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# 12 Premium Meats Worth Trying on the Grill

By [Andrew Lemieux (@andrewl9)](https://listium.com/@andrewl9)

116 views · 0 likes · 0 followers  
Published 27 May 2026 · Updated 27 May 2026

Category: food & drink

Some days call for more than just the usual backyard fare. Burgers and franks are fine most of the time, but certain moments beg for a bolder touch of deeper savor. The kind of meals that stick around in memory past the last bite. Here are 12 ideas for premium meats when you want to go beyond the ordinary.

## Items

### 1. [Ribeye Steak](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/1/ribeye-steak)

Item ID: `1`

- Notes: If dinner calls for a treat, ribeye is one of the first things that comes to mind. This cut shines thanks to its fine webbing of fat and deep, meaty taste. Grilled hot, a ribeye builds a deep sear while retaining its moisture. Choose boneless or \[keep the bone\](https://www.foodrepublic.com/1351183/bone-in-steak-actually-isnt-more-flavorful-than-boneless/); either way, it packs bold flavor without much preparation.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/781127e8-02c5-41b4-bb1f-96a36c26a4d1/original.jpg)

### 2. [Beef Short Ribs](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/2/beef-short-ribs)

Item ID: `2`

- Notes:
  > Bold flavor waits in every bite when beef short ribs hit the grill. Richness pours through each piece. For \[flanken cuts\](https://www.saveur.com/article/Kitchen/Flanken-Cut-Beef-Short-Ribs/), fire them up fast, right over the flame. They take well to marindades. Heavier English-cut versions prefer slower cooking and are finished with a smoky char.
  > 
  >   
  > 
  > Serve with a bowl of slaw, grilled corn, or warm baked beans.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/60497f1b-b523-495f-8dc3-6230b87f8838/original.jpg)

### 3. [Lamb Chops](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/3/lamb-chops)

Item ID: `3`

- Notes: Lamb chops are among the finest cuts for grilling. Better yet, getting them ready takes very little effort. Each piece cooks fast, full of rich taste. Place lamb chops on a hot grill and cook over medium-high heat, allowing them to develop a rich crust while remaining tender within. Pair with fluffy couscous, spears of asparagus kissed by flame, or small potatoes roasted until golden.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/fcad8991-e16e-45f3-b0d2-97d80cae8a39/original.jpg)

### 4. [Pork Tomahawk Chops](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/4/pork-tomahawk-chops)

Item ID: `4`

- Notes: Picture a hulking cut of pork, ribs still attached, sizzling over the flame, with bold slashes of char, edges crisp, center incredibly tender. Thick-cut pork tomahawks work best when grilled using separate hot and cool zones, so \[watch the temperature\](https://listium.com/@HobbyHaven/107571/best-wireless-meat-thermometers-for-grilling). Start by searing over high heat. After that, shift them aside to a cooler spot so they cook fully but stay juicy.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/c37595e6-543b-4834-8376-3133c5ef43c4/original.jpg)

### 5. [Beef Tenderloin (Filet Mignon)](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/5/beef-tenderloin-filet-mignon)

Item ID: `5`

- Notes: Exceptionally tender and lean, beef tenderloin has a buttery-soft bite and mild, refined flavor. It cools quickly over high heat, making it perfect for a fast but elevated grilling session. Season minimally. Salt, pepper, and a light sear are all you need. Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple herb butter.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/14738f15-adec-4f48-addd-6df601e85633/original.jpg)

### 6. [Skirt Steak](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/6/skirt-steak)

Item ID: `6`

- Notes: Skirt steak is bold, beefy, and ideal for high-heat grilling. It's loose grain absorbs marinades perfectly, which is why it’s often the choice for fajitas and tacos. Cook it hot and fast, then slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with lime and fresh tortillas.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/9147d2dc-9c26-4002-bfbf-60f351cacf1b/original.jpg)

### 7. [Duck Breast](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/7/duck-breast)

Item ID: `7`

- Notes: If you want an alternative to beef or pork that’s more exotic than chicken, try duck breast. It offers a rich, gamey flavor with a crisp, fat-capped crust when grilled properly. Start by scoring the skin and cooking fat-side down to render, then finish over direct heat. It goes well with sweet or tangy elements like orange glaze, cherry sauce, or balsamic reductions.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/bfd0212b-1cd5-4381-9ff8-914b44e5f0d7/original.jpg)

### 8. [Tri-Tip](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/10/tri-tip)

Item ID: `10`

- Notes: A West Coast favorite, tri-tip is a triangular cut known for its balance of tenderness and flavor. For best results, perform a simple rub-and-grill on indirect heat before a final sear. Slice it thin against the grain and serve with chimichurri, salsa, or grilled vegetables.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/0b9bb1f7-cf45-4ddd-b8bf-920d35654bad/original.jpg)

### 9. [Venison Backstrap](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/11/venison-backstrap)

Item ID: `11`

- Notes: Lean, tender, and earthy, venison backstrap is a premium wild game option for the grill. Because it’s low in fat, it cooks quickly and should be served medium-rare for the best texture. A simple marinade with garlic, herbs, and oil enhances the flavor without overpowering its natural taste.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/5483df98-632c-4ddb-91c5-0ef567ef3af0/original.jpg)

### 10. [Beef Tomahawk Steak](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/12/beef-tomahawk-steak)

Item ID: `12`

- Notes: The tomahawk is all about presentation. A thick-cut ribeye with a long bone always delivers a dramatic impact. It grills best using a reverse sear method to ensure even cooking. This is a rich, juicy, and deeply flavorful steak that’s perfect for sharing. Serve sliced with coarse salt and simple sides so the meat can take center stage.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/79ea62d7-5148-4f68-b8ff-563e0026ac85/original.jpg)

### 11. [Picanha](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/13/picanha)

Item ID: `13`

- Notes: Picanha, also known as top sirloin cap, is popular in Brazilian-style grilling and is famous for its signature fat cap, which helps keep the meat moist and flavorful as it cooks. Simple seasoning works best, and coarse salt is all you really need. Serve it with chimichurri, grilled onions, and rice or potatoes.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/f84e710a-8878-4034-837c-c8f3adbe26d3/original.jpg)

### 12. [Wagyu Beef](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/14/wagyu-beef)

Item ID: `14`

- Notes:
  > Few meats can match the depth and flavor of Wagyu. This comes down to careful breeding. 
  > 
  > Wagyu cattle are raised so that fat is evenly distributed inside the muscles. \[Japanese A5 wagyu\](https://www.donpeterscarnicerias.com/collections/japanese-wagyu) stands out when you want a truly extraordinary grilling experience. When the meat hits the grill, the fat melts slowly, filling the air differently than ordinary beef.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/4869c947-37f3-4db1-84f6-4551e09479dd/original.jpg)

### 13. [Make Grill Night Count](https://listium.com/@andrewl9/143593/12-premium-meats-worth-trying-on-the-grill/15/make-grill-night-count)

Item ID: `15`

- Notes: Grilling is more interesting when the meat you choose brings something unique to the plate, such as juiciness, char, or a trace of smokiness. Sometimes, everyday fare like burgers and hot dogs is all you need. For times when you want something memorable, choose premium cuts that yield extraordinary results.
- Image: ![Image](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/84cf9635-6912-40bd-8873-b5b59e4250d0/original.jpg)