How to cook sirloin steaks

Discover the best tips for cooking sirloin at home, as well as some of the most popular steak recipes. Bring these steakhouse secrets into your kitchen.

Sirloin vs striploin

People often confuse sirloin and striploin, but they are, in fact, two different cuts of steak. Striploin comes from just behind a cow’s ribs, whereas sirloin is from the rear back.

A cut of striploin should be well-marbled throughout, while sirloin is leaner. You can use both cuts in your favourite steak recipes, but if you want a lean cut, go for sirloin.

How to cook a sirloin steak

Cooking the perfect steak at home is easier than you might think. You can pan-fry it on top of the stove or cook it under the grill. Just make sure you’ve got your timing right, and you’ll enjoy a tasty steak dinner in minutes.

How to cook sirloin steak in a pan

It’s recommended to cook steak on a heavy-based cast iron pan, but even if you don’t have the perfect pan, these steps should help you make a great meal:

• Take your steak out of the fridge about half an hour before you start cooking. If it’s at room temperature, it will cook better.
• Pour a small amount of oil into a frying pan over high heat. While it’s heating, season the steak with salt and pepper.
• When the oil starts to simmer, lower the heat to medium-high. Add a knob of butter. Once it starts to sizzle, add your steak.
• Cook the steak for your desired time, turning once halfway through, then remove from the pan and leave to rest.

How to cook sirloin steak on the grill

Grilling lets you cook steak with less oil than frying. Here’s what to do:

• Take the steak out of the fridge half an hour before cooking. Preheat your grill to the highest setting.
• Season steak with salt and pepper, and brush lightly with oil or melted butter.
• Place the steak on a foil-lined tray under the grill, around 2 – 3 inches from the heat. Cook for the desired time, turning once halfway through.
• Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Sirloin steak cooking times

How do you like your steak? Everyone has their own preference, and as you become more confident cooking steak, you might start tweaking your timings to suit your exact taste. However, in general, here’s what you need to know:

• Rare: 3 minutes in total
• Medium rare: 4 minutes in total
• Medium: 5 minutes in total
• Medium well: 6 minutes in total
• Well done: 7 minutes in total

What to serve with sirloin steak

Steak and potato are a classic combination. Of course, most people would choose chips as their all-time favourite, but you can also try sirloin with a jacket potato, wedges, or even mash.

For a low-carb meal, forget the potato and serve sirloin with some veggies. If salad isn’t exciting enough for you, try charred broccoli or stir-fried cabbage with garlic. Tender roasted carrots are another excellent choice. Their slight sweetness will pair perfectly with a thick sirloin.

Best sirloin steak recipes

Level up your steak game by focusing on the sauce. Sirloin is an intense, meaty cut that can stand up to strongly flavoured sauces like this garlic, tarragon and mustard butter.

Put a bit of ooh là là into your dinner with this French bearnaise sauce. Pair it with rosemary chips, a classic combo that the whole family will love. Sirloin also goes perfectly with a powerful peppercorn sauce, with a side of potatoes to soak it all up.

FAQs

What is the best cooking method for sirloin steak?

Cook your steak in a pan on the stove, under a grill or on a barbecue. All three methods will get good results.

How do you make sirloin steak tender?

Let your sirloin rest for 5 minutes after you cook it to ensure it’s nice and tender. You can also marinate it for a few hours before cooking.

How do you cook sirloin steak so it’s not chewy?

Sirloin will always be chewier than cuts like fillets. However, if you want to tenderise it more, try marinating it before cooking. Add some lemon or lime juice to your marinade, as this will help break down the enzymes and tenderise the meat.

Why can sirloin steak become tough?

There are a few reasons your steak might be tough. You could have overcooked or undercooked it, or you may not have left it to rest long enough. Cooking it over low heat can also give you a tough steak.

Does sirloin get more tender the longer you cook it?

No. In fact, it has the opposite result. If you cook your steak for too long, it will turn out tough and chewy.