How to Cook a Perfect Sirloin Steak

Whether you're a master chef or just getting started in the kitchen, this guide will help you make a steak that'll make your taste buds sing.

Cooking a perfect steak doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right tools, knowledge and technique, you can make a delicious steak dinner that your family or dinner guests will love. In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about sirloin steaks, from picking out the right cut, to marinating and seasoning it, to grilling it to perfection. You won't have to worry about any more dry, tough steaks.

With this guide, you'll be able to cook the perfect sirloin steak every time. So, let's get started and make some mouth-watering, juicy steaks!

What is Sirloin Steak?

Sirloin steak is the stuff of carnivorous dreams. It's a cut of beef taken from the top part of the lower back of the cow (assuming it was standing), and it's full of flavor and juiciness. It's usually a little more expensive than other cuts, but it's well worth the extra money. Plus, it's pretty easy to cook, so you can make a delicious steak dinner without too much effort. So don't skimp - when you want a steak that packs a flavorful punch, make it a sirloin.

What Part of the Cow is Sirloin Steak From?

Sirloin steak is a cut of beef derived from the sirloin primal cut. If you go towards the back of a cow, you'll find the sirloin at the top, then below that is the tenderloin, the top sirloin, and the bottom sirloin just above the flank cut.

The top sirloin is known for its rich flavor and tenderness and is the more popular of the two cuts. The bottom sirloin is tougher and not as popular as the top sirloin, but still has a great flavor. The difference between the two is that the top sirloin has more marbling throughout, which helps it to stay juicy and flavorful when cooked. The bottom sirloin is leaner, more muscular, and not as succulent, but still has a great beefy flavor. Both cuts are versatile and great for grilling, but the top sirloin is definitely the more popular choice.

How to Season Sirloin Steak?

It's important to remember it's always best to cook your steak starting at room temperature. So, if it's in the refrigerator, take it out at least 45 minutes before you start cooking it. Chefs also often recommend applying a generous layer of salt to the outside of the sirloin steak and letting it sit for a while, also at room temperature, to create a nice brine that helps better cook a crispy outside.

As for spices, the world is your oyster! Many people prefer no more than salt and pepper on their steaks, but many other spices can add a lovely flavor profile to your sirloin. Great tasting options are of course, steak seasoning, but others include thyme, paprika, rosemary, and garlic salt. Or get a bit crafty with sauces like barbecue sauce, honey, vinaigrettes, or even a nice layer of Worcestershire sauce.

How to Marinade Sirloin Steak?

While a lot of chefs and connoisseurs are steak purists, as in they only use salt and pepper at most on their steaks, marinating is certainly an option for the rest of us! And marinating sirloin steak is a great way to add flavor and tenderness. There are a few different marinade recipes you can try, so it's easy to find one that suits your taste.

A classic marinade for sirloin steak is a combination of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a few spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika. Another option is to go with a teriyaki-style marinade; mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a delicious flavor. You can also go with a more exotic marinade, like a combination of yogurt, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro.

No matter which option you choose, marinating your steak is sure to make it a delicious meal!

6 Ways to Cook Sirloin Steak

Don't think you're limited to only being able to cook a perfect sirloin steak on your grill. There are many options and recipes, from using your oven to a fancy sous vide machine. Let's go over 7 different ways to cook an amazing sirloin steak with easy-to-follow instructions.

#1. Reverse Sear Sirloin Steak

A reverse-seared sirloin steak is an awesomely impressive steak to serve for dinner. Moist, succulent, with the perfectly crisp outside, you might never cook a steak the same way again. Here's how to make it.

1. Take your sirloin steak and season it generously with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat your oven to 225-275°F degrees and set the steaks on a wire rack over an edged baking pan.
3. Cook the steaks until the desired temperature is measured with a meat thermometer. (105°F for rare, 115°F for medium-rare, 125°F for medium, and 135°F for medium-well done.)
4. When the steaks are almost done cooking in the oven, place a cast iron skillet on the stove over high heat with either a scoop of butter or olive oil to grease it up
5. Now place the steaks in the skillet, a bit more butter (optional) and cook until each side of the sirloin is very brown but not burned, which is usually only around 45 seconds for each side. Make sure to then use your tongs and sear the edges too.
6. Serve straight away! This method of cooking doesn't require your steaks to rest.

#2. Cast Iron Skillet Sirloin Steak

This method is a bit of a departure from your usual method of making a steak. You'll see why in a bit.

1. Remove steak from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels, then let rest on a plate covered in more paper towels to dry the outside as much as possible, let it warm up for 45 minutes.
2. Place a cast iron skillet on your stove top and sprinkle an even amount of around 1/2 a teaspoon of salt around the surface, turn the heat on high and wait about 5-7 minutes for the pan to get really hot.
3. Pat your steaks with the paper towel again and add them on the skillet.
4. Allow the steak to cook for about 1 minute, then flip. Make sure to cover all of the steak in salt by moving them around if needed. Also, press down on your steak occasionally to make sure the sides of it get evenly cooked. Continue to flip every 30 seconds, and occasionally add pinches of salt (and pepper if you'd like).
5. After the steak has grown smaller and has a nice dark-brown crust all over, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If you're aiming for a medium-rare steak then the temperature should be about 125°F.
6. Remove the steak from the skillet and place on a cutting board, let it rest for 5-10 minutes and then slice to taste and serve!

#3. Grilled Sirloin Steak

Grilling a sirloin steak is often considered the go-to method, and there's a reason why. It's delicious and it's easy. It doesn't get much more complicated than that!

1. First, take your sirloin steak out of the refrigerator, salt both sides, and let it come to room temperature for 45 minutes.
2. 10 minutes before you're ready to start cooking, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, then brush the grill with a small amount of olive oil.
3. Place the steaks on the hottest part of the grill and let cook on each side for 3-5 minutes, depending on desired doneness levels.
4. Check the temperature of your sirloin steak with a meat thermometer, stab it into the thickest part of the steak for the most accurate readings. If you want medium-rare then the temperature should be around 125-130℉. If you need to cook them a bit longer, just move them over to the not-so-hot part of the grill for another little while.
5. Take off the grill, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve!

#4. Oven Roasted Sirloin Steak

If you're looking for a delicious, juicy steak that takes your cooking to the next level, then you should definitely try an oven-roasted sirloin steak! The deep, rich flavor of the steak is enhanced by roasting, resulting in a tender and succulent steak that’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Here's how to cook a perfect oven-roasted steak.

1. Take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature for about 45 minutes.
2. About 10 minutes before they're ready, preheat your over to 375-400℉.
3. Now rub your sirloin steak with a little olive oil (or butter) and season it with salt and pepper, or other herbs like steak spice
4. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side
5. Place the skillet into the preheated oven (or use another baking dish if that's easier)
6. Roast the meat for about 10-15 minutes, depending on desired doneness level
7. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Feel free to serve with any arrangement of sides and don't forget to enjoy it!

#5. Pan-Fried Sirloin Steak

If it's cold outside and you can't get to the barbeque, there's nothing wrong with just cooking a tasty sirloin steak right on your stove top! Here's how to do it.

1. Start by prepping your sirloin steak: season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper and let it sit at room temperature for around 45 minutes. After it's reached room temperature, be sure to pat dry both sides with a paper towel, then add a bit more salt and pepper to replace any that was lost.
2. Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of butter or oil.
4. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it's seared and has a golden brown crust.
5. Now, use your tongs to sear the edges of the steak.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the steak for an additional 2 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
7. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5-15 minutes. Enjoy!

#6. Sous Vide Sirloin Steak

Sous vide isn't for everyone, but it sure is for a lot of people these days! If you're one of those fancy folk using the French machine, here's a great easy recipe to make the perfect sous vide sirloin steak.

1. Make sure you take your steak out of the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to warm up to room temperature. Then preheat your sous vide water to the desired temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be about 130°F.
2. Pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season it generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place the steak in a vacuum-sealed bag and make sure there’s no air in the bag.
4. Place the bag in the sous vide water bath and let it cook for 1.5 – 2 hours, or up to 3 hours if you want it more well-done.
5. When the steak is finished cooking, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with a paper towel.
6. Heat a skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil or butter.
7. Sear the steak in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until it has a nice, golden-brown crust.
8. Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

An Even Better Option for Sirloin Steak

If you're looking to create the perfect sirloin steak, look no further than WagyuMan's Japanese A5 Wagyu beef cuts! With its incredibly marbled texture and intense flavor, this steak is the perfect choice for any steak lover and will guarantee a delicious, juicy meal every time. Plus, with a little bit of seasoning and some proper cooking techniques, you can make the most out of this amazing steak! It literally is the most delicious cut of sirloin steak your hard-earned money can buy.