Learn the differences between a chuck eye and a ribeye. Figure out which one is best for you here.
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Ribeye vs Chuck Eye Steak: What’s the Difference?
The meaty eyes have it! Whether you prefer a ribeye or a chuck eye steak, you’re going to get a delicious cut of beef. But where do you begin to know the differences between the two, and how do you know what steak is best for what occasion? In this guide, we’ll breakdown and compare a ribeye vs chuck eye steak: What’s the Difference?
What is a Ribeye Steak?
A ribeye is a delicious cut of beef that is extremely tender and known for its rich, buttery flavor and high level of marbling. Marbling refers to the white fat content that is actually fat, an indicator of how tasty, tender and flavorful the steak is. Those who love to grill consider the ribeye the king of all steaks for the robust flavor that is enhanced when prepared on the grill. A ribeye steak is one of the most expensive cuts of meat and so naturally flavorful, the only seasoning needed is salt and pepper.
Ribeye offers incredible marbling
You might be wondering why a ribeye steak is so flavorful and tender. It’s location, location, location. The ribeye comes from the upper rib portion of the cow right between the loin and the shoulder. This area gets the least exercise and contains incredibly delicious fat marbling that offers a rich flavor and juicy melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Bone in or boneless, a ribeye delivers
A ribeye steak is usually about one to one and a half inches thick and weighs between nine and 12 ounces. It should be bright red with a ribbon of white marbling throughout. The marbling should look like small lines across the overall surface. A ribeye is available boneless or with a bone-in, referred to as a cowboy or rib steak.
Popular for an outstanding rich, buttery taste and texture
Ribeye steaks have a wonderful, delicious rich buttery robust flavor, and tender melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add a pad of herb butter on top to melt over the cooked steak for additional flavor.
High end quality steak
Since a ribeye is a high-end steak, it is one of the most expensive cuts of meat. This is due to the marbling that gives it an incredible flavor and mouth watering tender texture.
What is a Chuck Eye Steak?
A chuck eye steak is another delicious cut of meat that comes from the cow’s shoulder, specifically from the area around the chuck eye muscle. It is a less tender cut of meat than the ribeye and features a rich, beefy flavor. Chuck eyes are sometimes preferred over ribeyes because they are less expensive, making them perfect for everyday enjoyment.
A close neighbor of a ribeye
What is chuck eye? It is located in the upper shoulder or chuck primal. This area is a continuation of the ribeye muscle that extends into the cow’s shoulder. This is called the chuck.
Nick named “poor man’s ribeye
A chuck steak is a less expensive cut of meat than a ribeye. Referred to as a poor man’s ribeye, it has similar characteristics but does not cost as much and can cost nearly half of what the ribeye does.
A thicker cut with plenty of marbling
A chuck eye steak is usually thicker than a ribeye steak. It should be bright red and have plenty of white marbling throughout. The marbling should look like small to medium lines across the overall surface.
Rich and beefy when cooked properly
Chuck eye steaks have a savory, delicious, rich beefy flavor. They are not as tender as the ribeye, but when marinated and cooked properly taste juicy and amazing.
Chuck Eye Vs Ribeye: The Key Differences
Ribeye steaks and chuck eye steaks are both cuts of beef that come from similar parts of the cow, and they have different characteristics that make them unique. Ribeye steaks come from the rib section of the cow, specifically from the area around the ribeye muscle. Chuck eye steaks come from the shoulder of the cow, specifically from the area around the chuck eye muscle. Ribeye steaks are generally more tender and buttery than chuck eye steaks due to their higher level of marbling. Chuck eye steaks are not as tender, but they have a rich, beefy flavor that some people prefer. Ribeye steaks are generally more expensive than chuck eye steaks due to their higher level of tenderness and flavor.
Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line Comes Down to Personal Preference
Some people prefer ribeye steaks for their rich, buttery flavor and high level of tenderness. These steaks are great for special occasions or when you want to splurge a bit. Other people prefer chuck eye steaks for their rich, beefy flavor and lower price point. The bottom line is that you can’t go wrong with either cut of meat. The check eye vs ribeye steak debate really comes down to personal preference.
Marinated Grilled Chuck Eye Recipe
The key to this delicious recipe is to marinate the steak with a tenderizing combination.
Ingredients:
Chuck Eye steaks
4 tbsp Olive Oil
4 Cloves Finely minced fresh garlic
5 tbsp Red wine vinegar
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp freshly cracked pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Combine olive oil, finely minced fresh garlic, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, sea salt, freshly cracked pepper and red pepper flakes. Whisk together
- Set the chuck eye steaks in a pan with a flat bottom and totally cover them with the marinade
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature
- On an uncovered medium heat grill, cook for three to five minutes on each side
- Transfer the steaks to indirect heat and cover the grill to allow additional cooking
- Remove from the grill, top with a pad of butter and allow the meat to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Marinated Grilled Chuck Eye
Ingredients
- Chuck Eye Steaks
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves finely minced fresh garlic
- 5 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, finely minced fresh garlic, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, sea salt, freshly cracked pepper and red pepper flakes. Whisk together
- Set the chuck eye steaks in a pan with a flat bottom and totally cover them with the marinade
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours
- Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature
- On an uncovered medium heat grill, cook for three to five minutes on each side
- Transfer the steaks to indirect heat and cover the grill to allow additional cooking
- Remove from the grill, top with a pad of butter and allow the meat to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing to retain juices