techniques

The 5 Best Steak Cuts for the Grill

We cooked up more than 20 steaks to bring you our favorites for the 'cue.
Image may contain Food Pork and Steak
Image may contain Food Pork and Steak

A steak grilled with salt and pepper is one of summer's simplest, most delicious pleasures. And it all comes down to the cut. We cooked up more than 20 steaks to narrow it down to these five favorites for the 'cue.

Rib Eye, a.k.a. "Spencer" or "Delmonico," is prime rib (pictured). A luxurious treat.

Price at Markets: $5 to $26 per pound

Price by Mail Order: $65 for four 12-ounce grass-fed steaks at montanaranchbrand.com

Hanger, or "butcher's tenderloin," delivers tenderness and flavor for a lot less than you'd pay for filet mignon.

Price at Markets: $10 to $20 per pound

Price by Mail Order: $19 per pound for grass-fed at greyledgefarm.com

Flatiron, the darling of restaurant chefs, is tender and earthy.

Price at Markets: $5 to $10 per pound

Price by Mail Order: $85 for four 16-ounce grass-fed steaks at estanciabeef.com

Skirt packs tons of flavor, affordably. For best texture, slice against the grain.

Price at Markets: $3 to $12 per pound

Price by Mail Order: $9 per pound for grass-fed at novyranches.com

Porterhouse has it all: filet alongside a New York strip, plus a yummy bone in between.
Price at Markets: $13 to $29 per pound

Price by Mail Order: $54 for one 18-ounce prime dry-aged steak at lobels.com

photograph by Tom Schierlitz

The BA Summer Grilling Manual: Skirt Steak