What is the Best Cut of Steak in the World?

Every year, the world’s top cuts of steaks go head-to-head in the ultimate taste test. Expert judges fire up the grills, and when the smoke clears, it’s Australian steak that keeps stealing the spotlight. Aussie beef consistently proves it’s a cut above the rest… bold, juicy, and undeniable on the global stage.

 
 

Australian steak sets the standard for excellence, thanks to its striking marbling, melt-in-the-mouth tenderness, and consistently high quality. As it cooks, the marbled fat infuses the meat, resulting in a steak that’s exceptionally juicy and bursting with flavour. It’s no wonder Australian steak is now the benchmark by which all others are judged.

Whether you’re talking about a succulent ribeye or a leaner sirloin, Australian steak stands out across all steak varieties. That’s why it’s recognised as some of the finest beef available.

The World Steak Challenge: Where the Best Go Head-to-Head

Think of the World Steak Challenge as the Olympics of beef. Held annually, it celebrates the very best steaks from around the world. Steaks are judged blind by panels of chefs, butchers, and meat experts who know exactly what makes the world’s best steak.

They assess each cut’s appearance, aroma, taste, tenderness, and juiciness once cooked. Countries such as Japan, Ireland, Spain, New Zealand, and Australia send their top beef. Everything from ribeye and sirloin to rump, fillet, and striploin are put to the test every year. The competition features a wide range of steak and beef cuts, each with unique characteristics. This variety allows judges to compare tenderness, flavour, and marbling side by side.

Australian beef regularly achieves top marks The World Steak Challenge 2025 was no exception with Australian steaks claiming a total of 14 out of 24 Gold Medals for the Wagyu category and an overall tally of 25 gold medals across the competition. That level of consistency is what builds a lasting reputation.

What are the best types of steak?

Everyone has their own preferences, but judges and chefs look for a few key qualities when deciding what makes the best steak:

  • Marbling: Those fine lines of fat that melt during cooking, making the steak juicy and full of flavour.
  • Tenderness: Meat that’s easy to chew yet still satisfying.
  • Flavour: A deep, rich taste that lingers, especially prized in well-marbled cuts like ribeye.
  • Consistency: Cuts that meet high standards every time.
  • Provenance and Sustainability: Knowing the meat comes from farms that treat animals well and care for the environment.

Australian beef ticks every box. Its success at the World Steak Challenge isn’t just luck, it’s the result of the right genetics, sustainable farming, and expert production.

What’s the best cut of meat for steak?

Australian Beef shines across all beef cuts, offering something for every preference and cooking method.  Experts regarding the best beef steak cuts as:

  • Ribeye: Luxuriously marbled, perfect for a treat.
  • Sirloin: Lean but tender, brilliant for grilling or pan-searing.
  • Rump: Bold, robust flavour, ideal for slicing and sharing.
  • Fillet: Incredibly tender and refined ensuring the most tender cut of all, and the luxury choice for special occasions.

Whether you’re comparing ribeye and sirloin, sirloin and rump, or simply exploring new cuts, Australian Beef delivers every time. Its reputation is built on consistent grading, careful breeding, and sustainable farming, making it the benchmark for steak quality worldwide.

Notably, some cuts offer good value for home cooks, balancing quality and affordability; lean cuts are suitable for quick cooking methods like grilling or pan-frying. If you’d like to learn more about steak cuts, the Aussie Beef and Lamb website features a handy interactive beef cuts of meat chart.  

This chart helps you make informed choices when selecting the best cut of beef, whether you’re cooking at home or planning a restaurant menu. Grilling over a hot barbecue or at high heat is ideal for many premium cuts, and home cooks can achieve excellent results with the right technique.

Ribeye vs Sirloin: What’s the Difference?

There is no doubt, ribeye steaks and sirloin steaks are consistently voted the best cuts of beef for steak.   But in the ribeye or sirloin debate, which one comes out on top?  Both are delicious, and they offer different eating experiences:

  • Ribeye: This cut comes from the rib section and is packed with marbling, making it juicy and full of flavour. Its higher fat content contributes to its tenderness and rich taste. It’s perfect for pan-searing or grilling. If you’re after a rich, indulgent steak, ribeye is the one, and its higher price reflects its premium quality.
  • Sirloin: Leaner than ribeye but still tender, sirloin has a beefier texture and a satisfying chew. If you want to savour the taste of the beef itself, sirloin is your best bet, and its lower fat content makes it a popular choice for those seeking a leaner option.

Perfect Pairings: What to Enjoy with Your Steak

The perfect steak deserves the perfect partner on your plate. For a classic experience, serve a juicy ribeye steak with a bold red wine… think Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec! With that, add a side of buttery sautéed mushrooms. If you prefer a leaner cut like sirloin steak, try pairing it with a crisp salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich flavours of the beef.

Steak aficionados often elevate their meal with a selection of sauces, from peppercorn to Béarnaise, adding an extra layer of indulgence to every bite. For those who love to experiment, truffled mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables make for a luxurious side that complements the savoury notes of a perfectly cooked ribeye. Whatever your personal preferences, finding the right pairing can turn a simple steak dinner into a memorable feast.

If this article has got you excited to try some of the world’s best steak, then there is a list of stockists on our Where to Buy page

Why is Wagyu Steak in a Class of Its Own?

The secret to Wagyu’s remarkable taste lies in the marbling. Those fine lines of fat melt as you cook the steak, giving it a buttery texture and rich flavour. That’s why every ribeye or sirloin from Australian Wagyu tastes so superb.

Here’s something impressive: Australia has one of the largest Wagyu herds outside Japan, the second largest in the world, with over 300,000 Wagyu cattle. That’s not just a handful of boutique farms; it’s an entire industry that has spent years perfecting the art of raising these special animals.

Australia employs the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grading system, which is essentially a rigorous quality control system. It ensures every cut that undergoes MSA grading meets strict standards for tenderness, juiciness, and flavour. That’s why Australian beef is renowned for its consistency. You know exactly what you’re getting every time.

Explore the full story of why Australian Wagyu is the best beef in the world here

The Bottom Line

The World Steak Challenge celebrates the world’s finest steaks, and Australian steaks are always among the best. Whether you’re debating ribeye and sirloin, or trying something new, Australian beef delivers every time.

It’s the result of decades of expertise, sustainable farming, and world-class grading. Medals and trophies may come and go, but the quality, tenderness, and flavour of Aussie beef mean it will remain a top contender for years to come.

When you choose Australian beef, you’re not just buying a great steak, you’re choosing a guarantee of excellence that’s been years in the making.

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