Spring grilling season is officially open, and while everyone else is still reaching for ribeyes and New York strips, we’re taking a different direction—choosing bold, affordable cuts that deliver huge flavor when cooked right. After grilling everything from premium steaks to obscure butcher cuts over the years, I’ve discovered these hidden gems that deliver steakhouse quality without the eye-watering price tag.
Ready to grill smarter this season? Here are the 3 under-the-radar steaks that deserve a spot on your grill—and exactly how to make them shine.
1. THE BAVETTE (SIRLOIN FLAP)
This cousin to the flank steak remains one of the industry’s best-kept secrets. Located below the sirloin, the bavette offers remarkable marbling and a looser grain structure that absorbs marinade like a dream.
Why we love it: The bavette delivers the perfect balance of tenderness and robust beef flavor that stands up beautifully to spring herbs. It costs about half what you’d pay for ribeye while delivering comparable satisfaction.
How to prepare it: Season simply with salt, pepper, and fresh garlic. Grill over high heat (500°F) for 4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. You can use our quick marinade to amp up the flavor, too.
Pro tip: Always slice this steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular in about 1/4″ strips to them for the best eating.
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2. THE DENVER CUT (CHUCK UNDER BLADE)
Hiding in the chuck section is one of beef’s hidden gems. The Denver cut comes from the center of the under blade, boasting incredible marbling with a tenderness that rivals cuts three times its price.
Why we love it: The Denver cut has built-in insurance against overcooking thanks to its rich intramuscular fat, making it ideal for backyard grilling. It’s perfect for grillers who are still building their confidence with beef.
How to prepare it: Season boldly with a coffee-based rub to enhance its natural sweetness. Grill over medium-high heat (450°F) for 5-6 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Pro tip: Pair with bright spring vegetables like grilled asparagus or spring peas to balance the rich beef flavor. The contrast between the rich meat and fresh vegetables creates the perfect spring meal.
3. THE TRI-TIP (BOTTOM SIRLOIN)
While popular in California, the tri-tip remains underutilized across the rest of the country. This triangular roast from the bottom sirloin has multiple grain directions for a variety of textures in a single cut (which can also make it a bit of a puzzle, but don’t stress).
Why we love it: Tri-tip essentially provides two different eating experiences in one cut, with varying tenderness and flavor profiles from end to end. It’s also excellent for feeding a small crowd on a budget.
How to prepare it: Season with a herb-forward rub featuring fresh rosemary and thyme. Grill using a two-zone fire: sear over high heat (500°F) for 5 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
Pro tip: Slice this cut in two different directions – first cut the roast in half along its natural seam near the middle, then slice each half against its grain into pencil-thin strips for maximum tenderness.
Pro Tips for Spring Steak Success
✅ Let the meat sit out 30 minutes before grilling to remove the chill.
✅ Always rest steaks before slicing—5 to 10 minutes minimum.
✅ Use an instant-read thermometer. Trust us; it’s worth it.
✅ Season simply: kosher salt, cracked pepper, maybe a little garlic powder. Let the cut shine.
✅ For larger cuts like tri-tip, use a two-zone fire for perfect edge-to-edge doneness so that you can control the heat better.
THE Perfect TEMPERATURE
For all three cuts, the right internal temperature makes all the difference:
- Rare: 125°F (bright red center)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (warm red center) THE GIRL CARNIVORE CHOICE
- Medium: 140-145°F (pink center)
- Medium-well: 150-155°F (slightly pink center)
- Well-done: 160°F+ (brown throughout)
Remember to rest these cuts for 7-10 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute properly.
Essential Grilling Gear
- Meat Thermometer – because guesswork doesn’t taste good
- Heavy-Duty Grill Tongs – no flimsy tools allowed
- Cutting Board with Juice Groove – for proper resting and slicing
For more underrated cuts and expert grilling techniques, check out our favorite steaks for grilling. What’s your favorite underrated beef cut? Share yours in the comments section below!
