Juiciness in every bite, combined with deep flavor and an appetite-awakening aroma — this is how a seasoned grill master might answer the question: "What is a steak?" A well-prepared steak is, without a doubt, a true delicacy. It's worth getting to know it better, as it will reward you with unforgettable culinary experiences. In this article, we’ll explain the basics: what a steak is, what marbling means, and the difference between aged and fresh steaks.
Juiciness in every bite, combined with deep flavor and an appetite-awakening aroma — this is how a seasoned grill master might answer the question: "What is a steak?" A well-prepared steak is, without a doubt, a true delicacy. It's worth getting to know it better, as it will reward you with unforgettable culinary experiences. In this article, we’ll explain the basics: what a steak is, what marbling means, and the difference between aged and fresh steaks.
What Is a Steak?
"Steak" refers both to a specific cut of meat and to a dish made from that cut. Steaks can come from various types of meat, but beef — particularly high-quality beef — is considered the gold standard. That’s why we focus on this noble protein.
The Three Essential Steak Cuts: Rib, Striploin, and Tenderloin
Most top-quality steaks come from the beef loin, known as the "lombata," which includes three prized sections:
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Ribeye (Entrecôte): This comes from the rib section and is known for its marbled texture, juiciness, and rich flavor.
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Striploin (Sirloin): The natural continuation of the ribeye, this cut is tender and fine-textured, offering a balanced bite.
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Tenderloin: The most tender and delicate of all cuts, it runs along the spine and is prized for its buttery softness.
Each of these cuts can be further processed into popular steak types, depending on how they’re trimmed:
From the ribeye:
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Rib Eye – boneless rib steak
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Côte de Boeuf – bone-in rib steak with a short bone
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Tomahawk – bone-in rib steak with a long bone
From the striploin:
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New York Strip – boneless
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Kansas – with a small piece of bone
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T-Bone – includes a small piece of tenderloin and a T-shaped bone
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Porterhouse – with a larger tenderloin portion than the T-Bone
From the tenderloin:
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Filet Mignon – a small, supremely tender steak cut from the thickest part of the tenderloin
What Is Dry-Aging?
Dry-aging is the process of allowing beef to naturally tenderize in a controlled environment over time — typically from a few weeks to several months. During this time, enzymatic and biochemical processes enhance flavor, tenderness, and aroma. All dry-aged steaks in our store mature in specially designed chillers under expert supervision, ensuring they are not only delicious but also safe.
What Is Marbling?
Marbling refers to the visible streaks of fat interwoven in the muscle fibers. This fat is a key carrier of flavor. The more marbling, the more flavorful and juicy the meat. The name comes from the fat patterns that resemble marble stone.
We’ve created three marbling-based steak lines:
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Standard: Leaner steaks, rich in flavor. Marbling level: 3–4.
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Premium: Balanced and juicy. Perfect for both beginners and connoisseurs. Marbling: 5–7.
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Extra Marble: For true steak enthusiasts. Richly marbled and buttery in texture. Marbling: 8–11.
What Are Fresh Butcher’s Steaks?
Fresh steaks (also called butcher’s cuts) come from lesser-known parts of the animal and are not dry-aged. Some of the most sought-after include:
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Skirt – from the diaphragm
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Flat Iron – from the shoulder
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Hanger – from the muscle near the diaphragm
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Rump – from the top of the hindquarter
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Spider – from the inside of the hind leg
All of these cuts are available in our shop, freshly cut and packed.
Summary
Beef steaks are a true classic — loved by grill enthusiasts and gourmet chefs alike. The variety of cuts means there’s something for everyone. But if you want to truly enjoy steak at its best, always choose meat from a trusted source.
At Steki.pl, we offer top-tier beef, the same quality served in premium restaurants. All our meat is processed in-house, giving us full control over every stage. We offer three lines of dry-aged steaks and a wide selection of fresh cuts and offal. For those unsure of their steak preferences, we’ve prepared steak sampler boxes featuring multiple types — ideal for discovering your favorites.
Explore our store and discover what real beef should taste like. We’re always happy to help.
