Steak is known to be a meal that represents luxury and is typically a choice selection on special events like Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. While it’s just understood that steaks are a pricier menu choice, the question should be asked: Why?
Here’s a closer look at what makes steaks a more expensive menu option and what cuts you can look for to impress your next date or to enjoy an affordable steak dinner.
A Lot Depends on the Cow Itself
Two of the biggest factors behind the price of steak are the cow itself and the current market where the meat is sold. When these two factors meet, it’s easier to understand why steak is priced the way it is.
Let’s look at the cows first. How the cow is bred and how much it costs a rancher to breed them factors into how high the meat is priced. For example, a prize cow like the ones we raise at the Y.O Ranch which have been fed a high quality diet, usually have more effort and money put into its livelihood than an ordinary cow that came from a slaughterhouse.
Also, local demand for different cuts of beef controls the prices that people are willing to pay. While at times the cost for some cuts may seem steep, most suppliers try to price their goods based on demand and the overall process of raising and preparing the cow for slaughter.
Tenderness Plays a Huge Role in Pricing
The tenderness of the meat and the percentage of the animal that it makes up highly determines the price that it’s sold. Tender cuts of meat like ribeye, porterhouse, and filet only make up around 8 percent of a cow’s body weight.
Ranchers must take this into account when pricing these cuts and have to ensure that the price is enough to make up for the rest of the tougher meat a cow produces.
Where Do the Best Cuts of Meat Come From?
The coveted 8 percent of the meat that gets priced the highest generally comes from the same region of the cow, The center of a cow is where the most tender pieces of meat are found. This is possible because it’s not an area of the animal that is typically “worked.”
Areas of the body where working muscle lies is going to be less tender and therefore priced at a lower rate on the market.
What Are the Most Expensive Steak Cuts?
So, this leads us to the most important question: Which steak do you buy based on current financial circumstances?
Well, if you have the cash to spend and want to impress a guest, we suggest stopping by a butcher’s shop and picking up the following cuts:
- Tenderloin
- Filet Mignon
- Bone-in Ribeye
Remember, if you’re going to go all-in on a homemade steak, check out our tips for cooking the perfect steak from the comfort of your own kitchen.
What Are the Most Affordable Steak Cuts?
Keep in mind that you can still enjoy a homemade steak dinner without breaking the bank. In fact, when cooked to perfection, some affordable cuts of steak can be just as tasty as their centerpiece counterparts.
Here are some of our picks for those random days where you just want a tasty steak:
- Chuck Steak
- Flat Iron Steak
- Sirloin Steak
Enjoy Your Favorite Cut of Beef today at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
If you want a great cut of steak cooked to perfection, Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse invites you and your family to take a seat at our table.
From perfect steaks to filling desserts as a finisher, there is something to please any palate on our plates. Make a reservation today and find out why our downtown steakhouse is a Dallas staple!
