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Steak Marble Score
What is Steak Marbling and How is it Scored?
At the heart of exceptional steak lies a delicate, almost artistic interplay between fat and muscle. Known as marbling, this fine webbing of intramuscular fat is a key indicator of a steak’s quality, and a defining factor in its flavour and tenderness. From buttery wagyu cuts to leaner profiles, marble scores offer an elegant shorthand for discerning diners seeking excellence on the plate.
Read on to explore the science and grading behind marbled beef steak, decoding what the marble score means, how it’s assessed, and why it matters for your next memorable steak experience.
What is a Marbled Steak?
A marbled steak refers to a cut of beef that features streaks or flecks of fat interlaced within the muscle fibres, distinct from the thicker fat caps or external fat you might trim away. True marbling is internal and evenly dispersed, giving the meat a gently mottled appearance, akin to veining in fine stone.
As the steak cooks, the fat melts, permeating the surrounding meat with richness and succulence. High-quality marbling translates to a steak that is not only tender but lusciously juicy and full of depth. It delivers a creamy, almost velvet-like texture on the tongue, elevating the flavour to a refined, buttery finish that lingers beautifully.
In short, marbling in a steak is its secret to both opulence and balance.
The Steak Marble Score Explained
The Steak Marble Score, also referred to as BMS, or Beef Marbling Score, is the formal system used to evaluate and grade the amount and distribution of marbling within a cut. Its purpose is both culinary and commercial: to classify beef quality for chefs, butchers, and steak aficionados alike.
Two major systems are used globally to score marbling:
- AUS-MEAT (Australia): Ranges from 0 to 9+, with 0 being the least marbled and 9+ representing extraordinary levels of marbling, typically found in wagyu beef.
- Japanese BMS (Beef Marbling Standard): Ranges from 1 to 12, and is often considered the most precise grading system, especially for traditional Japanese wagyu.
Grading is conducted visually by trained assessors who examine a raw cross-section of the ribeye muscle. They score the fineness, amount, and distribution of marbling. Higher scores denote a greater presence of fine, evenly distributed fat, a hallmark of premium steak.
These scores allow diners to select the ideal cut for their preferences, whether they desire a clean, hearty beef flavour or an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Australian Marble Scores
Australia’s grading system, overseen by AUS-MEAT and Meat Standards Australia (MSA), is one of the most trusted in the world. Below is a simplified breakdown of the Australian BMS, ranging from 0 to 9+:
0–1 BMS
Lean beef with minimal marbling. Clean, robust flavour and firmer texture. Ideal for those who prefer a traditional, less fatty steak.
2–3 BMS
Light marbling begins to appear. Slightly more tender, offering a balanced bite.
4–5 BMS
Moderate marbling visible. Enhanced juiciness and flavour complexity, without becoming overly rich.
6–7 BMS
High marbling. Significantly more tender with a silky, luxurious finish. Perfect for special occasions or refined palates.
8–9+ BMS
Supreme marbling. Exceptional richness, buttery mouthfeel, and unmatched tenderness. Often reserved for wagyu and premium cuts.
More from 6HEAD
Curious to explore more of what lies beneath the surface of a perfect steak? At 6HEAD, we dive deep into the craftsmanship of ageing, the art of dry ageing, and the nuances of steak cuts in our culinary archives.
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Unlock the secrets to perfectly cooked fillet steak! Learn how to season, cook, and achieve ultimate tenderness with our fillet steak recipes and cooking tips.
Visit 6HEAD across Australia’s Coast
While steak marble scores provide a guide, nothing compares to the experience of savouring a perfectly cooked steak in person. At 6HEAD, our chefs celebrate the beauty of marbling in steak with reverence and precision, pairing exceptional cuts with open-flame cooking and world-class service in iconic waterfront locations.
Reserve a table and indulge in a curated steak journey that honours both tradition and innovation. Book your experience at 6HEAD today, and taste the difference marbling in steak makes.