Did you know that deciding how to cut steak is just as important as cooking it to the perfect internal temperature?
How to Cut Steak the Right Way
Updated on Aug. 09, 2019
You might think a steak is a steak, but a lot of things go into creating the perfect eating experience. After finding the best steak to buy (we have suggestions that fit any budget), you have to cook it to the perfect level of doneness—that’s medium rare, if you’re asking me. When it’s finished cooking and has rested for 10 to 15 minutes, all the critical thinking parts are done, right?
Not so much! Knowing how to cut steak is the important final step.
Here’s the Secret
You have to slice against the grain. You’ve likely heard this before, but what does it actually mean? It all has to do with the direction of the meat’s muscle fibers. If you look closely at your steak (or, any piece of meat, for that matter), you’ll notice a bunch of lines that run parallel to each other. That’s it: the grain. It’s finer and harder to find in tender cuts like beef tenderloin or New York striploin, but larger and easier to identify in tougher steaks (such as skirt or flank).
When looking for the grain, you may get distracted by the grill marks on a cooked steak. Don’t make the mistake of slicing with or against the marks; they don’t necessarily correspond with the grain. If it gives you too much trouble, you can always become anti-grill marks like me: A steak that’s seared all over actually tastes better, and it’s certainly less distracting to slice.
Why Slicing Against the Grain Is Important
Once you’ve identified the grain, you’ll want to slice against it, making perpendicular slices that form a “T” with the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers, shortening them to the length of the slice. The shorter fibers are much easier to chew, resulting in a perfectly tender steak. If you sliced parallel to the grain, each piece of meat would contain long, fibrous strands that are harder for your teeth to get through. And who wants to turn a perfectly cooked steak into a chewy mess?
How do you make sure you’re always slicing the right way? Align the steak on the cutting board so the muscle fibers run left to right. Then, make up-and-down slices with a sharp knife. It’s that easy!
Celebrate your new steak-cutting skills with our favorite grilled steak recipes.
Find a Super Steak Recipe for Dinner
Tenderloin Steak DianeTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steaks, butter, mushrooms, steak sauce
Level: Beginner
For this classic skillet steak dinner, just sear the steaks in butter and top with a gorgeously silky mushroom cream sauce. It’s elegant and effortless all at once.
"Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak." —Recipe contributor Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Porterhouse SteakTotal Time: 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Porterhouse steak, salt, pepper
Level: Beginner
This basic but superlative porterhouse steak recipe will have you skipping the steakhouse dinner for home-cooked meals with this thick, tasty cut of meat. Serve it with classic sides: potatoes and a green vegetable.
When you're craving beef, a two-pound porterhouse steak will definitely satisfy those needs. This large cut of meat is lightly seasoned and cooked in plenty of butter to give a tender result. —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Steak au PoivreTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: New York strip, Cognac, heavy whipping cream
Level: Beginner
A classic French dish, steak au poivre is one of those recipes that’s incredibly tasty and elegant but deceptively easy to prepare—it’s the perfect thing to make if you’re having people over for a nice dinner but don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen.
Have an elegant restaurant experience right at home with this steak au poivre. Peppercorns season the steak to create a peppery, light crust. Then, butter, shallots, garlic, Cognac and heavy whipping cream combine to create a thick brown sauce that lathers the steak, creating a delightful bite. —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Air-Fryer Steak BitesTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, olive oil, salt
Level: Beginner
Imagine a lovely steak main course that takes only minutes to prepare and doesn't require a grill or heating up the kitchen! Our air-fryer steak bites recipe features delicious steak bits drenched in a garlic butter sauce.
Sirloin steak is seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper then tossed in the air fryer until perfectly cooked. After that, it gets a nice slather of garlic butter for a juicy, flavorful bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak and PotatoesTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steaks, Yukon Gold potatoes, olive oil
Level: Intermediate
This is an elegant and simple steak and potatoes recipe that will work well with just about any cut of meat. Just note that with some tougher cuts, like a flank steak, should not be overcooked so the meat so it does not become tough.
Nothing beats your classic meat and potatoes meal. Especially when the meat is a garlic-herb sirloin and the potatoes are soft with crispy edges. The leftovers could be the beginning of a great breakfast hash with an egg tossed on top. —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Milanesa SteakTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Top round steaks, breadcrumbs, flour
Level: Beginner
Dredged in seasoned bread crumbs and shallow-fried to a shade of golden brown, Milanesa steak fits the bill when you’re craving a comforting easy weeknight dinner.
Steak milanesa, or beef milanesa, is a thinly sliced steak that is breaded and fried until crispy. Serve with lemon! —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Florentine SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Porterhouse steak, thyme, rosemary
Level: Beginner
Florentine steak is made from the king-sized Porterhouse cut of beef and basted with herbed butter. This preparation is named after the city of Florence, which is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany.
The Italian dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, is traditionally cooked rare, but you can cook this version to your preference. Thyme, rosemary and butter make up the simple herb marinade. —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Hanger SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Hanger steak, garlic, olive oil
Level: Beginner
Hanger steak provides a more intense flavor than sirloin or tenderloin, and sauced with Worcestershire, garlic and fresh thyme, it's a versatile protein that'll go with any meal.
When you're craving those deep, rich flavors of beef, this butcher's steak is the way to go. Hanger steak provides a more intense flavor than sirloin or tenderloin, and with these subtle seasonings of Worcestershire sauce, garlic cloves and fresh thyme, it's a versatile protein that'll go with any meal. —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Grilled Flat Iron SteakTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flat iron steak, lime juice, chili powder
Level: Beginner
A four-hour marinating process and a quick trip to the grill make this grilled flat iron steak recipe a keeper.
Chili, garlic and lime combine to make an irresistible marinade with just the right amount of heat. This affordable cut of steak can make any night of the week a special occasion. —Recipe contributor Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Filet MignonTotal Time: 25 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Filet mignon steaks, butter, garlic, rosemary
Level: Beginner
Using just a few simple ingredients and the heat of a seasoned cast-iron skillet, this filet mignon recipe will have you cooking one of the best steaks you’ve ever eaten in your life.
"It only takes a little to make a filet mignon taste better than it already is. This recipe keeps it simple with only a handful of seasonings to create a buttery, herby and garlic flavor. Pair it with the classic sides of vegetables and mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal." —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Cast-Iron SteakTotal Time: 10 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: New York strip steak, kosher salt
Level: Beginner
You definitely don’t have to keep steak for special occasions. One of the easiest ways to cook it is seared in a cast-iron skillet with or without butter. All you need after that is a nice leafy salad to complete the meal.
"If you've never cooked steak at home before, it can be a little intimidating. That's why I came up with this simple steak recipe that's so easy, you could make it any day of the week." —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Chimichurri SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Beef flat iron steaks, cilantro, chipotle peppers, garlic
Level: Intermediate
Chimichurri is a piquant herb sauce that complements steak perfectly. Once you learn how to make the sauce, you'll want to serve it all summer long. And if you love steak, you need this custom branding iron for grilled meats.
"Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish." —Recipe contributor Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Grilled SteakTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Garlic, lemon, strip steaks
Level: Beginner
Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice act as the base for the seasoning rub on these grilled steaks. Because it's an acid-based rub, it will help to tenderize the meat. Pair the strips with your favorite grilled corn recipes.
"Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak FritesTotal Time: 35 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Russet potatoes, ribeye steaks, garlic, butter
Level: Intermediate
This steak frites recipe features perfectly cooked steak and homemade fries for a classic French bistro dish that's bound to impress.
"Have a tasty and indulgent meal in just mere minutes with this steak frites recipe. Russet potatoes are thinly sliced for a crispy side dish. Then ribeye steak is lightly seasoned with butter, garlic and thyme and cooked on the stove until perfectly pink in the center, creating delicious, tender bites." —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Grilled Flank SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice
Level: Beginner
Once you learn a great steak marinade recipe, you’ll be able to turn even the toughest cut of meat into a delicious dinner. This four-ingredient marinade transforms flank steak into a tender flavorful cut.
"How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef." —Recipe contributor Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Garlic Butter Steak BitesTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, garlic, butter
Level: Beginner
Steak bites basted in garlic butter with parsley are an appetizer answer to a full steakhouse supper. Make it as a casual starter or a light dinner for four.
"It takes only a few minutes to enhance a simple sirloin steak. This recipe uses not one but two forms of garlic to really make those flavors shine." —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Teriyaki Shish KabobsTotal Time: 35 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms
Level: Intermediate
These teriyaki skewers will be the hit of your next backyard barbecue. The aroma alone will get everyone’s attention, but once they taste the sweet and savory marinade, they’ll be hooked. You can easily double or triple this recipe for a crowd.
"When I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well." —Recipe contributor Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Pepper SteakThis delicious pepper steak recipe is perfect if you're on the hunt for a quick, nourishing, flavor-packed meal for your next weeknight dinner. Look no further!
Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard SauceTotal Time: 30 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Ribeye steaks, Dijon mustard, blue cheese
Level: Intermediate
Grill these steaks to get a nice caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the meat tender inside. The size of the steaks and the amount of blue cheese topping can easily be cut in half for smaller portion sizes.
"This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year!" —Recipe contributor Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Zesty Steak SaladTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, peppers, onion, tomato
Level: Beginner
Cook marinated top sirloin steak for this zesty salad, or feel free to use leftover steak from another meal. While the base is leafy romaine lettuce, add anything else you love to the bowl, from cucumbers and mushrooms to cheese.
"Stir-fried steak and veggies give this hearty salad a cozy kick. Add any of your favorite salad ingredients like shredded cheese, croutons, mushrooms or cucumber." —Recipe contributor Leah Carrell, Quitman, Texas
Air-Fryer Steak FajitasTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice
Level: Beginner
Of course you can make steak in the air fryer! This marinated flank steak takes less than 10 minutes. While you let it rest, slice avocado, onion and lime wedges for serving.
"Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special." —Recipe contributor Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Steak PinwheelsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, spinach, Parmesan, sour cream
Level: Intermediate
Butterfly and flatten a flank steak so there’s a large surface area for this savory spinach stuffing. Roll it up, slice it, and cook for about seven minutes.
"I wow family and friends with this impressive-looking dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Even those who don't like spinach seem to like this dish!" —Recipe contributor Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Key West Flank SteakTotal Time: 35 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Flank steak, Key lime juice, cilantro
Level: Intermediate
Flank steak is great for the grill, especially with this lime and garlic marinade, and it cooks quickly, just a few minutes per side. After letting it rest, slice against the grain. Need more ideas for this economical cut of beef? Check out some of our other flank steak recipes.
"My husband, Jason, is the cook in our family. This is his recipe, inspired by his Colombian roots and our visits to Key West. Sometimes we grill extra lime and onion slices alongside. Serve with sides of rice and fried plantains." —Recipe contributor Gretchen Ospina, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut VinaigretteTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, walnuts
Level: Beginner
This steak salad is a great date night steak recipe because it’s impressive but easy to throw together for any night of the week. Serve with some crusty bread and a great bottle of wine.
"When I want to serve a romantic dinner for my husband and me, I fix this elegant yet easy salad. I just add crusty French bread and a glass of wine." —Recipe contributor Candace McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Grilled Onion and Skirt Steak TacosTotal Time: 20 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Steak, beer, lime juice, green onions
Level: Beginner
Skirt steak is usually a pretty tough cut with lots of connective tissue. That’s why you want to use something like this beer and lime marinade to tenderize it and add flavor. Like other grilled steak recipes, a quick sear over the fire is all it takes.
"My grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking." —Recipe contributor Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beef Filets with Portobello SauceTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steaks, mushrooms, red wine, beef broth
Level: Beginner
These steaks with a rich and savory portobello mushroom sauce are a perfect meal for two. Complete the meal with zesty potatoes, a leafy salad and a hunk of great bread.
"These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert." —Recipe contributor Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Citrus Steak SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cooked sirloin steak, romaine, strawberries, oranges, pecans
Level: Beginner
There are so many wonderful flavors in this salad, thanks to fresh greens, mandarin oranges, strawberries and a citrusy vinaigrette. The only thing you need to cook is the steak, and dinner is on the table in no time.
"Your family will think you spent hours on this beautiful main dish salad with its from-scratch dressing, but it's an absolute cinch!" —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream CheeseTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steaks, Parmesan, horseradish, cream cheese
Level: Beginner
The sharp peppery flavor of horseradish has always been a great foil for a rich, juicy steak. Blend it with cream cheese, parmesan and parsley for a delicious steak topper, and serve with a classic baked potato.
"My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side."—Recipe contributor Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Southwest Steak and PotatoesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, potatoes, brown sugar, cumin
Level: Beginner
Make this whole meal on the grill for your next cookout. The steak gets a brush of vinegar and Worcestershire before a rub of zesty spices, and the potatoes taste great with a little char from the fire.
"Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder." —Recipe contributor Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio
Maple and Blue Cheese SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, blue cheese
Level: Intermediate
A marinade of balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and Dijon adds a ton of flavor to this steak, and it complements the sharp blue cheese topping. Any cut that you’d grill works here, including sirloin, strip or ribeye.
"This is a wonderful, cheesy recipe that melts in your mouth. I love this traditional Canadian meal. It certainly has a special feel; the sauce is a fantastic complement to steak." —Recipe contributor Susan Jerrott, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Smoky Espresso SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, espresso powder, cocoa, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Beginner
With espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice, it may sound like you’re making dessert, but it’s actually a delicious rub that transforms broiled or grilled flat iron steak into a flavor bomb.
"This juicy steak rubbed with espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice is one of my husband's favorites. Broiling is a good year-round method, but we love making it on the grill, too." —Recipe contributor Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Grilled Steaks with Marinated TomatoesTotal Time: 45 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steaks, raspberry vinaigrette, Montreal steak seasoning, tomatoes
Level: Intermediate
Talk about peak summer. Sometimes all you need for a perfectly grilled steak is a side of fresh garden tomatoes marinated in raspberry vinaigrette and fresh herbs and spices. A side of cheesy potatoes or sauteed green beans work, too!
"The flavor of the tomatoes improves after they marinate overnight. I could eat them all by themselves! Our family likes these steaks best served with cheesy potatoes or glazed green beans." —Recipe contributor Anna Davis, Half Way, Missouri
Garlic-Rubbed T-Bones with Burgundy MushroomsTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: T-Bone steak, garlic, mushrooms
Level: Beginner
Porterhouse or T-bone steaks are great on the grill, especially when rubbed with garlic and served with wine-soaked mushrooms. Take dinner to another level with creamy twice-baked potatoes and a Caesar salad.
"T-bone steak is a fairly tender cut, so there's no need to marinate. Punch up the flavor using loads of garlic." —Recipe contributor Kevin Black, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread SaladTotal Time: 50 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Steak, bread, ranch dressing, grated horseradish
Level: Intermediate
The chili-rubbed grilled steak and fresh vegetables make this panzanella-like salad a one-bowl meal. Use thick-cut bread for the cubes so they can soak up all the flavors.
"We love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh." — Recipe contributor Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Chipotle-Honey Grilled T-BonesTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: T-bone steak, cilantro, honey, chipotle peppers
Level: Intermediate
For all the heat lovers out there, these T-bones have a spicy kick. Great on the grill or seared indoors, make these the centerpiece of a Tex Mex-inspired dinner.
"If you like to kick things up on the grill, this is the steak for you. My husband even makes this in a Dutch oven, and the meat just sizzles." —Recipe contributor Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched MushroomsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steak, bacon, mushrooms, Scotch
Level: Intermediate
You’ve seen the bacon-wrapped filet mignon at the grocery store, but it’s just as easy to make at home. This recipe is perfect for two (yay, date night!), but it can easily be doubled or tripled for a dinner party.
"I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled." —Recipe contributor Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Merlot Filet MignonTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Tenderloin steak, butter, merlot
Level: Beginner
Remember: when you’re cooking with wine, don’t use the cheap stuff; cook with one you’d like to drink. It makes all the difference in a buttery wine sauce like this.
"Although this is such a simple recipe, you can feel confident serving it to any guests. The rich sauce adds a touch of elegance. Just add a salad and rolls." —Recipe contributor Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin SteakTotal Time: 30 minutes + chilling
Main Ingredients: Top sirloin steak, cocoa, chipotle peppers
Level: Beginner
Cocoa powder won’t make your steak sweet. Unsweetened chocolate adds depth and color to steak. It’s also a perfect complement to smoky chipotle peppers. Here are some other surprising ingredients that take your steak from good to great.
"Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy five-ingredient rub." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak with Citrus SalsaTotal Time: 30 minutes + marinating
Main Ingredients: Steak, soy sauce, oranges, cilantro
Level: Beginner
In the summer, this lime marinade perks up grilled steaks. In the winter, broiled or pan-seared steaks get a blast of sunshine from citrus salsa.
"A lime juice marinade really perks up these grilled steaks, and the snappy, light citrus salsa is a super change from the usual heavy steak sauce. I brighten up winter meals by broiling the meat and serving it this way." —Recipe contributor Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Ginger Steak Fried RiceTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Steak, soy sauce, fresh gingerroot
Level: Beginner
Turn leftover rice and steak into a quick fried rice. Broccoli slaw mix and frozen peas make it an easy-peasy weeknight meal.
"Perfect for an end-of-the-week meal, this sensational dish comes together quickly with leftover rice. I learned a great tip for the steak recently: Partially freeze it, and it will be easy to cut into thin slices." —Recipe contributor Simone Garza, Evansville, Indiana
Steak Recipes FAQ
How do I keep my steaks juicy and tender?
Three simple tips can keep your steak as tender as the ones you order at a steakhouse, no matter how you like them cooked. Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Rest your steaks for five to 15 minutes after cooking (tented with foil) to help the meat reabsorb the moisture emitted during cooking. And always slice steak against the grain, so that your knife is doing the tougher cutting rather than your teeth.
What's the best way to cook a steak?
Grilling results in excellent home-cooked steaks. Whether you use charcoal or gas grills, the steak will yield a beautiful charred exterior and juicy meat inside. If your grill is put away for the winter, cooking steaks on well-seasoned cast-iron skillets gives them a restaurant-quality crust, and you can use the melted butter in the skillet to baste your steaks as they cook.
What should I serve with a steak dinner?
Add Brussels sprouts to the grill or serve your steak with crisp-tender green beans. Some seasons and occasions call for hearty sides like baked potatoes (try Hasselback potatoes for a pretty way to serve them) or buttery homemade rolls. Balance it out with a light, seasonal green salad. And don't forget a glass of red wine!
