BEEF · Cut · Compare

Ribeye vs Sirloin

Two cuts people weigh against each other at the counter — here is what actually separates them.

Side by side

RibeyeSirloin
Tenderness 88 76
Marbling 94 70
Umami 82 84
Price 90 78

Ribeye

Rib roast · entrecôte · côte de bœuf

The muscle sitting over ribs six to eight. It barely moves during the animal's life, so the grain stays fine and intramuscular fat settles through it in a dense web. This is where the most spectacular marbling on any carcass appears.

54–57°CMedium rare

The best pieces carry fine marbling all the way out to the fat cap around the spinalis, not just in the eye.

Explore →

Sirloin

Rump · rumsteck · culotte

Where the loin ends and the hip begins. The grain coarsens slightly compared with the striploin, and in exchange the beef flavour deepens — which is why many people prefer it as a steak.

54°CMedium rare

Choose bright scarlet meat with a fine, tight grain rather than a dark or loose surface.

Explore →

Which one to buy

  • Better forRibeye : Sirloin
  • GrillingRibeye95 : 80
  • SteakAbout the same88 : 92
  • Hot potRibeye40 : —
  • Roast beefSirloin— : 55

Other comparisons

All cuts

← Back to the chart

Temperatures are guidance for whole-muscle cuts. Ground meat and poultry need 71°C / 160°F throughout.