A steak is a cut of meat, typically beef, sliced across the muscle fibers, sometimes including a bone. It is commonly grilled or fried. Various cuts of beef are used for steak, with tender cuts like those from the loin and rib being cooked quickly using dry heat. Less tender cuts are cooked with moist heat or mechanically tenderized. Steaks can also be cut from other animals, including bison, lamb, pork, and fish.
The quality of beefsteak is graded, influencing its price, with higher grades indicating higher quality. Factors such as marbling (intramuscular fat), age, and color contribute to the grade. The USDA assigns quality grades based on marbling and the maturity of the cattle. As of December 2025, the average price for all uncooked beef steaks in the U.S. was $12.51 per pound. Prices vary widely depending on the cut and location. For example, at Clarion Farms, prices range from $11.99/lb for Eye of Round Steak to $29.99/lb for Filet Mignon at the on-farm store. Availability can vary by location and store. Stores like Aldi offer steaks starting from £3.29.