Whether you’re looking for the perfect steak to grill or to sear on the skillet, you can’t go wrong with a Porterhouse or a T-Bone steak.
You know the age-old statement that “every rectangle is a square, but not every square is a rectangle”? T-Bones and Porterhouses are kind of in the same boat – very similar in looks, but different in some key aspects.
What is the difference between a Porterhouse and a T-Bone steak?
Simply put, both T-Bones and Porterhouses are cuts of steak that include a strip steak as well as a tenderloin, separated by a “T” shaped bone.
Both the T-Bone steak and the Porterhouse are cut from the short loin. While Porterhouse steaks are cut from the rear area of the short loin, T-Bones are cut closer to the front. This gives the Porterhouse a little bit more of the tenderloin than the T-Bone.
So when you’re looking at a T-Bone and a Porterhouse side-by-side, you’ll notice the Porterhouse is bigger. That’s because it contains a larger portion of the tenderloin.
Porterhouse steaks are traditionally cut at about 1.25” thick, due to the larger amount of tenderloin, and are generally marketed in restaurants as a “meal for two” (but let’s be real, we know this can easily be a meal for one).
How to Grill a Porterhouse or T-Bone steak
Preheat your grill – you’ll want to cook your steak at a high temperature (around 500F)
As your grill is preheating, set your steaks out and let them adjust to room temperature before placing them on the grill
Season your steaks with your seasoning of choice (can’t go wrong with classic salt and pepper)
Grill your steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them slightly every 2 minutes or so in order to get those grill cross-marks that make your steak extra juicy
Remove your steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before eating
How to Cook a Porterhouse or T-Bone Steak on a Cast Iron Skillet
Let your steaks sit for around 30 minutes to reach room temperature
Add your seasonings to the steaks
Place your cast iron skillet on high heat and let it heat up before adding oil
Add a thin layer of oil to your cast iron skillet
Place your steak directly on the cast iron skillet and do not move the steak, let it cook for around 3 minutes to form a nice sear
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and slice it evenly in 1-inch slices
Add the steak back to the skillet, seared-side up
Top with butter and broil until it is to your desired doneness (135 degrees for medium rare)
Have more questions about T-Bones or Porterhouse steaks? Feel free to leave us a comment!