Known as ‘the steak lover’s choice’, it’s both rich in flavour and tender. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to cook sirloin steak, from the essentials before it hits the heat to the key tips and tricks used by restaurants to achieve a steakhouse-quality sirloin. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to make this cut shine.
What is a Sirloin Steak?
What is sirloin steak exactly? It’s a cut taken from the cow’s back, just above the tenderloin. The cut has one of the most varying names depending on the location, so you may see it labelled as a New York strip, a porterhouse or a striploin. It’s on the leaner side, with some intramuscular fat and a solid fat cap, meaning it is still ridiculously tender when cooked properly.
Why Is a Sirloin Steak So Special?
Sirloin has the unique property of being incredibly beefy, flavourful and tender despite having little fat. Apart from this, it’s also very versatile, and is often cheaper than other, more premium cuts. Whether you want to learn how to cook beef sirloin in the oven, on a stove, or colour it on the grill, the sirloin can handle it, and we can teach you how.
Preparing Your Sirloin: The Foundation for Perfection
How to Properly Temper and Season Your Steak
Knowing how to prepare sirloin steak makes an unmistakable difference to the final result:
- Take your sirloin steak out of the fridge at least 30-40 minutes before you plan to cook
- Pat it as dry as possible with paper towels
- Preheat your pan or grill on high heat for 10-15 minutes, until smoking
- Just before cooking, season both sides generously with salt, pepper if desired, and any other dried herbs or rubs
The Art of the Perfect Sear
A good sear is key to keeping your sirloin juicy and building flavour through the crust:
- Make sure your pan is smoking hot
- Add a drizzle of oil
- Lay the steak away from you, being careful to avoid oil splatter
- Flip every 30 seconds for an even crust and doneness
- Using a meat thermometer, keep an eye on the internal temperature and remove when the sirloin is 4-5ºC below your target doneness.
Mastering the Cook: How to Cook Sirloin Steak to Perfection
Grilling Your Sirloin: Achieving Smoky Perfection
Grilling brings out flavour in steak that often can’t be achieved in a pan:
- Set up a two-zone grill (a high-heat and low-heat side)
- Lay the steak on the hot zone and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, placing pressure to ensure an even crust
- Once a crust has developed, move to the low-heat zone to finish cooking
- Use a meat thermometer and remove the steak when 4-5ºC below the target temperature.
Pan-Searing and Oven Finishing: The Classic Combination
- Preheat your oven-safe pan, and set your oven to 200ºC
- Add a drizzle of oil and lay the steak away from you into the pan
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the oven and cook for 5-8 minutes
- Check the internal temperature every few minutes and pull out just before reaching your preferred doneness
Reverse Searing: For Ultimate Control and Tenderness
The best method for pinpoint precision in doneness:
- Preheat your oven to 120ºC
- Place steak on a wire rack and bake for 18-30 minutes (how long to cook a sirloin steak depends on its thickness, so use a meat thermometer for a more accurate cook)
- Begin preheating your pan on a high heat
- Immediately transfer to the hot pan and sear for just a minute on each side to form a crust
Rest, Slice, and Serve: Maximising Flavour and Juiciness
The Crucial Resting Period
Resting is key. Let the sirloin steak rest on a board for 5-10 minutes, allowing the juices within to redistribute through the meat, preventing them from spilling out when sliced.
Slicing Against the Grain for Tenderness
If you’ve ever wondered how to tenderise sirloin steak without a mallet, here’s the easiest way. Slice your steak perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibres, thereby shortening them and resulting in more tender slices.
Elevate Your Sirloin: Sauces and Pairings
Complementary Sauces and Accompaniments
Sirloin’s richness is beautifully balanced by a bright, tangy chimichurri, a tangy Dijon cream sauce, or even a more contemporary smoked tomato relish. As sirloin is on the leaner side, bold accompaniments like duck fat potatoes, creamed spinach, or charred vegetables work fantastically.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
A medium red wine like a merlot, tempranillo or shiraz is great to pair with a sirloin. Or go with a lighter beer if that’s your style; a dry cider or crisp lager both balance well with a sirloin.
Where to Find the Best Sirloin Steak Restaurants
If you find yourself in the UAE, Hunter & Barrel is the steakhouse to visit. With a venue in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our world-class chefs are masters at grilling sirloin steaks, delivering the rich, smoky finish exclusive to charcoal.
Try The Best Premium Sirloin Steak now!
Skip the hassle and let the professionals take charge. Book your table at Hunter & Barrel UAE today and experience the magic of flame-grilled steaks, curated wines, moreish side dishes, and the atmosphere that brings it all together.
