Chuck eye vs. ribeye: how these two beef cuts are different? Ribeye steak is from a primal section called a beef rib, while chuck eye steak is from the shoulder of the cow (chuck primal). Ribeye is slightly more flavorful and more tender. On the other hand, chuck eye steak shares many characteristics of a ribeye but is quite a bit cheaper.
In this article, you’ll find detailed information about both the ribeye and the chuck eye steak. For someone who is not that well familiar with different steak cuts, it can be hard to choose between these two excellent cuts. First, let’s start with the main differences between the two cuts, and further down the road, we’ll dive deep into more details about each steak individually.
Table of contents:
- The Differences Between Ribeye and Chuck Eye
- What is Chuck Eye Steak
- What is Ribeye Steak
- Which is Better, Chuck Eye or Ribeye?
The Differences Between Ribeye and Chuck Eye
Flavor and Texture
Ribeye steak is a more tender and flavorful cut than chuck eye steak. It has more marbling and a larger part of a Longissimus Dorsi muscle than chuck eye steak.
Price
Ribeye steak is about $10 per pound, more expensive than chuck eye steak. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the vendor.
Availability
Ribeye steak is readily available at most grocery stores, while chuck eye steak is only available at butcher shops and specialized online stores.
Cut
Ribeye steak is from the beef rib, which is a bit more tender and flavorful. While the chuck eye steak is a cut from the chuck primal near the ribeye.
What is Chuck Eye Steak
What part of the cow does chuck eye steak come from? Chuck eye is a steak from the shoulder area (chuck primal) from the fifth rib near the ribeye. It’s a very similar cut to the ribeye. The only difference is that ribeye is cut from the sixth through twelfth ribs and has more of a Longissimus Dorsi muscle than chuck eye steak.
How does chuck eye steak taste? Chuck eye steak has a great flavor. It’s a well-marbled cut, delivering an excellent beefy flavor.
What is the texture of chuck eye steak? Beef chuck eye steak is a tender piece of meat, although not as tender as a ribeye steak. It has a thick grain texture and more connective tissue; therefore, it’s a bit firmer to the chew.
How to cook chuck eye steak? The best way to cook chuck eye steak is on a grill or cast-iron skillet. Bring the steak to room temperature and season generously with kosher salt and pepper at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you have time, season the steak 2-3 hours before cooking and let it sit in a fridge. Salt will help steak to develop a nice crust. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet until scorching. Sear steak for a few minutes on each side until caramelized crust forms. If cooking on a grill, sear the steak on direct heat before moving the steak onto the indirect heat side of the grill and continue cooking (here’s how to set up a grill for two-zone cooking). If cooking steak in a pan – turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking to your liking. It’s not recommended to cook chuck eye steak past medium. Aim for medium-rare; otherwise, it can become too dry and chewy. Cooking time depends on the steak’s size and thickness. Leave the steak to rest after cooking.
How much does chuck eye steak cost? Chuck eye steaks are affordable, coming at around $21 per pound;
Where can you buy chuck eye steak? Unlike ribeye steak, chuck eye is not readily available at most grocery stores. You can buy it at a specialized online store or a local butcher shop.
Chuck eye steak is also known as poor man’s ribeye.
What is Ribeye Steak
What part of the cow does ribeye steak come from? Ribeye steak is a cut from the primal section called the beef rib. Located between the chuck and the loin, ribeye steak is cut from the sixth through twelfth ribs and can come either bone-in or boneless. The muscle running through the steak is called the Longissimus Dorsi muscle. It doesn’t get much exercise; therefore, it’s tender and naturally collects more intramuscular fat.
How does ribeye steak taste? Ribeye steakhas a vibrant, buttery, beefy flavor because of the amount of marbling the steak has. It’s a highly succulent piece of meat if cooked properly.
What is the texture of ribeye steak? Ribeye steak is tender and juicy. The primary muscle running through the steak doesn’t get much exercise; therefore, it’s incredibly tender. The spinalis dorsi section has a looser grain, while the central eye of the steak is exceptionally smooth.
How to cook a ribeye steak? The best way to cook ribeye steak is on the grill, in the oven (broiling), or frying pan. Bring steak to room temperature at least 30 minutes before cooking and season it with a generous amount of kosher salt and pepper. Preheat the grill or cast-iron skillet until smoking hot (at least 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Sear the steak for about a minute and a half on each side. Turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking to the desired doneness. If grilling the steak, move it onto the indirect heat side of the grill and continue cooking. Check steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer every 2-3 minutes. The internal temperature should not exceed 145° Fahrenheit; otherwise, the steak can become tough and dry.
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How much does ribeye steak cost? Ribeye steaks cost around $30 per pound, depending on the vendor.
Where can you buy ribeye steak? You can purchase ribeye steak in a grocery store, butcher’s shop, or specialized online store.
Ribeye steak is also known as a beauty steak, sarket steak, Delmonico, Spencer, or a Scotch fillet.
Which is Better, Chuck Eye or Ribeye?
Ribeye steak is a better option than chuck eye steak. After all, it’s considered one of the best steak cuts overall. It’s a more flavorful and tender cut. It’s easy to prepare and readily available. Not to mention you can choose between bone-in and boneless ribeye. On the other hand, chuck eye steak is much cheaper; however, it’s hard to find, meaning you’ll have to look for it online or try your luck at a butcher shop.
Related articles:
- Porterhouse vs. ribeye;
- Ribeye vs. t-bone;
- Ribeye vs. tenderloin;
- Ribeye vs. New York strip;
- New York strip vs. filet mignon;
- New York strip vs. flank steak;
- Skirt steak vs. flank steak;
- Skirt steak vs. hanger steak;
- Flat iron vs. flank steak;
- Flat iron steak vs. skirt steak;
- Flat iron steak vs. sirloin;
- Flat iron steak vs. ribeye;
- Tri-tip vs. brisket.
FAQ
Does chuck eye taste like ribeye?
Chuck eye steak shares many of the characteristics of a ribeye, including flavor and texture. However, ribeye is a slightly more flavorful cut.
