We Sampled and Rated 6 Different Aldi Steaks
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When it comes to entertaining, few meats are as elegant as a perfectly cooked steak. That said, serving steak to a crowd can come with a hefty price tag if you aren't prudent with where you buy it. While affordability matters, quality is still important. That's where Aldi comes in. When it comes to its steak selection, Aldi has a leg up on some of its biggest competitors.
The reason the beef at Aldi is so much cheaper lies in the unique business model of this retailer. Not only does it limit its supply and source meat locally, it sells a lot of it, often marking prices down to help move product, which translates to savings for your pocket book. This is all good news for consumers, but as a professional chef, the bottom line for me always comes down to flavor.
To clarify the often perplexing labels and identify the best value steak at Aldi regarding both price and flavor, I gathered a wide selection of cuts available. I prepared, tasted, and enjoyed each one—an impressive digestive challenge—to find out which steak stood out as the top choice. Keep reading to discover how I ranked the best and worst steaks from Aldi.
Read more: The Most Beloved Products At Aldi, According To Shoppers
6. Choice Petite Sirloin Steaks from Black Angus
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Before delving into the specific steaks, it is important to note that the beef sold at Aldi is predominantly Choice grade. One of the key differences between meat quality in a restaurant versus grocery store is reflected by this grade. While restaurants typically get access to the coveted Prime grade beef, the next level down in quality is Choice. Though it isn't as marbled and tender as Prime beef, Choice is a great option for the home cook.
On that note, I found the Black Angus Choice Petite Sirloin Steaks to be quite disappointing. Originating from the hind quarter of the cow, these steaks are fairly lean and have minimal intramuscular fat, making them difficult to prepare properly. As soon as I removed them from the packaging, I observed that the meat had an unusually light hue, resembling that of pork. Even after cooking, the steaks remained very pale, which was rather off-putting.
The steaks had a decent texture, though it left much to be desired. They were slightly mushy and had a somewhat stringy feel. The flavor was even more underwhelming, being so mild it was nearly absent, especially considering that meat from this section of the cow typically boasts a stronger beefy taste. A flavorful marinade could have improved both the texture and taste of this cut, but likely not enough to make a significant difference, which is why it ended up at the bottom of the list.
5. Cattlemen's Ranch Bacon-Wrapped Beef Chuck Tender Filet
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In the rankings of Aldi steaks, the Cattlemen's Ranch Bacon Wrapped Beef Chuck Tender Filet landed near the bottom. The term "filet" might mislead shoppers into believing they are purchasing a piece of beef tenderloin, but in reality, this steak comes from a part of the cow's shoulder referred to as a "mock tender." Although it has a similar shape, this cut is not as tender and requires a distinct cooking method—favoring slow cooking over high-heat techniques for optimal results.
I generally steer clear of steaks that are wrapped in bacon, as it tends to increase the heaviness and can overshadow the beef's inherent flavor. Although I see the reasoning for encasing a tougher cut in bacon to retain moisture, it didn't significantly enhance the quality of this particular steak. As I expected, its texture was still rather chewy and slightly stringy.
When it came to flavor, the beef was nearly indistinguishable as the bacon completely took over my taste buds. Although I appreciate bacon, I prefer it not to overshadow the rich flavor of a good steak. Nevertheless, the dish still had some taste, which is why it ranked higher than the petite sirloins.
4. Choice Black Angus Top Sirloin Steak
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When it comes to budget-friendly steaks, the top sirloin is a favored choice among many. This lean cut is sourced from the upper section of the cow's hindquarters, situated just behind the loin and ahead of the rear. Its versatility allows it to be utilized in various cooking methods and recipes. A prime example is the Black Angus Choice Beef Top Sirloin Steak, which showcases the qualities of this cut. With a generous serving size, it can comfortably satisfy a family of four, making it a wise purchase.
Due to its minimal marbling, this steak was slightly less tender compared to a filet mignon, but its firm texture was not a drawback. It offered a satisfying chew that was quite enjoyable. While its flavor may not have been as pronounced as some of the best steaks in this list, it still delivered a rich and savory taste.
This steak would be particularly good on the grill, where the char would lend both flavor and texture to the meat. It is also one of the most slept-on cuts for smoking. Just be sure to marinate it adequately to infuse it with flavor and get a good sear on it before transferring it to the smoker.
3. Choice Ribeye Steak from Black Angus
