Are you sick of the same old steak cuts on a weekly basis? I have a handful of amazing steaks that you can pair with great rubs and marinades that will change they way you grill steak… and how much you spend doing it! All of these steaks are towards the bottom of the price range, typically found below $10 per pound, and sometimes much less on sale.
However, its not the price that drives me to purchase these steaks… its the flavor and versatility of these cuts that make them so amazing! No matter what the occasion, one of these steaks will be the perfect choice for the grill! Below are my favorite cheap steak cuts and why they should be on your list for the butcher.
6 Amazing Cheap Steak Cuts
- Hanger Steak
- Flat Iron Steak
- Flank Steak
- Skirt Steak
- Shoulder Tender Steak
- Chuck Eye Steak
Grilling Tips for Amazing Steaks
These grilling tips apply to any steaks, but certainly to these cuts as they can be a little tough or chewy if not treated correctly.
- Season liberally with salt and pepper, or other seasoning blends about 30 minutes before grilling.
- The thicker the steak, the more seasoning you want to ensure a flavorful steak.
- Do not undercook these steaks… as they will be chewy. I recommend pulling your steaks off the grill with an internal temperature of 130°F.
- Rest your steaks for at least 5 minutes. Then make sure to slice your meat against the grain. A lot of the steaks on this list have a strong grain, which works out great… as long as you cut perpendicular to that grain. Cut with the grain… and your meat will be tough!
Hanger Steak
If you are going to choose one steak to try on this list…it might be hanger steak. If you have a good source, then this is one of my favorite cuts for steak night. It has the tenderness of a filet when cooked properly, but with slightly more fat content which makes it so juicy and flavorful. A nice combination of tenderness and buttery goodness! Make sure to cut against the grain, or you will not find it very tender!
Flat Iron Steak
Flat Iron Steak may be the most versatile steak on this list of cheap steaks. It is similar to flank steak, but I find it more tender and has a little higher fat content for added richness. This steak is great by itself, or sliced thin for fajitas or tacos. I love it with a good asian marinade as well. Slice against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Flank Steak
Flank Steak is a classic at our house. When you get a good cut of flank steak, it really brings a rich beefy flavor to the table. This is a great cut to sear hard for a few minutes on each side, or low and slow finished over high heat with a reverse sear.
Flank Steak is thick and beefy enough to stand up for steak and potato night, but also takes the flavor of marinades very quickly. Try my 30 minute flank steak marinade for an amazing weeknight meal.
Skirt Steak
When you want a steak that is rich in flavor and super quick to prepare… pick up a Skirt Steak. They are super think compared to most cuts of beef and take on flavors quickly before hitting the grill. I love making Carne Asada for home made street tacos. This Carne Asada marinade has hints of sweet and saltiness, along with the freshness of cilantro, lime, and orange. One of my ALL TIME favorite marinades….. you will love it!
Shoulder Tender Steak
You can think of Shoulder Tender Steaks as a poor man’s tenderloin, as it is lean and pretty darn tender for a cheap cut of meat. They kind of look like mini filets as well… except you can eat a whole one by yourself. I like to pair this steak with a Classic Garlic Salt and Pepper steak rub, a little olive oil, and rice vinegar… for an easy marinade. Grill to medium rare and you are off to the races!
Chuck Eye Steak
Chuck Eye Steak is a great cheap steak, that is quite similar to a ribeye. Similar to a ribeye, the chuck eye has marbled fat running through the beef, for a super rich flavor profile.
I like to buy Chuck Eyes on the thicker side, so you can sear them long and hard on each side to create that salty flavor crust on the outside, without over cooking the steak. Checkout my sweet and salty steak rub for Chuck Eyes an other thicker cuts of steak…. love the balanced flavor of this rub!
Cheap Steaks with Huge Flavor
Looking for more info on these amazing steaks?… in the video below I cover all the details of these beautiful cuts of beef. Check it out for more knowledge and feel free to ask any questions below in the comments… or on my YouTube Channel.
