When it comes to indulgence, few steaks match the prestige and flavor of the porterhouse steak. Known for its combination of two premium cuts—the tenderloin and the strip—this hefty steak offers the best of both worlds: tenderness and rich beefy flavor. Whether you’re grilling a Wagyu porterhouse or savoring a dry-aged porterhouse, this cut promises an unforgettable dining experience. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of porterhouse steaks, including the prime and Snake River Farms porterhouse, examine price ranges, and provide a delicious recipe to bring out the best of this iconic steak.
What is a Porterhouse Steak?
A porterhouse is a large steak cut from the rear end of the short loin, containing both a portion of the tenderloin (filet) and a strip steak (also known as the New York strip). It’s larger and more luxurious than the similar T-bone steak because it includes a larger portion of the tenderloin. This steak is perfect for sharing due to its generous size and combination of textures.
Why Choose Porterhouse?
- Two steaks in one: A porterhouse offers both a lean, tender filet and a rich, flavorful strip steak in one cut.
- Grilling perfection: Due to its size and marbling, it’s ideal for grilling, delivering a crispy sear on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
- Versatile cooking options: Whether you choose to pan-sear, grill, or broil, the porterhouse steak is a showstopper for any special occasion.
Types of Porterhouse Steak and Price Ranges
Different types of porterhouse steaks are available depending on the source and aging process. From Wagyu porterhouse to dry-aged options, each has its unique flavor profile and price range.
1. Prime Porterhouse
- Description: USDA Prime is the highest grade of beef in the U.S., known for excellent marbling and tenderness.
- Price Range: $25–$50 per pound
- Best Use: Ideal for grilling or broiling, offering an incredible balance of tenderness and beefy flavor.
2. Dry-Aged Porterhouse
- Description: This porterhouse has been aged in a temperature-controlled environment for 30 to 60 days, intensifying the flavor and enhancing tenderness.
- Price Range: $40–$80 per pound
- Best Use: Dry-aging concentrates the flavor, making it perfect for those who love deep, nutty, and umami-rich beef flavors.
3. Wagyu Porterhouse
- Description: Made from highly marbled Wagyu beef, this porterhouse has incredible richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Price Range: $100–$200 per pound
- Best Use: Due to its richness, Wagyu porterhouse is best cooked medium-rare to medium to fully enjoy the buttery texture.
4. Snake River Farms Porterhouse
- Description: Snake River Farms offers American Wagyu, combining the marbling of Japanese Wagyu with the bold flavor of American beef.
- Price Range: $60–$100 per pound
- Best Use: Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, delivering a balance of luxurious marbling and robust beef flavor.
5. Porterhouse Steak Price
- Description: General porterhouse steaks not tied to any specific brand or aging process tend to be more affordable but still deliver fantastic flavor and tenderness.
- Price Range: $20–$40 per pound
- Best Use: A great option for grilling or broiling, making for a mouthwatering meal without breaking the bank.
Recipe: Grilled Prime Porterhouse with Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus
A prime porterhouse steak is a perfect candidate for grilling. The sear brings out the flavor, while the herb butter adds a luxurious finish. Pairing it with roasted asparagus creates a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 prime porterhouse steak (about 2 inches thick, 24-32 oz)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Herb Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Vegetables:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Marination and Cooking Instructions:
- Marinate the Porterhouse:
- Rub the porterhouse steak with olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper on both sides. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
- Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and lemon zest. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.
- Grill the Steak:
- Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F).
- Sear the porterhouse steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, rotating halfway through to get cross-hatch grill marks. For medium, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side.
- Once the steak is done, remove from the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
- Roast the Asparagus:
- While the steak is resting, preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving, if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice the porterhouse into two portions: the filet on one side and the strip on the other. Top with a generous spoonful of herb butter and serve alongside the roasted asparagus.
Other Recipe Suggestions
Dry-Aged Porterhouse
- Suggested Dish: Pan-Seared Dry-Aged Porterhouse with Garlic and Thyme
- Ingredients: Dry-aged porterhouse, garlic, thyme, butter
- Vegetable Pairing: Sautéed mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes
- Marination: Simply season with salt and pepper, sear in a hot cast-iron pan with butter and garlic, then finish in the oven for a rich, umami-packed steak.
Wagyu Porterhouse
- Suggested Dish: Grilled Wagyu Porterhouse with Soy Ginger Marinade
- Ingredients: Wagyu porterhouse, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil
- Vegetable Pairing: Grilled bok choy and roasted sweet potatoes
- Marination: Marinate the steak in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the rich, buttery flavors.
Snake River Farms Porterhouse
- Suggested Dish: Snake River Farms Porterhouse with Red Wine Reduction
- Ingredients: Snake River Farms porterhouse, red wine, shallots, butter
- Vegetable Pairing: Roasted Brussels sprouts and garlic rosemary potatoes
- Marination: Season with salt and pepper, sear in a hot pan, and finish with a red wine reduction sauce.
Where to Buy Porterhouse Steaks
Premium porterhouse steaks can be found at top-tier retailers and specialty butchers. Some trusted options include:
- Snake River Farms: Known for their American Wagyu porterhouse, offering luxurious marbling and exceptional flavor.
- Holy Grail Steak Co.: Offers a range of premium porterhouse steaks, including Japanese and American Wagyu, along with dry-aged options.
- USDA Prime Steaks: Available at high-end grocery stores and online retailers, offering some of the best prime porterhouse steaks.
Summary
Porterhouse steak is the ultimate indulgence for any steak lover, combining the best of both worlds with tender filet and flavorful strip cuts. With a range of options from prime porterhouse to luxurious Wagyu porterhouse, there’s a steak to suit every palate and occasion. The price of porterhouse steak varies widely, from $20 per pound for general cuts to $200 per pound for premium Wagyu varieties.
For the best results, porterhouse steaks are best grilled or pan-seared with simple seasonings to let the natural flavors shine. Pair your porterhouse with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a balanced, hearty meal. Whether you’re enjoying a dry-aged or Snake River Farms porterhouse, this cut is sure to impress and satisfy, delivering a memorable dining experience. For a more tender tasting steak, check out Hanger Steak.