00a0<span><span>You&#8217;re Cooking Steak the Hard Way. Reverse Searing Makes It Foolproof<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3> 4. Flank steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/0c5b5d71a83806391f2c5a46587e32b3bd8703cc\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/605cf902-4d86-4d28-a92a-e14ae2c0561f\/flank-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw flank steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>A marinade is a good way to ensure some added tenderness to your flank steak before grilling.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">BWFolsom\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Because a flank steak is so large, coming from just above the belly in the rear quarter of the animal, it qualifies as buying in bulk unto itself. It&#8217;s therefore a terrific, budget-friendly option for your cookout. &#8220;Flank steak is a versatile cut that&#8217;s perfect for fajitas,&#8221; said Jerome. That makes it another preparation that&#8217;s great for the grill and easy to feed a crowd with. Because of its natural leanness, however, a marinade is a good way to add tenderness before grilling. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Acidic marinades with vinegar or lime juice are better suited for flank steak than dry rubs,&#8221; said Jerome, &#8220;and the longer you marinate, the better, even up to 24 hours. Add pantry olive oil and spices to your acidic base and you&#8217;re ready to go.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 5. Beef short rib <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/39a112251357b830b213f27bb10a3980e3a308bc\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/c5e5b3f5-3169-4122-9064-28016a523586\/short-rib.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw short rib on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Short ribs are most commonly braised but you can grill them too.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">BWFolsom\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Short ribs are known for being braised, but they can also be grilled,&#8221; said Dommen. &#8220;Short ribs have a lot of marbling, which makes them great for grilling.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Short ribs come from an area near the prime rib, coming from the chuck, not actually from the rib, as the name suggests. (This is why beef requires experts.) While rib eye comes from the top of the animal, short ribs are closer to the belly. Short ribs for braising are typically sold bone-in and in shorter pieces, but you can ask your butcher for boneless short ribs that are cut in longer pieces for steak. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Short ribs should be grilled to medium rare with a nice sear to make sure all the intermuscular fat is warmed,&#8221; advised Dommen. &#8220;I grill short ribs to an internal temperature of 115 Fahrenheit and it will carry over another 10 degrees while resting.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 6. Chuck eye steaks <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/33686841c9fc5480906fa9a3bbac6339f4461e85\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/34ceddc1-07d8-4718-bffd-5ea2a31b0d3a\/chuck-eye-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"chuck eye steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ve probably already put chuck on the grill.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Milanchikov\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Chuck eye steaks are sometimes referred to as a &#8216;butchers&#8217; steak,'&#8221; said Jermone. And it bodes well for the cut&#8217;s quality if butchers are hoarding them. Chuck is a cut at the very top and front of the animal, from which ground meat is often processed, so if you&#8217;ve ever grilled burgers, you&#8217;re already accustomed to putting chuck on the grill. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The steak gets its nickname because years ago, butchers would keep this steak for themselves because it cooked and tasted like a rib eye while being more budget-friendly,&#8221; said Jerome. &#8220;This steak sits right next to the rib eye primal and therefore inherits a lot of the same qualities you would get from a rib eye.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<h2> Expert tips for grilling meat <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/83129c0e0c173e22b3e7c03faa146b78e79bfb2d\/hub\/2025\/07\/10\/8d8a8bfc-9837-41db-8402-78537e715019\/gettyimages-1495829370.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"person tending to grill amidst smoke and flames\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>With beef prices at record highs, make sure you&#8217;re cooking it with care.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Stefania Pelfini\/La Waziya Photography\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>No matter what cut you&#8217;re grilling, consider a few expert tips to make the most of what you have. &#8220;Elevate more tender cuts of beef with dry rubs,&#8221; said Jerome. &#8220;You can use spices you already have in your pantry for added savings. Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice are on trend, and work great on the grill.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>You should also consider extending your budget by choosing dishes and meals that call for less steak per person than simply steak for steak&#8217;s sake. &#8220;Beef is a highly versatile ingredient,&#8221; Jerome said. In addition to kabobs and fajitas, mentioned above, &#8220;beef up any salad for a quick, easy meal or pair sliced steak with a grain and lots of veggies to make it stretch in a delicious stir fry or bowl with Mexican or Mediterranean flavors.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There are certain principles that apply to all cuts of beef when grilling,&#8221; Dommen said. &#8220;By the time your meat is cooked, it should also ideally have a nice sear on it. Always let the meat rest before slicing, as this lets its juices redistribute. Other than rib eye, always slice meat against the grain to ensure tenderness.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>For more beef tips, see our picks for the\u00a0best places to order meat online and\u00a0the best rubs. You can also check out how shopping at Whole Foods can actually save you money, and how to make your food last longer in the fridge to save some cash. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"c-ShortcodeContent c-ShortcodeContent-theme:default sm:u-col-2 md:u-col-6 lg:u-col-12\">\n<p class=\"u-speakableText-p1\">Beef prices continue to climb, reaching a new record high\u00a0in April. As of Tuesday, live cattle is trading at $2.51 per pound, a more than 25% increase from just a year ago. Limited supply is largely to blame for the spike, and it&#8217;s driven the\u00a0average price of ground beef\u00a0to about $6.70 per pound, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics&#8217; March price index.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"u-speakableText-p2\">These\u00a0<span><span>supermarket spikes<\/span><\/span>\u00a0don&#8217;t bode well for budget-conscious carnivores, but all is not lost. Finding cheaper cuts of beef at the supermarket is one way to feed your appetite for steak and burgers without going broke. While rib eye and filet mignon may have bounced out of budget, there are other, perfectly good beef cuts worth considering, and many of them are considered butcher favorites.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Meat Delivery Services of 2026<\/span> See at CNET<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>To suss out the best budget beef, I spoke with career butchers and industry experts to identify the cheapest cuts of steak that still deliver a deep, savory experience without the exorbitant cost.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Rib eye is great, but you&#8217;ll pay for it<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/3d77fc4c46f7723f3111701bb989765ded123c72\/hub\/2025\/05\/15\/2a4e63d6-b99a-4036-b9ff-e1db8b6b4d58\/gettyimages-1441726865.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"Close up two Ribeye, rib eye steak, raw beef meat tender marbled striploin steak on dark background, with salt, garlic clove and spices rosemary on black stone board. Uncooked sirloin. Preparation for cooking\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>There are suitable alternatives to rib eye that cost much less.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Natalia Gdovskaia\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;A rib eye comes from the area between the loin and the shoulder, and is commonly known for its rich flavor and juicy texture,&#8221; Jason Jerome, beef supply chain expert at Beef. It&#8217;s What&#8217;s For Dinner, told me in an email. Despite its mouth-watering qualities, rib eye is among the most expensive cuts of meat and therefore is the No. 1 candidate to swap for a cheaper cut of steak.<\/p>\n<div data-location=\"BODY\" class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo u-flexbox u-grid-gap-medium g-outer-spacing-bottom-medium\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeCommercePromo_content u-flexbox-column\"><span>Best Places to Buy Meat Online in 2026<\/span> See at Cnet<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeCommercePromo_image\"><img src alt height=\"108\" width=\"196\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mark Dommen, head chef and partner at San Francisco&#8217;s One Market restaurant, says, &#8220;There are a number of beef and steak cuts that can ably stand in for rib eye, offering up value for the budget-conscious without sacrificing on flavor and texture.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h2> Best cheap beef cuts<\/h2>\n<h3> 1. Flat iron steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/2c95a6bbe1a8016eac7387f0734711c0757cef00\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/b7b7312b-c2ac-4e67-bd19-d7946815c731\/flat-iron-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"flat iron steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Flat iron steak has the required marbling to match the grill&#8217;s intensity.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Ozgurcoskun\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re craving the tenderness of rib eye, Jerome suggests the flat iron steak as a worthy alternative. &#8220;The flat iron steak is the second most tender cut of beef, behind the beef tenderloin,&#8221; he said. While beef tenderloin is generally not recommended for high-heat grilling due to its delicate nature, the flat iron has sufficient marbling to withstand the grill&#8217;s intensity. &#8220;These steaks are known for their rich beef flavor and are well-marbled,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That makes this cut stand out above others and it can be used in a variety of ways.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 2. Strip steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/a8cf16a30607872eab9cce94b99ea64583328a8a\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/c3052b74-66d9-417d-9a57-e6f28ed62ec5\/strip-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"strip steak on white background \" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Strip steak is tender and it can be a tasty substitute for rib eye.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Kativ\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Strip steak is incredibly tender and can be a tasty substitute for rib eye,&#8221; said Jerome. It&#8217;s also one of the closest in flavor to everyone&#8217;s favorite steak. The major difference between the two cuts is marbling; rib eye has more internal marbling throughout the cut, which accounts for its tenderness and flavor. Strip steak tends to have a thick band of fat on the outside of the cut that isn&#8217;t generally eaten, but which contributes to its robust flavor.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-small c-shortcodeImage-pullRight\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/280d76d51b00e2644f50066919647d63162c62d8\/hub\/2024\/11\/11\/68ba59d6-43a6-42de-a4f0-94053f5b9422\/tips-home.png?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"CNET Home Tips badge; click for more\" \/><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Jerome also adds that you can easily tease out more portions in a strip steak. &#8220;You can cut a strip steak in half for smaller portioned strip filets,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Not only does it increase your portions, but it&#8217;s also perfect paired with fresh veggies for an easy weeknight dinner.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>As with all cuts of meat, if you find something on sale, you should stock up and freeze portions for later, but with strip, Jerome also advises considering buying whole and doing a little bit of your own butchering for added savings. &#8220;With a whole striploin, you can save up to $2 per pound by buying in bulk and cutting down your own strip steaks at home,&#8221; he said. &#8220;On average, a striploin weighs 14 to 15 pounds, so that could be an average savings of up to $28 to $30.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<h3> 3. Sirloin steak or sirloin cap <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/38c49c3dd0148762f2180887ca6db298a5c8003c\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/3c87a390-21a9-4aa2-96da-49b603b8b2e8\/sirloin-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw sirloin steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Sirloin steaks are a tasty, budget-friendly option.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Nycshooter\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Sirloin is a primal cut, located farther down toward the rump of the animal than the rib. Steaks cut from muscles get more work than rib eye, which also makes them a leaner choice for grilling. &#8220;Sirloin steaks are a great budget-friendly option chock-full of flavor,&#8221; said Jerome, who also suggests cutting sirloin steaks into smaller pieces for another budget-stretching, grill preparation: kabobs. &#8220;Top sirloin steaks are a great option to have something lean but also tender and flavorful for your beef kabobs.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Dommen also mentions another cut from the sirloin to consider for your barbecue. &#8220;The cut is what Brazilians call the picanha,&#8221; he said. It&#8217;s instantly recognizable as a frequently skewered cut served in Brazilian churrasco. &#8220;The picanha comes from the sirloin cap at the rear of the animal. The muscles get more work and have more flavor but also need to be cut with care against the grain,&#8221; he said. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more<\/strong>:\u00a0<span><span>You&#8217;re Cooking Steak the Hard Way. Reverse Searing Makes It Foolproof<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3> 4. Flank steak <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/0c5b5d71a83806391f2c5a46587e32b3bd8703cc\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/605cf902-4d86-4d28-a92a-e14ae2c0561f\/flank-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw flank steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>A marinade is a good way to ensure some added tenderness to your flank steak before grilling.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">BWFolsom\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Because a flank steak is so large, coming from just above the belly in the rear quarter of the animal, it qualifies as buying in bulk unto itself. It&#8217;s therefore a terrific, budget-friendly option for your cookout. &#8220;Flank steak is a versatile cut that&#8217;s perfect for fajitas,&#8221; said Jerome. That makes it another preparation that&#8217;s great for the grill and easy to feed a crowd with. Because of its natural leanness, however, a marinade is a good way to add tenderness before grilling. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Acidic marinades with vinegar or lime juice are better suited for flank steak than dry rubs,&#8221; said Jerome, &#8220;and the longer you marinate, the better, even up to 24 hours. Add pantry olive oil and spices to your acidic base and you&#8217;re ready to go.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 5. Beef short rib <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/39a112251357b830b213f27bb10a3980e3a308bc\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/c5e5b3f5-3169-4122-9064-28016a523586\/short-rib.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"raw short rib on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>Short ribs are most commonly braised but you can grill them too.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">BWFolsom\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Short ribs are known for being braised, but they can also be grilled,&#8221; said Dommen. &#8220;Short ribs have a lot of marbling, which makes them great for grilling.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Short ribs come from an area near the prime rib, coming from the chuck, not actually from the rib, as the name suggests. (This is why beef requires experts.) While rib eye comes from the top of the animal, short ribs are closer to the belly. Short ribs for braising are typically sold bone-in and in shorter pieces, but you can ask your butcher for boneless short ribs that are cut in longer pieces for steak. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Short ribs should be grilled to medium rare with a nice sear to make sure all the intermuscular fat is warmed,&#8221; advised Dommen. &#8220;I grill short ribs to an internal temperature of 115 Fahrenheit and it will carry over another 10 degrees while resting.&#8221; <\/p>\n<h3> 6. Chuck eye steaks <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/33686841c9fc5480906fa9a3bbac6339f4461e85\/hub\/2022\/07\/15\/34ceddc1-07d8-4718-bffd-5ea2a31b0d3a\/chuck-eye-steak.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"chuck eye steak on white background\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ve probably already put chuck on the grill.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Milanchikov\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;Chuck eye steaks are sometimes referred to as a &#8216;butchers&#8217; steak,'&#8221; said Jermone. And it bodes well for the cut&#8217;s quality if butchers are hoarding them. Chuck is a cut at the very top and front of the animal, from which ground meat is often processed, so if you&#8217;ve ever grilled burgers, you&#8217;re already accustomed to putting chuck on the grill. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The steak gets its nickname because years ago, butchers would keep this steak for themselves because it cooked and tasted like a rib eye while being more budget-friendly,&#8221; said Jerome. &#8220;This steak sits right next to the rib eye primal and therefore inherits a lot of the same qualities you would get from a rib eye.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<h2> Expert tips for grilling meat <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption\">\n<div class=\"c-shortcodeImage_imageContainer\">\n<div class=\"c-cmsImage c-shortcodeImage_image\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/83129c0e0c173e22b3e7c03faa146b78e79bfb2d\/hub\/2025\/07\/10\/8d8a8bfc-9837-41db-8402-78537e715019\/gettyimages-1495829370.jpg?auto=webp&amp;width=768\" alt=\"person tending to grill amidst smoke and flames\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_caption g-inner-spacing-right-small g-text-xxsmall\"><\/p>\n<p>With beef prices at record highs, make sure you&#8217;re cooking it with care.<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"c-shortcodeImage_credit g-inner-spacing-right-small g-outer-spacing-top-xsmall g-color-text-meta g-text-xxxsmall\">Stefania Pelfini\/La Waziya Photography\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>No matter what cut you&#8217;re grilling, consider a few expert tips to make the most of what you have. &#8220;Elevate more tender cuts of beef with dry rubs,&#8221; said Jerome. &#8220;You can use spices you already have in your pantry for added savings. Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice are on trend, and work great on the grill.&#8221;\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>You should also consider extending your budget by choosing dishes and meals that call for less steak per person than simply steak for steak&#8217;s sake. &#8220;Beef is a highly versatile ingredient,&#8221; Jerome said. In addition to kabobs and fajitas, mentioned above, &#8220;beef up any salad for a quick, easy meal or pair sliced steak with a grain and lots of veggies to make it stretch in a delicious stir fry or bowl with Mexican or Mediterranean flavors.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There are certain principles that apply to all cuts of beef when grilling,&#8221; Dommen said. &#8220;By the time your meat is cooked, it should also ideally have a nice sear on it. Always let the meat rest before slicing, as this lets its juices redistribute. Other than rib eye, always slice meat against the grain to ensure tenderness.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>For more beef tips, see our picks for the\u00a0best places to order meat online and\u00a0the best rubs. You can also check out how shopping at Whole Foods can actually save you money, and how to make your food last longer in the fridge to save some cash. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/cnet.com\/home\/kitchen-and-household\/beef-has-never-been-more-expensive-here-are-the-cheap-cuts-that-butchers-buy\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/a\/img\/resize\/06b57089797378824d90b7860f4445826ff8c716\/hub\/2019\/09\/06\/b2d5eb6b-15f4-43fc-9926-dc1eb32389e2\/costco-prime-beef.jpg?auto=webp&amp;fit=crop&amp;height=675&amp;width=1200&#8243;] Beef prices continue to climb, reaching a new record high\u00a0in April. As of Tuesday, live cattle is trading at $2.51 per pound, a more than 25% increase from just a year ago. Limited supply is largely to blame for the spike, and it&#8217;s driven the\u00a0average price of ground beef\u00a0to about $6.70 per [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[67,226],"class_list":["post-1886267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-cnet-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1886267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1886267"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1886267\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1886267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1886267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1886267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}