Delmonico vs. Ribeye Steak: What is the Difference Between Delmonico and Ribeye Steak?

Key differences to know from Delmonico Steak versus Ribeye Steak to understanding what makes a steak really good, juicy, tender, and flavorful!
Delmonico vs Ribeye Steak: 5 Key Differences, Pros & Cons

The biggest Delmonico vs. Ribeye steak difference lies in the parts of the animal from which these meats are taken. While Ribeye is taken from the sixth to the twelfth rib of the cow, Delmonico is taken from any area from the anterior up to the posterior of the cow’s back.

Let’s take a closer look at Delmonico vs. Ribeye:

Presence of bonesDelmonico might have bones but Ribeye does not have any
SmoothnessRibeye is smoother than Delmonico
PricingRibeye is costlier than Delmonico
ToughnessDelmonico is tougher than Ribeye

What is a Delmonico Steak?

Delmonico is a beefsteak prepared from the meat that is taken from the anterior up to the posterior of the cow’s back. It has a tough, grainy, and chewy texture. It might or might not have bones.

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What is a Ribeye Steak?

Ribeye is a beefsteak prepared from the meat that is taken from the sixth to the twelfth rib of the cow that extends from its neck to the hind. It has a tender, juicy and smooth texture. It is always without bones.

Delmonico vs. Ribeye Pros and Cons

Delmonico Pros and Cons 

Pros of Delmonico

  • The thick layer of fat cut gives a robust and chewy taste that doesn’t just melt away quickly and thus, stays in the mouth for long to savor.
  • It is a less expensive option for beef lovers.

Cons of Delmonico

  • It lacks a great level of marbling and thus, succulent.
  • The Delmonico steak cut with thick fat of around 2 inches makes the steak hard to cook.

Ribeye Pros and Cons

Pros of Ribeye

  • It does not get dry to eat even if it gets over-cooked as the excess fat aka marbling keeps it moist and flavorful.
  • The tenderness of the meat allows the steak to cook in less time even without marination.
  • The marbling causes the meat to be extremely tender and melt inside the mouth and leave it with the real beefy flavor.
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Cons of Ribeye

  • It is an expensive steak and not everyone can afford it at all times.
  • It takes time and effort to extract meat for a Ribeye steak.

Delmonico and Ribeye Steak Examples

Examples of Delmonico Steak

  • New York strip steak
  • Strip Loin
  • Kansas City strip steak

Examples of Ribeye Steak

  • Ribeye cap
  • Scotch Fillet

Delmonico Steak vs. Ribeye Similarities Explained

  • Both Ribeye and Delmonico steaks are taken from the muscle strip; longissimus dorsi of the cow.
  • Both the steak types are a few of the most loved steaks among Americans.

5 Key Differences Between Delmonico and Ribeye Steaks That You Must Know

There are several Delmonico rib-eye steak differences listed here:

Basis Delmonico Steak Ribeye Steak
Origin of the termThe Delmonico term comes from the famous ‘Delmonico’ restaurant in New York City in the 1800s that sold similar tasting steaks.It is taken from the eye-shaped area between the two ribs of the cow and thus, this name.
BonesDelmonico steak can be with or without bones.The ribeye steak does not have bones.
TextureIt has a tough, grainy, and chewy texture.It has a tender, juicy and smooth texture.
TypesThere are 9 types of Delmonico steaks depending on the exact area of the rib it is taken from.There are two types of ribeye steaks depending upon the amount of fat cap/marbling it contains.
PricingIt is cheaper.It costs double the Delmonico steak.

Comparison Chart

Key differences to know from Delmonico Steak versus Ribeye Steak to understanding what makes a steak really good, juicy, tender, and flavorful!

Comparison Video

Steak Cuts Explained

Delmonico vs. Ribeye FAQ

Why is a Ribeye called a Delmonico?

Delmonico steak includes various types of cuts that also include cuts from the rib eye. Hence, sometimes ribeye is also called a Delmonico. (Ref. 1)

Is There Another Name for Delmonico Steak?

There are many names for Delmonico Steak, the most famous being New York Strip Steak. The other few famous ones are Club Steak, Kansas City Strip Steak, and Strip Loin.

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Which is Better: Ribeye or New York strip?

Ribeye steak is better than New York strip since:

  • It is easier to cook and needs no marination.
  • It is more tender, juicy, and more flavorful.

What is the Best Ribeye Cut?

Ribeye Cap is the best ribeye cut as it is the juiciest and needs little work to cook. This also makes it the most expensive steak cut.

Is Prime Rib the same as Ribeye?

No. Though both prime rib and ribeye are taken from the rib section of the cow, the prime rib steak vs. ribeye difference in their cooking and cut. Where prime rib includes all the fat, connective tissues, and bones, the ribeye is just a marbled cut from the most tender part of the rib section. Also, prime rib is a roast and ribeye is a steak.

Where does the Ribeye Come From?

It comes anywhere starting from the sixth to the twelfth rib of the cow.

How Much is a Steak at Delmonico’s?

A Delmonico Steak at Delmonico’s, New York would cost you around $51. (Ref. 2)

How Much is a Steak at Ribeye?

The steak at Ribeye Steakhouse restaurants ranges between $16 to $38. (Ref. 3)

Can a Ribeye Roast be Cut into Steaks?

Yes, a ribeye roast can be cut into steaks easily from the prime rib section.

Why are Ribeyes so Expensive?

Ribeyes are costly as they are the most tender meat portion and only little comes out from a single cow. Also, the effort to cut it off from every section carefully takes a great time and effort that further puts it in a premium slot.

The Final Words

Though both Delmonico and Ribeye are beef meats, they differ in many aspects. The biggest Delmonico Rib eye steak difference lies in the procurement of these meats. Where Delmonico is prepared from the meat obtained from any area from the anterior up to the posterior of the cow’s back, Ribeye is prepared from the meat obtained from the sixth to the twelfth rib of the cow that extends from its neck to the hind. Delmonico is tough, chewy, and grainy while Ribeye is tender, smooth, and juicy.

References

  1. https://www.steakperfection.com/delmonico/Steak.html
  2. https://menupages.com/delmonicos/56-beaver-st-new-york
  3. http://places.singleplatform.com/ribeyes-steakhouse-5/menu
Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

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