Choosing the Right Steak Cut | Crofton’s
Crofton's Family Meat Market • April 14, 2025
Not sure which steak to pick? Learn how to choose the right cut for grilling, special dinners, or everyday meals at Crofton’s Family Meat Market.
How to Choose the Right Steak Cut for Any Occasion
Choosing the right steak can feel overwhelming when you're standing in front of the butcher case. With so many meat cuts—ribeye, sirloin, filet, NY strip—how do you know which one is right for your dinner plans? The good news is, when you know what each cut brings to the table, it’s easy to pick the perfect one. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd, planning a special dinner, or just craving a great weeknight meal, Crofton’s Family Meat Market is here to help.
Understanding the Basics: Marbling, Flavor, and Tenderness
Not all steaks are created equal. Some cuts are rich and buttery, others are lean and beefy. It mostly comes down to three things:
- Marbling: Fat running through the muscle that melts as it cooks, adding flavor and tenderness.
- Flavor: Different cuts have different flavor profiles, from delicate to deeply beefy.
- Tenderness: Some steaks are naturally more tender, while others have more texture and chew.
Knowing what you’re after makes choosing much easier.
Best Steak Cuts for Grilling
Grilling is all about high heat and bold flavors. You want a steak that can handle a good sear without drying out.
- Ribeye: Highly marbled, rich, and juicy. Perfect for grilling because the fat protects the meat.
- NY Strip: Slightly leaner than ribeye but still tender with a classic steakhouse flavor.
- Sirloin: Affordable and flavorful. Great for casual grilling or kabobs.
- Tomahawk Ribeye: For special occasions, this long-bone ribeye looks as impressive as it tastes.
Tip: When grilling high-marbled cuts like Wagyu, use a two-zone fire to avoid flare-ups.
Best Steak Cuts for Special Dinners
When you want to impress, tenderness and presentation are key.
- Filet Mignon: The most tender cut. Mild flavor, but melts in your mouth. Perfect for a romantic dinner or elegant meal.
- Porterhouse: Two steaks in one—filet on one side, NY strip on the other. Great for sharing.
- Bone-In Ribeye: Adds extra flavor and wow factor on the plate.
Tip: Serve with a simple herb butter or a red wine reduction to let the steak shine.
Best Steak Cuts for Everyday Meals
You don’t need a holiday to enjoy a great steak. These cuts are perfect for weeknights or casual weekends.
- Flat Iron: Incredibly tender for the price and quick to cook.
- Denver Steak: Well-marbled and flavorful, ideal for quick searing.
- Tri Tip: Versatile, affordable, and excellent for roasting or grilling.
- Ground Chuck Patties: When you want a steakhouse-quality burger without the fuss.
Tip: Marinate leaner cuts like flank or sirloin overnight for even more flavor.
Quick Cheat Sheet: Picking Your Steak
- Big flavor, rich and juicy: Ribeye
- Tender and mild: Filet Mignon
- Bold flavor, good chew: NY Strip
- Affordable and tasty: Sirloin, Flat Iron, Tri Tip
- Showstopper steak: Tomahawk Ribeye, Porterhouse
Find Your Perfect Cut at Crofton’s
At Crofton’s Family Meat Market, we’re proud to offer a full lineup of premium steaks—from Japanese Wagyu Ribeyes to Certified Angus Beef NY Strips and everything in between. Whether you're planning a cookout, a celebration, or a quiet dinner at home, we’ll help you find the right cut and share tips to cook it perfectly.
Stop by today and talk to one of our butchers—we love helping you make your meals memorable.
Try This Delicious Wagyu Recipe for Mom Any Day
There’s something magical about the sizzle of meat hitting a hot grill, especially when you're working with premium cuts from your local butcher. At Crofton’s Family Meat Market , we believe every great cookout starts with quality—and we’re here to help you build the ultimate grilling lineup just in time for BBQ season. Best Meats for BBQ Season: Ribeye, Sausage, Wings, and More When it comes to grilling, not all meats are created equal. Here's a look at our top picks for unforgettable backyard flavor: Grass-Fed Ribeye (from Providence Cattle Company): Tender, juicy, and full of that unmistakable beefy richness. Duroc Pork Sausages (from Villari): Naturally flavorful with just the right snap on the grill. Chicken Wings : Marinate, dry rub, or glaze — they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Skirt Steak : Perfect for tacos or slicing over salads. Beef Patties : Our hand-formed, high-quality blends make for the juiciest burgers in town. 🛒 Pro Tip: Stop by Crofton’s and mix-and-match your proteins for a personalized grilling pack! BBQ Rubs and Marinades: Elevate Your Grilled Meats The right rub or marinade can transform a good cut into a legendary bite. Our in-store selection of curated sauces, seasonings, and spice blends includes: Smoky mesquite rubs Tangy Carolina BBQ sauces Bold steakhouse-style blends Sweet and spicy glazes ✨ "Anyone can throw meat on a grill, but flavor comes from the prep. — Kevin Crofton How to Grill Like a Pro with High-Quality Meat Cuts Here are a few grilling tips to get the most out of your Crofton meats: Let the meat rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill — you want high heat to sear, then finish on indirect heat if needed. Don’t flip too often — give it time to develop that crave-worthy crust. Use a thermometer to hit the perfect internal temp (especially for poultry and pork). Rest your meat after grilling to lock in those juices. Need help choosing the right cut? Our team is happy to give you pointers and pairings. Shop Local: Your Grilling Destination in Land O’ Lakes Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, tailgating, or just feeding the family on a weeknight, Crofton’s Family Meat Market is your one-stop-shop for premium meats, expert advice, and community pride. 📍 Located in the heart of Land O’ Lakes 🥩 Featuring beef from Providence Cattle Company and Duroc pork from Villari 🔥 Offering rotating seasonal specials and family bundles Ready to Fire It Up? Visit Crofton’s Today! Stock up on everything you need to make this grilling season your best yet. Whether you're building the classic lineup or experimenting with something bold, Crofton’s has your back (and your ribs). ➡️ Stop in or call ahead to reserve your cuts.
Try This Delicious Wagyu Recipe for Mom Any Day
There’s something magical about the sizzle of meat hitting a hot grill, especially when you're working with premium cuts from your local butcher. At Crofton’s Family Meat Market , we believe every great cookout starts with quality—and we’re here to help you build the ultimate grilling lineup just in time for BBQ season. Best Meats for BBQ Season: Ribeye, Sausage, Wings, and More When it comes to grilling, not all meats are created equal. Here's a look at our top picks for unforgettable backyard flavor: Grass-Fed Ribeye (from Providence Cattle Company): Tender, juicy, and full of that unmistakable beefy richness. Duroc Pork Sausages (from Villari): Naturally flavorful with just the right snap on the grill. Chicken Wings : Marinate, dry rub, or glaze — they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Skirt Steak : Perfect for tacos or slicing over salads. Beef Patties : Our hand-formed, high-quality blends make for the juiciest burgers in town. 🛒 Pro Tip: Stop by Crofton’s and mix-and-match your proteins for a personalized grilling pack! BBQ Rubs and Marinades: Elevate Your Grilled Meats The right rub or marinade can transform a good cut into a legendary bite. Our in-store selection of curated sauces, seasonings, and spice blends includes: Smoky mesquite rubs Tangy Carolina BBQ sauces Bold steakhouse-style blends Sweet and spicy glazes ✨ "Anyone can throw meat on a grill, but flavor comes from the prep. — Kevin Crofton How to Grill Like a Pro with High-Quality Meat Cuts Here are a few grilling tips to get the most out of your Crofton meats: Let the meat rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill — you want high heat to sear, then finish on indirect heat if needed. Don’t flip too often — give it time to develop that crave-worthy crust. Use a thermometer to hit the perfect internal temp (especially for poultry and pork). Rest your meat after grilling to lock in those juices. Need help choosing the right cut? Our team is happy to give you pointers and pairings. Shop Local: Your Grilling Destination in Land O’ Lakes Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, tailgating, or just feeding the family on a weeknight, Crofton’s Family Meat Market is your one-stop-shop for premium meats, expert advice, and community pride. 📍 Located in the heart of Land O’ Lakes 🥩 Featuring beef from Providence Cattle Company and Duroc pork from Villari 🔥 Offering rotating seasonal specials and family bundles Ready to Fire It Up? Visit Crofton’s Today! Stock up on everything you need to make this grilling season your best yet. Whether you're building the classic lineup or experimenting with something bold, Crofton’s has your back (and your ribs). ➡️ Stop in or call ahead to reserve your cuts.
Discover why Duroc pork is juicier, richer, and more flavorful than regular pork. Visit Crofton’s Family Meat Market in Land O’ Lakes today.
Learn how to cook Japanese Wagyu Ribeye by skillet or charcoal grill. Simple steps, big flavor. Pick up your Wagyu at Crofton's today.