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Rib eye steak
View on WikipediaThe rib eye or ribeye (known as Scotch fillet in Australia and New Zealand) is a boneless rib steak from the rib section.
Description
[edit]
Ribeye steaks are mostly composed of the longissimus dorsi muscle but also contain the complexus and spinalis muscles. The longissimus dorsi is also referred to as the "eye of the ribeye". The spinalis is also referred to as the "ribeye cap" and the complexus is a small muscle at the front of the ribeye which may be trimmed off by the butcher.[1]
It is both flavoursome and tender, coming from the lightly worked upper rib cage area which spans from the sixth to twelfth ribs of the cattle.[1] Its marbling of fat makes it very good for fast and hot cooking.
The ribeye is the state steak of Oklahoma.[2][3]
Terminology
[edit]- In Australia and New Zealand, "ribeye" refers to a bone-in rib steak, while the boneless ribeye is known as "Scotch fillet" or "whiskey fillet".[citation needed]
- In French cuisine, the entrecôte corresponds to the rib eye steak, while rib steak is called côte de bœuf (literally: "beef rib").
- In Argentine cuisine, the rib eye is known as ojo de bife, while the rib steak is known as ancho de bife.
- In Chilean cuisine, the boneless rib steak is known as lomo vetado.
- In Spanish cuisine, the rib eye is known by its French name, entrecot.
- In French Canada, mainly the province of Québec, it is called "faux filet" (literally: "false" fillet).[4]
- In Austria the same cut is known as "Rostbraten", it is usually cut thinner at 0,5-1 cm.
- On the West Coast of the United States, a boneless rib eye steak is sometimes called a "market steak" or a "Spencer steak".[5]
- A "tomahawk chop" steak is a ribeye beef steak, trimmed leaving at least five inches of rib bone intact, French trimmed taking the meat and fat from the bared bone to create a distinctive ‘handle’ to the steak.[6]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ a b "The Butcher's Guide: What is a Ribeye?". Omaha Steaks. Archived from the original on 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
- ^ "It's official; ribeye designated as state steak" (Press release). Oklahoma Senate. May 3, 2019. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
- ^ Foden-Vencil, Kristian (5 March 2025). "Oregon Senate votes to make T-bone the official state steak". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "bifteck de faux-filet". Grand dictionnaire terminologique (in French).
- ^ "What Is Spencer Steak? And How to Cook It: Chances are, you're actually already familiar with this cut". Food Network. January 21, 2022. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ "Is Tomahawk Steak Actually Worth The Hype?". Chophouse Steaks. 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
Sources
[edit]- Green, Aliza (2005). Field Guide to Meat. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books. ISBN 1-931686-79-3.
External links
[edit]Rib eye steak
View on GrokipediaDefinition and Characteristics
Description
The rib eye steak, commonly referred to as ribeye, is a boneless cut derived from the rib primal of the beef carcass, encompassing ribs 6 through 12 along the upper back near the backbone.[6] This primal section supports the animal's weight, resulting in a muscle with minimal connective tissue. The steak is primarily composed of the longissimus dorsi muscle, often including the spinalis dorsi (ribeye cap) while the complexus is removed along natural seams, and all bones, cartilage, and excess fat trimmed to specification.[1] Renowned for its generous intramuscular fat, or marbling, the rib eye steak exhibits exceptional tenderness due to the reduced exercise of the rib area's muscles.[1] This marbling, interspersed throughout the lean meat, contributes to a robust, beefy flavor profile as the fat renders during cooking, basting the meat and enhancing juiciness without excessive chewiness.[7] The high fat content—typically higher than in loin cuts—distinguishes it as one of the most flavorful beef steaks available.[1] In contrast to bone-in preparations like the rib steak or standing rib roast, which retain the rib bones for added presentation and flavor infusion, the rib eye steak's boneless nature facilitates uniform cooking and easier carving into individual portions.[1]Physical Attributes
The rib eye steak typically weighs between 10 and 16 ounces and measures 1 to 1.5 inches in thickness, allowing for even cooking and substantial portion sizes suitable for individual servings.[2][8] Marbling in the rib eye steak consists of intramuscular fat distributed as fine white flecks throughout the lean muscle, enhancing visual appeal and contributing to tenderness through fat distribution.[9] USDA Prime rib eye exhibits abundant marbling, with slightly abundant to moderately abundant fat flecks creating a richly speckled pattern, while USDA Choice shows modest to small amounts, resulting in sparser, more uniform fat distribution compared to Prime.[10][11] Texture and color in rib eye steaks vary significantly based on aging method. Wet-aged rib eye, vacuum-sealed to retain moisture, maintains a bright red interior color and a consistently firm yet moist texture throughout.[12] In contrast, dry-aged rib eye develops a darker brown exterior due to surface moisture loss, forming a firmer, leathery pellicle while the interior remains tender and pinkish-red.[13][12]Origin and Terminology
History
The rib eye steak emerged in 19th-century American butchery as a distinct cut, drawing from European traditions, particularly the French entrecôte, which refers to a boneless steak from the rib section between the ribs.[14] This influence arrived via European immigrants and culinary exchanges, with the cut gaining prominence in the United States through establishments like Delmonico's Restaurant in New York City, where it was popularized in the mid-1800s as the "Delmonico steak"—a thick, boneless rib cut valued for its marbling and flavor.[15] By the late 19th century, American butchers adapted these techniques to local beef breeds, refining the rib eye as a premium, eye-shaped portion from the rib primal, distinct from bone-in roasts.[16] Key milestones in its recognition came with the standardization of beef cuts by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the early 20th century. In 1916, the USDA developed tentative standards for dressed beef, including definitions for primal cuts like the rib section from which the rib eye is derived.[17] These efforts culminated in the official U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef in 1926, which formalized rib eye characteristics such as size and marbling for consistent market reporting and quality assessment. This standardization helped establish the rib eye as a reliable commercial cut amid growing domestic beef production. The rib eye's popularization accelerated in the United States after World War II, coinciding with economic prosperity, suburban expansion, and a surge in beef consumption driven by the postwar beef industry boom.[18] Steakhouses proliferated during the 1950s and 1960s, featuring the rib eye as a signature dish due to its tenderness and rich fat content, which appealed to the era's grilling culture and fine-dining trends.[19] This period solidified its status as an iconic American steak, influencing modern terminology variations like "Scotch fillet" in other regions.[20]Naming Conventions
The rib eye steak is known by several common names worldwide, each reflecting its anatomical origins or historical associations. In the United States, it is primarily called "ribeye," a term derived from the cut's location in the rib primal and the distinctive "eye" of marbling in the longissimus dorsi muscle, the central tender portion of the rib section.[20][21] Another American name, "Delmonico steak," originated in the 19th century at Delmonico's restaurant in New York City, where the cut was popularized as a premium offering, though the exact original cut has varied over time and now often specifically denotes a rib eye.[21][22] In Australia and New Zealand, the boneless version is commonly referred to as "Scotch fillet," a name tracing its roots to Scottish butchery traditions where the cut's rich flavor and tenderness were prized, distinguishing it from bone-in rib eye steaks.[23][24] The French term "entrecôte," meaning "between the ribs," describes a boneless rib steak cut from the rib area, emphasizing its position between the rib bones and its use in classic French cuisine.[14][25] Regional variations in naming highlight linguistic and cultural adaptations of the cut. In the United States, "rib eye" (often written as two words) is the standard in butchery and retail contexts, reflecting a straightforward English description of its source.[26] In contrast, South American countries like Argentina use "ojo de bife," translating to "eye of the ox," which directly alludes to the marbled eye of fat in the longissimus dorsi muscle, a term widely adopted in the region's beef-centric grilling traditions.[27][28] The terminology for rib eye steaks has evolved through standardized butchery practices to ensure consistency in trade and preparation. The Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS), developed by the USDA, and the North American Meat Processors Association (NAMP) Meat Buyer's Guide have played key roles in this standardization since the mid-20th century, assigning specific codes to rib eye variations for wholesale and institutional use. For instance, IMPS Item 1112 designates the boneless rib eye roll steak, prepared from the rib eye roll with the lip (seratus dorsalis muscle) removed, while Item 1112A includes the lip-on version, limited to 2 inches from the main muscle. These codes, first formalized in IMPS Series 100 for fresh beef in the 1960s and revised periodically by NAMP (e.g., in their ongoing Meat Buyer's Guide editions), address historical ambiguities from regional or marketing-driven names, promoting uniform trimming, portioning, and fat specifications across the industry.[29][30]Anatomy and Sourcing
Beef Primal Cut
The rib eye steak is derived from the rib primal cut of the beef carcass, which spans the upper portion of the forequarter under the backbone and includes ribs 6 through 12. This primal is positioned between the chuck (shoulder) section anteriorly and the loin section posteriorly, serving primarily as a structural support area in the animal.[6][31] Anatomically, the rib eye centers on the longissimus dorsi muscle, a large, elongated tenderloin-like muscle that forms the rounded "eye" of the steak and runs parallel to the spine. Encircling this eye is the spinalis dorsi muscle, known as the rib eye cap, which is a flavorful, well-marbled layer separated from the eye by a thin seam of fat. These muscles contribute to the cut's characteristic tenderness and richness, with the location in the rib primal influencing the degree of intramuscular fat distribution. Although typically included as part of the rib eye steak, the spinalis dorsi is often separated during butchery and sold independently as ribeye cap steaks. When separated, it is commonly rolled tightly into a cylindrical shape and secured with kitchen twine to maintain a uniform form, facilitating even cooking and consistent presentation.[31][32][33][34] In the butchery process, the rib primal is first separated from the chuck and short plate by straight cuts along the natural seams between these sections. To produce rib eye steaks, the resulting rib roast—either bone-in or prepared boneless—is sliced perpendicular to the length of the bones (or muscle grain for boneless) into portions typically 1 to 1.5 inches thick. A fat cap covering the exterior is then trimmed to a uniform thickness, often 1/8 to 1/4 inch, to balance flavor and presentation while preserving marbling within the muscles; bone-in options retain the rib bones for added structure and flavor infusion during cooking, whereas boneless versions are denuded of bones and excess external fat for convenience.[6][35]Quality Grades and Selection
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) quality grading system for beef evaluates carcasses based on marbling—the intramuscular fat that enhances flavor and tenderness—and physiological maturity, which influences meat quality through factors like bone ossification and lean color.[9] The top three grades—Prime, Choice, and Select—account for nearly all (approximately 96%) of graded beef, with recent distributions showing about 11% Prime, 72% Choice, and 13% Select as of 2024; Prime requires the highest level of marbling (abundant or moderately abundant) for superior juiciness, Choice features moderate marbling for good quality, and Select has slight marbling for leaner cuts.[36][37] Maturity is scored on a scale where younger animals (A and B maturity groups, typically 9 to 42 months old) achieve higher grades due to finer texture and less connective tissue, while older animals may result in tougher meat and lower grades like Standard or Commercial.[36] Beyond USDA grades, selecting a high-quality rib eye steak involves considering the animal's age, feed regimen, and post-slaughter aging processes, as these directly impact tenderness, flavor, and texture. Younger animals, often under 30 months, produce more tender rib eyes with less developed muscle fibers, contributing to premium grading potential.[36] Feed type distinguishes grass-fed from grain-fed beef; grain-fed cattle, finished on corn or soy for 100-200 days, yield rib eyes with greater marbling and a buttery, mild flavor, whereas grass-fed beef is leaner, with a deeper, grassier taste but potentially less tenderness due to lower fat content.[38] Aging enhances quality: dry aging exposes the cut to controlled humidity and temperature (typically 32-34°F and 70-85% humidity for 21-45 days), concentrating flavors through moisture loss and enzymatic action, while wet aging in vacuum-sealed packaging for 7-28 days retains juices and is more efficient for consistent tenderness.[39] For consumer selection, visual cues include seeking a bright cherry-red lean color free of grayish tones, signaling freshness and proper handling, alongside even, fine marbling of creamy white fat distributed throughout the eye muscle for balanced cooking.[40] A uniform fat cap of about 1/4-inch thickness adds moisture during cooking. Tactile inspection involves gently pressing the meat—it should feel firm with a slight resilience, indicating good marbling without excessive chewiness from over-maturity.[41] Steaks from the rib primal should avoid irregular shapes or excessive external fat, which can suggest suboptimal butchering.Preparation and Cooking
Methods and Techniques
The rib eye steak, prized for its rich marbling and tenderness, benefits from high-heat cooking methods that promote a flavorful crust while preserving juiciness through precise temperature control. Common techniques include grilling, pan-searing, broiling, and reverse-searing, each leveraging direct heat to sear the exterior after or during gentle cooking of the interior. These methods suit rib eye's fat content, which bastes the meat naturally during cooking. An instant-read thermometer is essential for accuracy, as is allowing the steak to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even results.[42][43] The ribeye cap (spinalis dorsi), a highly prized outer muscle of the rib eye often sold separately, is traditionally rolled tightly and tied to maintain a uniform cylindrical shape and promote even cooking. This preparation is particularly suited to compact methods such as grilling or reverse-searing, where the steak cooks as a consistent piece. However, the rolled format can limit sear surface area and, in some cases, contribute to uneven cooking. Unrolling and untying the cap maximizes surface area for enhanced Maillard reaction and superior crust development, especially in high-heat searing or sous vide followed by searing. Many enthusiasts prefer the unrolled approach for improved flavor and texture.[33][44] Grilling involves a two-zone setup on a charcoal or gas grill, where the steak cooks indirectly to reach near-doneness before a quick sear over high heat. Season the rib eye with salt and pepper, then place it on the cooler side of the grill (around 225–275°F) until the internal temperature hits 105°F for rare or 115°F for medium-rare, flipping occasionally; this takes 10–15 minutes for a 1.5-inch-thick cut. Move to the hot side (500°F+), searing for 1–2 minutes per side while rotating for crosshatch marks, until the final temperature is 120–125°F (rare), 130–135°F (medium-rare), or 140–145°F (medium). Rest the steak for 5–10 minutes to redistribute juices. A chimney starter for coals or gas burners provides reliable high heat.[45] Pan-searing is a common and straightforward technique for preparing rib eye steak indoors, using a heavy skillet to develop a deep, caramelized crust. The steak is seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then seared in a smoking-hot cast-iron or stainless steel skillet with a high-smoke-point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, flipping frequently to achieve an even crust through the Maillard reaction. In the final stages, butter is added to the pan, and the steak is basted with the melted butter, optionally incorporating aromatics like thyme sprigs or sliced shallots for enhanced flavor. This butter-basting approach leverages the rib eye's abundant marbling to promote juiciness and richness without requiring a cream-based sauce. The method excels with thicker cuts, allowing the fat cap to render and crisp effectively, with final doneness determined by internal temperature (matching those for grilling) and followed by a brief rest.[42] Broiling mimics grilling under an oven's top heating element, suitable for quick, hands-off searing. Position the oven rack 5 inches from the broiler and preheat to high (500°F+), placing the rib eye on a foil-lined broiler pan or wire rack over a salt-bedded pan to catch drippings. Broil for 2 minutes per side to brown, then continue flipping every 2–4 minutes until reaching 125–130°F for medium-rare (total 6–16 minutes depending on thickness). For enhanced caramelization, sprinkle brown sugar on the second side. Rest for 5–10 minutes afterward. This technique works best for 1–1.5-inch-thick rib eyes to avoid over-charring the exterior.[43][46] Reverse-searing starts with low, slow cooking to evenly temper the interior before a high-heat finish, minimizing overcooking in thicker cuts like rib eye. Season and optionally dry-brine overnight, then oven-roast at 200–275°F on a wire rack until 10–15°F below target (e.g., 105–115°F for medium-rare, 20–35 minutes). Sear in a screaming-hot cast-iron skillet with oil and butter for 45 seconds per side, or on a grill, to reach final doneness. No resting is needed due to the gentle initial cook, but serve promptly. This method ensures edge-to-edge pinkness, leveraging the rib eye's marbling for superior results.[47] Doneness levels for rib eye follow standard culinary guidelines, with the USDA recommending a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (medium) followed by a 3-minute rest for safety, though lower temperatures are common for rarer preferences.[48]| Doneness | Internal Temperature (°F) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125 | Cool red center |
| Medium-Rare | 130–135 | Warm red center |
| Medium | 140–145 | Warm pink center |
| Medium-Well | 150–155 | Slight pink center |
| Well-Done | 160+ | No pink, firm texture |
Seasoning and Serving Suggestions
Rib eye steak is commonly seasoned with simple yet effective ingredients to highlight its natural marbling and rich flavor. A basic seasoning of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, applied generously about 30-60 minutes before cooking, allows the salt to penetrate and enhance tenderness while the pepper adds a subtle heat. For added depth, garlic powder or minced fresh garlic can be incorporated into the rub, creating a savory crust during searing. Marinades offer versatility for different flavor profiles, particularly when the steak is prepared via grilling or broiling. A classic garlic-herb rub, combining olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic, infuses the meat with aromatic notes that complement its beefy essence. For an Asian-inspired twist, a soy sauce-based marinade with ginger, sesame oil, and green onions tenderizes the steak and introduces umami without overpowering the cut's inherent richness. These preparations should be limited to 1-2 hours to avoid excessive softening of the texture. When serving, a standard portion for rib eye steak is 8-12 ounces per person, allowing for its substantial fat content to provide satisfaction. In thin-sliced preparations, smaller palm-sized portions of about 3 ounces (85 grams) cooked are commonly used as a single serving size, roughly equivalent to the size of an adult palm (raw weight may be slightly more, around 4 ounces to account for cooking loss), based on standard nutrition and portion control guidelines.[49] To maximize tenderness, slice the cooked steak against the grain into thin strips, which shortens the muscle fibers and improves chewability. Common accompaniments include béarnaise sauce, a buttery emulsion of egg yolks, tarragon, and shallots that cuts through the steak's fattiness with its tangy acidity. Pairing rib eye steak with appropriate sides and beverages enhances the dining experience. Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, with its notes of black currant and firm tannins, balance the steak's intensity. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, seasoned simply with olive oil and salt, provide a crisp contrast to the juicy meat.Nutritional Profile
Composition and Nutrients
A typical rib eye steak consists primarily of water, high-quality protein, and fat, with negligible carbohydrates, making it a nutrient-dense cut from the beef rib primal. Per 100 grams of raw rib eye steak, the water content is approximately 60%, which contributes to its juiciness and texture before cooking.[50] The macronutrient profile features about 19 grams of protein, providing essential amino acids vital for muscle repair and growth. Fat comprises roughly 20 grams per 100 grams, with a breakdown that includes approximately 8 grams of saturated fat, 9 grams of monounsaturated fat (primarily oleic acid), and 0.8 grams of polyunsaturated fat; this marbling enhances flavor and tenderness. Carbohydrates are 0 grams, resulting in a caloric density of 250-300 kilocalories per 100 grams, largely derived from the fat and protein components. Variations occur based on exact trim and grade, with fattier cuts (e.g., USDA Prime) having higher fat content.[50]| Nutrient | Amount per 100g (raw) |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19 g |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Water | 60 g |
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |

