Porterhouse Steak: What It Is, How to Cook It, and Why It's the King of Steaks

A perfectly seared Porterhouse hits the pan and the kitchen fills with that sizzle. The crust darkens to mahogany while the interior stays pink and warm. One bite and you know why this cut commands respect.

The tenderloin side melts on your tongue. The strip side delivers that beefy punch. Two steaks on one bone. That's the Porterhouse.

Most people know about it but never cook one at home. They assume it belongs only in steakhouses. Wrong. This cut is straightforward if you understand the technique.

This guide walks through what makes it special. How it differs from T-bone and exactly how to cook it perfectly using cast iron or a grill. By the end, you'll have mastered the technique that separates good from exceptional.

What Is a Porterhouse Steak?

The Porterhouse comes from the rear end of the short loin. Premium section. Tender meat. What makes it special is the composition.

On one side sits the tenderloin, also called filet mignon. The other side is the strip steak, also known as New York strip. A T-shaped bone separates them both and connects to the spine.

The USDA has a specific definition. The tenderloin section must be at least 1.25 inches wide. Anything narrower gets called a T-bone. This distinction matters because you're paying for that larger tenderloin.

Texture delivers two experiences:

• Tenderloin side is incredibly tender, almost buttery

• Strip side is firmer and more substantial, beefy flavor

• Together they create balance

• You get delicate richness alongside bold intensity

Portion size reflects the cut's prestige. Most Porterhouses weigh 16 to 24 ounces. Perfect for sharing or for someone with a serious appetite.

Porterhouse vs T-Bone: What's the Difference?

Many people confuse Porterhouse and T-bone steaks. They're similar but not the same thing. Both come from the short loin. Both have that iconic T-shaped bone. But the Porterhouse is the premium version.

The main difference is size. A Porterhouse has a larger tenderloin portion. More of that buttery texture. A T-bone is smaller and slightly cheaper. Want maximum tenderloin experience? Porterhouse wins. Want pure beef flavor without much tenderness? T-bone works fine.

Both offer balance. But the Porterhouse reigns supreme for steak lovers because it delivers more premium cut.

How to Cook Porterhouse Steak

Preparing the Steak

Start with thick-cut. Look for 1.5 to 2 inches. Thin steaks don't give you control. The outside burns before the inside cooks.

Remove from the fridge 30 to 40 minutes before cooking. Room temperature meat cooks evenly. Cold steak shocked by high heat creates uneven results.

Pat completely dry. Moisture prevents proper searing. Season generously:

• Kosher salt on both sides

• Black pepper on both sides

• Don't be timid with seasoning

• This cut deserves bold flavor

Optional: add a dry rub or light coat of olive oil for depth.

Best Pan for Searing Steak

Cast iron is the best choice. Heat distributes evenly. Maintains temperature even when cold steak hits it. Heat retention is crucial for forming that crust.

Stainless steel works but doesn't retain heat consistently. Gets hot fast but cools when the steak touches it. Makes it harder to get proper sear.

Preheat the cast iron for 5 to 10 minutes. You want it smoking. If you're not seeing smoke, it's not hot enough.

Searing and Cooking Method

When you cook Porterhouse steak, place it in the hot pan. Don't move it. Resist the urge to flip. Let it sear for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side. You're building the crust that holds juices and adds flavor.

Flip once. Sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer to a 400-degree oven. The oven surrounds with heat while the cast iron keeps the bottom searing. Cook for 2 to 5 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness.

While the steak finishes, add to the pan:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Crushed garlic

• Fresh thyme or rosemary

Tilt the pan and baste continuously. That brown butter coats the meat and adds richness. This is the steakhouse technique.

Remove and rest for 5 to 10 minutes. The muscle fibers relax and reabsorb the juices. Cut too early and juice runs onto your plate instead of staying in the meat.

Grilling Option

Use the two-zone method. One side direct high heat. One side empty for indirect heat.

Sear over direct heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Then move to indirect heat and cook until temperature is right. This prevents burning outside while inside catches up.

Porterhouse Steak Temperature and Doneness Guide

Getting the Porterhouse steak temperature right separates mediocre from perfect. The Porterhouse steak doneness challenge is unique. 

The tenderloin is thinner and more delicate. It can overcook quickly. The strip side takes longer. Understanding this helps you cook both sides properly.

Use a meat thermometer. Insert horizontally into the thickest part, away from bone and fat.

Doneness levels:

• Rare: 120-125°F, cold red center

• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F, pink center with warmth (ideal level)

• Medium: 140-145°F, some pink, mostly warm

• Medium-Well: 150-155°F, just a hint of pink

• Well-Done: 160°F+, no pink (skip this with Porterhouse)

Aim for medium-rare. The tenderloin stays buttery. The strip stays flavorful. Nothing is wasted.

Porterhouse Steak Recipe

This Porterhouse steak recipe uses a butter-basted cast iron method that steakhouses use. You're mimicking their technique but controlling the quality.

Ingredients:

• 1 large Porterhouse steak (1.5 to 2 inches thick)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• Fresh rosemary or thyme

• Kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions:

• Pat steak completely dry with paper towels

• Season both sides generously with salt and pepper

• Let sit for 5 minutes so seasoning adheres

• Heat cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 to 10 minutes until smoking

• Add olive oil (should shimmer immediately)

• Place steak in pan without moving it

• Sear for 2 to 3 minutes (let the crust develop)

• Flip and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes

• Transfer to 400-degree oven

• Add butter and crushed garlic to the pan

• Tilt pan and continuously baste steak with foaming brown butter for 2 to 5 minutes

• Remove steak and rest on warm plate for at least 5 minutes

• Slice perpendicular to the bone

• Serve immediately with pan drippings spooned over top

Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to complement the richness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Porterhouse Steak

Dry-brine overnight if you have time. Salt the steak, leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight, then cook it the next day. Salt breaks down proteins and makes the meat more tender and flavorful.

Use cast iron or grill grates. These create surface contact needed for real sear marks and crust development. Non-negotiable for premium cuts.

Always rest the steak. Five to ten minutes minimum. This isn't optional. Rushed steak loses juice onto the plate instead of staying in the meat.

Slice perpendicular to the bone. Preserves juiciness and presentation. Cutting parallel shreds the meat and lets juice escape.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Don't overcook the tenderloin side out of fear (it's delicate and forgiving at medium-rare)

• Don't skip the rest period trying to serve immediately

• Don't under-season because you think quality beef doesn't need help (it does)

• Don't use thin cuts (they cook unevenly)

• Don't move the steak while searing (ruins the crust)

Mastering the King of Steaks

The Porterhouse stands out because it delivers two distinct experiences in one piece. Tenderness and beef flavor. Elegance and substance.

Mastering it at home is straightforward with proper technique and temperature control. The stovetop-to-oven method works better than anything else. The cast iron ensures proper crust. The rest period ensures juiciness. These techniques are simple but they matter.

Try this Porterhouse steak recipe tonight and taste why it's called the king of steaks. Once you nail the Porterhouse steak cooking technique, you'll cook at home more and order steak less. 

A quality cast iron skillet or stainless steel baking sheet makes all the difference when you're searing at high temperatures. Explore our cast iron and stainless steel cookware collections to find the best pan for searing steak and elevate every meal.