Curious about sirloin steaks? You’ve come to the right place!
In this TheGrillingDad.com guide, we’ll discuss:
- What sirloin steak is
- Where sirloin steak comes from
- What you should use sirloin steak for
- And much more!
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What is Sirloin Steak?
Sirloin or top sirloin is a cut of steak that is known for being lean, juicy, and tender. It is more flavorful than a filet but less flavorful than a ribeye. With lower fat content, sirloin is frequently considered to be one of the best cuts of steak.
Sirloin is also one of the more economical cuts of steak and is great for any budget. Care needs to be taken while cooking sirloin, however, because this cut can easily get tough. But if you take the right amount of time and attention a sirloin demands, it can be a great steak for an everyday dinner.
We are going to cover everything you need to know about sirloin in this guide. Read on to become a sirloin expert!
Where Does Sirloin Steak Come From?
Sirloin steak is a cut of meat that comes from the back and rear of an animal. Many also refer to this area as the rump. The top part of this area yields cuts that are called top sirloin, while cuts from the bottom are bottom sirloin or rump steak.
Both top and bottom sirloin are tender and flavorful cuts of meat, though the top sirloin is notably more tender than bottom sirloin.
We’ve got a chart showing you exactly where sirloin is on a cow.
Related >> Sirloin vs New York Strip
Is Sirloin a Good Cut of Steak?
Sirloin is a great cut of steak! While it isn’t the best steak available to buy, it is a great option when the cost is a factor. Sirloins tend to be tender and flavorful without needing to pay premium prices.
We do recommend, however, that you stick with top sirloin as opposed to bottom sirloin and buy premium cuts if that is an option!
Related >> Sirloin vs Filet
How to Cook Sirloin Steak
The best way to cook sirloin steak is by marinating your steak overnight, then searing it on your grill or stovetop in a cast iron skillet. You’ll want to cook the sirloin to at least rare before you remove it from the heat. The steak will continue to cook as it rests for up to 5 minutes.
Sirloin is also delicious and tender when it is cooked using a sous vide method. In this method, you will vacuum seal the steak in plastic and then submerge it in water until it comes to a rare temperature. Then you will sear the steaks for a minute or two on a hot grill and serve!
Tips for Cooking Sirloin Steak
- Sirloin steak gets tough when overcooked. We recommend no more than medium for your sirloin, and if you want something more well-done, choose a different cut of steak.
- Sirloin is amazing when marinated. Buy it a day early, then allow the steak to marinate overnight.
- Slice your sirloin against the grain for a more tender bite.
- Low and slow is not a good method for sirloin unless you cook it sous vide. You’ll want to sear this steak for the best results.
Is Sirloin a Tough Piece of Meat?
Sirloin is naturally a tender piece of meat unless it is overcooked. If you cook a sirloin well done or improperly, it can result in a tough piece of meat.
Sometimes, sirloin can be tough just because it came from an older animal. If you had a single experience with a tough sirloin, we recommend trying again. If it is still tough, then you’ll want to look at the methods below to tenderize your sirloin.
How Do I Make Sirloin More Tender?
Have you had a tough sirloin in the past? Use these methods below to get a more tender result the next time you pick one up at the store!
- Bring your meat to room temperature before cooking it
- Marinate the steak in a marinade for up to 24 hours.
- Add a tenderizer to your steaks
- Use the sous vide method of cooking your steak before searing it on your grill.
- Top your steak with herb butter
- Sprinkle your steak with salt before you cook it
What is the Price of Sirloin?
The price of sirloin will vary from state to state. In some locations, you can get this steak for just $7.99 an lb. If you want a premium cut of sirloin that is prime or organic, the price can go up to $14.99-$20 a pound.
While this may sound expensive, when you consider that in a pound, there are usually two steaks, this is the price of dinner for two, and it is very affordable. When compared to other steaks, sirloin is often considered the most affordable, meaning you can eat it as a regular dinner rather than saving it for special occasions!
If you head to your local butcher over a big box store, you may find the prices to vary for sirloin, but know that you are getting a more quality cut and helping support a local business–making it well worth the trip!
How is Sirloin Best Cooked?
Sirloin is best cooked using your grill or a cast iron skillet on the stove. We recommend cooking the steak for a few minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (for a medium steak). Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
How Long Should Sirloin Be Cooked?
For a medium sirloin steak, you should cook the steak for about 2.5 minutes on each side over high heat. This will yield a medium steak. For medium rare, adjust the cooking time to 2 minutes on each side. We do not recommend cooking a sirloin for longer than 6 minutes.
What is Sirloin Steak Best Used For?
Because sirloin steak is generally a cheap cut, it can be used for far more than a main dish. If you don’t want to serve your sirloin as a steak, here are some other ways you can serve it.
- Cut up in a beef stew (we recommend bottom sirloin for this)
- Chopped and served on a salad
- Sliced and served in steak tacos
- Sliced and served on top of smoked mac and cheese for a steak mac.
- Sliced and tossed into a stir fry
- Sliced for steak sandwiches
Should You Cook Your Sirloin in Oil?
If you want to cook your sirloin in a pan on the stove, it is best to use a little butter instead of oil, as the fat content in the butter will help tenderize the meat. If you are grilling, don’t add any oil or butter to your steak, as it will just cause the grill to flare up.
Is a Sirloin Steak Better than a Ribeye?
When it comes to the choice between sirloin and ribeye, it truly comes up to your personal preference. If you want a fatty, more flavorful piece of meat, then you should go with a ribeye. But if you are looking for a cut that has less fat and is slightly healthier, then you should choose a sirloin.
Generally, a ribeye, because of the fat content, is more forgiving if you cook it wrong or too well done. So if you are new to grilling steaks or want something well done, you should choose a ribeye. Otherwise, a sirloin is a delicious steak you can enjoy any night of the week!
For more information on whether you should choose a sirloin or a ribeye, check out this article: Ribeye vs. Sirloin.
Want More Steak Info?
We’ve done a lot of homework and shared our opinions in these posts about steak: