We are grilling up a prime and a choice eye of ribeye steak – let’s see how they compare! Each was seasoned with Montana Outlaw BBQ Beef Rub.
This prime cut is not readily available where we purchase our meat, so used a slice from Snake River Farms American Wagyu Gold Grade Eye of Ribeye Roast, a $450 roast. We purchased our choice from our local grocery store.
Watch the complete Prime VERSUS Choice Steak video here.
First impressions:
Prime (right)
- Prominent & consistent marbling
- Deep, rich color
- Firm structure
Choice (left)
- Light marbling, fat along edge
- Deep color
- Lack structure
We seasoned it lightly with our Montana Outlaw BBQ Beef Rub and grilled it on our drum smoker – see our ‘How to Apply Beef Rubs’ and ‘Steak 101‘ videos for details.
We grilled both at 400°, pulled at 130°, and let them rest for 5 minutes. The choice steak was thinner, so it cooked faster.
Thoughts:
Prime (right)
- Prime worth the value, the quality is on a whole other level
- More tender
- More intense/concentrated flavor
- is juicier
- Thicker strands
- More tender
Choice (left)
- Pretty tender
- Absorbed more smoke flavor
- Not a much natural beef flavor
Conclusion:
Choice is a great weeknight choice, but prime is perfect for special occasions.
