The Best Fatty Steak for a Carnivore Diet: A Complete Guide

For followers of the carnivore diet, fat typically makes up 70-80% of daily calories, highlighting its importance for energy and satiety. We answer what is the best fatty steak for a carnivore diet, examining the most flavorful and fat-rich cuts to sustain this high-fat, animal-based lifestyle.

Quick Summary

Fat is the main energy source on a carnivore diet, making the right steak choice crucial. This article compares popular cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and others to identify the most nutrient-dense options. It details fat-to-protein ratios, flavor profiles, and cooking methods for optimal carnivore eating.

Key Points

• Ribeye Reigns Supreme: The ribeye is widely considered the best fatty steak for carnivores due to its superior marbling, rich flavor, and high fat content.

• Fat for Fuel: On a carnivore diet, fat is the primary energy source. High-fat cuts like ribeye and brisket provide ample fuel, aiding in satiety and maintaining ketosis.

• NY Strip is a Strong Contender: For a balanced option with a firmer texture and moderate fat, the New York strip is an excellent choice.

• Optimize Cooking: Use a cast-iron skillet and cook with animal fats like tallow or butter. Proper searing and resting are crucial for flavor and juiciness.

• Don't Trim the Fat: To maximize fat intake, avoid trimming the generous fat caps or intramuscular marbling from your steak cuts.

• Enhance with Tallow: Add extra rendered beef tallow or butter to your meals to easily boost your fat-to-protein ratio and caloric intake.

The Importance of Fat on the Carnivore Diet

On a carnivore diet, where carbohydrates are entirely eliminated, the body relies on fat for its primary energy source, entering a state of ketosis. This fat is essential not only for fueling the body but also for hormone production, nutrient absorption, and increasing satiety to prevent overeating. High-quality animal fat is a cornerstone of this way of eating, and steak provides an excellent, satisfying way to incorporate it. The right fatty cut delivers a high calorie-per-bite ratio, ensuring you feel full and energetic throughout the day.

Why Ribeye is Often Crowned 'King'

When discussing the best fatty steak for a carnivore diet, the ribeye is the most common answer, and for good reason. This cut comes from the rib cage area of the cow and is famous for its rich marbling—the intramuscular fat that melts during cooking, infusing the meat with incredible flavor and juiciness. The ribeye features two distinct parts: the central eye of meat and the flavor-packed cap (spinalis dorsi), which is considered by many steak connoisseurs to be the most delicious and tender portion. For a carnivore, the high fat content and tender texture of a ribeye make it an almost perfect food source, providing ample calories and essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and selenium. For maximum fat, opt for a bone-in ribeye, often called a 'cowboy steak'.

New York Strip: A Balanced Contender

For those who prefer a slightly leaner steak that still offers substantial fat and flavor, the New York strip is an excellent choice. Cut from the short loin, the NY strip has a moderate amount of marbling but is known for its firmer, more structured bite. It typically has a thick fat cap on the side that renders down when cooked, adding to the overall flavor. While not as buttery or tender as a ribeye, the NY strip provides a bold, beefy flavor that is exceptionally satisfying for carnivore eaters looking for a balanced fat-to-protein ratio.

T-Bone and Porterhouse: The Best of Both Worlds

The T-bone and its larger cousin, the porterhouse, offer a unique steak experience that combines two different cuts in one: the tenderloin and the New York strip. The key difference between the two is the size of the tenderloin portion; a porterhouse must have a larger tenderloin section to qualify. These steaks are a fantastic option for carnivores because they provide a variety of textures and flavors in a single meal. The T-bone is a great choice for a balanced taste, while the porterhouse delivers an extra-large, tender filet. The bone itself adds extra flavor to the meat during cooking, making it a flavorful and nutrient-rich choice.

Other Highly-Rated Fatty Steak Cuts

While the classic steak cuts are king, other options are excellent for maximizing fat intake on a carnivore diet:

• Brisket: This cut from the cow's lower chest is rich in fat and connective tissue, which breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. A brisket with the fat cap left intact is a carnivore's dream, providing maximum flavor and fat.
• Short Ribs: These ribs from the beef plate or brisket area have a perfect balance of meat and fat. Braising or slow-cooking them results in an ultra-satisfying, tender, and flavorful meal. The bone also offers nutrient-rich marrow.
• Ground Beef: An affordable and versatile staple, ground beef with a high fat-to-protein ratio (e.g., 70/30 or 80/20) is perfect for burgers and other carnivore-friendly dishes. You can easily enhance the fat content by adding rendered tallow or butter.

Steak Comparison for Carnivore Dieters

Feature	Ribeye	New York Strip	T-Bone/Porterhouse
Marbling/Fat	High to very high. Known for rich, internal marbling that adds intense flavor and tenderness.	Moderate. Features a distinct fat cap along the edge and less internal marbling than a ribeye.	Combination. Offers a moderately marbled New York strip on one side and a very tender, lean tenderloin on the other.
Flavor	Bold, rich, and beefy with a buttery mouthfeel due to high fat content.	Robust, classic beef flavor. Firmer bite than a ribeye.	Combines the bold flavor of the strip with the subtle, buttery taste of the tenderloin.
Tenderness	Extremely tender, especially the 'cap' portion.	Tender, but with a firmer, more structured chew than the ribeye.	Offers a stark contrast in tenderness between the two sides of the bone.
Best for	Maximum fat, flavor, and richness. The ultimate indulgence.	Balanced fat, classic beef flavor, and affordability.	Variety in a single meal. Serves those who want both tenderness and chew.
Cooking Method	Pan-sear or grill over high heat.	Pan-sear or grill.	Grill with care due to different cooking requirements of each side.

How to Cook the Perfect Carnivore Steak

Cooking fatty steak to perfection is simple, requiring minimal seasoning and a focus on technique to enhance its natural flavor. Here is a reliable method:

1. Preparation: Bring your fatty steak to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for achieving a proper, flavorful crust.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle generously with sea salt on all sides. Some carnivores also use a small amount of black pepper, but salt is the primary seasoning for this diet.
3. Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed pan, such as a cast-iron skillet, and heat it over medium-high heat until it's very hot.
4. Fat: Add a generous amount of animal fat to the pan. Beef tallow, rendered from suet, is an excellent choice, as are butter or ghee for those who include some dairy. Let it melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
5. Sear: Place the steak in the pan and sear for 2-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. The goal is to develop a deep, golden-brown crust. Avoid moving the steak too much during this process.
6. Baste and Finish: For extra flavor, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steak with the hot, melted fat. For thicker cuts, consider finishing the steak in a preheated oven.
7. Rest: Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. Do not skip this step.

The Verdict: The Ultimate Fatty Steak

For the discerning carnivore seeking the absolute pinnacle of fatty steak, the ribeye is the ultimate choice. Its unmatched marbling provides the richest flavor, most tender texture, and highest fat content, delivering the dense fuel and satiety essential for success on this diet. However, excellent alternatives like the New York strip or the T-bone/porterhouse offer variety while still providing a robust, satisfying meal. No matter your preference, focusing on well-marbled, high-fat cuts is the key to thriving on a carnivore diet. Adding rendered fat like tallow or butter further enhances the fuel potential, making even leaner cuts more satisfying. Ultimately, the best steak is the one that best meets your dietary needs and tastes, but for pure, unadulterated fatty goodness, the ribeye reigns supreme.

For further reading on the science behind eating fatty meat, consider resources on low-carb nutrition such as the articles available on the site of Dr. Robert Kiltz, who often discusses the benefits of a high-fat carnivore diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ribeye really the best fatty steak for a carnivore diet?

Yes, the ribeye is widely considered the best fatty steak for the carnivore diet. It features the highest amount of intramuscular fat, or marbling, which provides rich flavor, incredible juiciness, and a high-calorie density essential for this way of eating.

How do NY strip and ribeye compare for a carnivore diet?

The New York strip is a great option with a firmer bite and robust beef flavor, but it has less internal marbling than a ribeye. For maximum fat and tenderness, ribeye is better, while the NY strip offers a balanced, classic steak experience with a moderate fat level.

Can I use ground beef on the carnivore diet?

Yes, high-fat ground beef, such as 70/30 or 80/20 blends, is a staple of the carnivore diet. It is affordable, versatile, and an easy way to get a high fat-to-protein ratio. You can also mix in additional rendered tallow to boost the fat content further.

What are the benefits of eating fatty meat on the carnivore diet?

On the carnivore diet, fat is your primary energy source. Eating fatty meat provides sustained energy, supports hormone production, and helps with satiety, meaning you feel fuller for longer. This can help with weight management and mental clarity.

How should I cook a fatty steak on a carnivore diet?

The ideal method is to pan-sear it in a cast-iron skillet with beef tallow or butter. High heat creates a flavorful crust, while basting with the melted fat enhances richness. Don't forget to let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes afterward to lock in the juices.

Should I trim the fat off my steak?

No, on a carnivore diet, it's recommended to keep all the fat on your steak. The visible fat cap and internal marbling are your primary sources of energy. Trimming the fat would remove valuable calories and flavor.

What other animal fats can I add to my steak?

For extra fat, you can cook with or top your steak with butter, ghee, or rendered beef tallow. You can also add rendered bone marrow for a decadent and nutritious boost.