Which steak is best for my next special occasion? 

Not sure which steak to choose? We've got you covered with the best cuts for grilling, gifting, and every special occasion.

Choosing the right steak doesn't have to be complicated. At Snake River Farms, steak is our bread and butter — and we're here to help you pick the perfect cut, whether you're firing up the grill for Father's Day, planning a romantic dinner for two, or feeding a crowd at your next family gathering. From rich, bold flavor to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, here's everything you need to make a confident call.

Choose by Cut

The tenderness and overall quality of a steak largely depends on the part of the animal it was cut from. Here's a quick rundown of popular steak cuts:

• The Loin – This area below the backbone yields some of the tenderest, juiciest cuts because it gets less exercise than other muscle groups. Cuts: Filet mignon, New York Strip, Manhattan Filet.

• The Sirloin – Tucked between the loin and the round, this area delivers flavorful steaks that may not be as tender as cuts from the loin but that still deliver an amazing meal and tend to be a bit less expensive. Cuts: Top Sirloin, Picanha (aka Sirloin Cap).

• The Rib – This section of the animal is located just under the front portion of the backbone. It’s the proverbial sweet spot where tenderness, great marbling and rich flavor all come together. Cuts: Ribeye Filet, Rolled Cap of Ribeye, Tomahawk.

• The Shoulder – Also known as the chuck, the shoulder yields steaks with bold, rich flavor that might not be as tender as other options. Cuts: Flat Iron.

• The Flank – The plate and the flank make up the animal’s lower midsection. Steaks from this area tend to be leaner than others. Cuts: Flank Steak, Skirt Steak.

Choose by Cooking Method

The best steak for your special occasion will vary, depending on what you plan to do with it. Here are our recommendations for the best cuts to choose based on your preferred cooking method.

• On the Grill: Because this is a hot and fast method of cooking, choose steaks with superior marbling so they’ll stay tender through the smokey process. Our picks: New York Strip, Picanha.
  
  Got a griller in the family? Our Gift Guide for Grillers has everything you need to make their Father's Day.

• The Reverse Sear Method: Where the Steakhouse method starts with searing, then pops the steak into the oven to achieve optimal internal temp, this way reverses that order. A slow, low roast followed by a quick sear works great for any steak but is particularly dependable for thicker cuts. Our picks: Tomahawk, Cowboy, premier American Wagyu Ribeye.
  
  More of a low-and-slow person? Our Gift Guide for Meat Smokers has you covered.

• The Steakhouse Method: This foolproof way of cooking a steak consistently delivers a tender, juicy, mouthwatering meal. Our picks: Ribeye Filet, Manhattan Filet, Filet Mignon.
  
  Want to see the steakhouse method in action? Watch Hugh Acheson demonstrate with great tips for both beginners and seasoned pros.

Multiple time purchaser of both the black and gold filet mignon. Our pallet may not be the most refined, but we didn’t find enough of a difference to order the gold a second time. We have and will continue to order the black. It tastes much better than what you can order at the nicer steakhouses surrounding us in the LA area. - Kim H., Verified Buyer [Wagyu Filet Mignon]

Five Kick-Ass Steaks for Your Next Special Occasion

Whether it’s your 50th wedding anniversary, your last weekend as a single man or your family’s traditional holiday get-together, different special occasions require their own kind of celebration. Cook the perfect steak for your next special occasion with seven kick-ass steak picks from the SRF pros:

1. Filet Mignon – This cut is synonymous with posh restaurants and fancy meals. The diminutive size is quickly overtaken by the fact that it’s the most tender of all beef cuts with mild flavor. Shop Filet Mignon →

2. Top Sirloin – Though leaner and generally not as marbled as other cuts, this is still a surprisingly flavorful steak that exceeds expectations. Shop Top Sirloin →

3. Cap of Ribeye – Impress the meat-lovers in your family with a rolled cap of ribeye that delivers our most prized cut in an elegant size. Its high level of marbling makes it a juicy and very tender steak to the nth degree. Shop Cap of Ribeye →

4. Tomahawk – This large, thick bone-in cut with both the center eye and the cap makes for seriously impressive plating. Shop Wagyu Tomahawk Steak →

5. Skirt Steak – Choose our outside skirt steak for carne asada or fajitas with exceptional juiciness and beefy flavor. Shop Skirt Steak →

Got this wagyu skirt steak for my fiance and I to make on Valentine's Day. Paired it with scalloped potatoes and it was the perfect meal! The steak arrived exceptionally well packaged and fresh and I could tell from the moment I removed it from it's packaging that it was going to be fantastic. Can't wait to start ordering more steaks from Snake River! - David E., Verified Buyer [Wagyu Skirt Steak]

Best Steaks for Father's Day

Father's Day calls for something worth celebrating. Whether your dad lives by the grill, appreciates a steakhouse-quality meal at home, or just deserves something genuinely special this year, these are the cuts we'd reach for:

• Filet Mignon – The gold standard of tenderness. For the dad who appreciates the finer things, there's nothing quite like a melt-in-your-mouth filet. Best cooked steakhouse method or cast iron with a butter baste. Shop Filet Mignon →
• Tomahawk – Bold, dramatic, and impossible to forget. This long-bone showstopper is a gift and a meal all in one — perfect for the dad who likes to make an entrance at the grill. Best cooked reverse sear. Shop Tomahawk →
• New York Strip – A classic for a reason. Big beefy flavor, great marbling, and forgiving over high heat — this is the griller's steak. Best cooked hot and fast on the grill. Shop New York Strip →
• Ribeye Filet – All the rich, buttery flavor of a full ribeye in a refined, easy-to-cook size. A great pick for the dad who wants a steakhouse night without leaving home. Best cooked steakhouse method or cast iron. Shop Ribeye Filet →
• Cowboy Ribeye – Thick, bone-in, and built for impact. For the dad who doesn't do anything small. Best cooked reverse sear for a perfect edge-to-edge cook with serious crust. Shop Cowboy Ribeye →

 

Gorgeous marbling and fantastic flavor! Just seasoned with salt and pepper. This is my go to from now on for special dinners. Delicious with Argentina style chimichurri sauce. - Jane J., Verified Buyer [Wagyu Tomahawk]

Looking for a complete Father's Day gift? See our full guide for curated picks, gift sets, and ordering deadlines. → Top Father's Day Food Gifts for Meat-Loving Dads