I discovered that cooking top sirloin steak involves more than just throwing a piece of beef onto the grill when I first learned how to do it. To bring out the luscious tenderness and rich flavor of this lean cut, the right method is required. You can get restaurant-caliber results in your kitchen with proper preparation, heat management, and rest periods.
I’ll walk you through stovetop, oven, and grilling methods in this tutorial, share culinary secrets, and give you cooking temps so you can consistently make the ideal steak.
What Makes Top Sirloin Steak Special?
Top sirloin is a lean but rich-tasting cut from the top of the sirloin portion of the cow. Though it’s less expensive than filet mignon or ribeye, it does retain a beef taste. Because it’s lean, when you overcook it, it becomes tough. For tenderness and juiciness, cook from rare to medium-rare (120°F to 135°F).
The Best Way to Prepare Top Sirloin for Cooking
The secret to a great steak dinner is prep: Top the steak with melted butter, garlic, herbs, and additional butter in the final minute. Pull it to 125°F for medium-rare and allow it to carryover cook while it rests, as indicated by an instant-read thermometer. This creates a tender center with a caramelized crust.
How to Cook Top Sirloin Steak on the Stove
Pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook top sirloin indoors:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet until very hot.
- Add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola.
- Sear steak 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (depending on thickness).
- During the last minute, add butter, garlic, and herbs, and spoon the melted butter over the steak.
- Use an instant-read thermometer: pull at 125°F for medium-rare, allowing carryover cooking while it rests.
This method creates a caramelized crust with a tender center.
How to Cook Top Sirloin Steak in the Oven
If you prefer the stovetop-to-oven approach, here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Sear steak in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 4–7 minutes (depending on thickness and doneness).
- Rest steak for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
This method works well for thicker cuts over 1.25 inches.
How to Grill Top Sirloin Steak Outdoors
Grilling top sirloin adds smoky flavor and makes a great summer dinner:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (450–500°F).
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill 1-inch steaks for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Let rest before slicing and serving.
For thicker steaks, try the reverse sear: grill over indirect heat until internal temperature is 110°F, then finish with a hot sear over direct heat.
Cooking Temperature and Doneness Guide
| Doneness | Pull Temperature | Final Temperature (after rest) |
| Rare | 120°F | 125°F |
| Medium-Rare | 125–130°F | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 135–140°F | 140–145°F |
| Medium-Well | 145–150°F | 150–155°F |
| Well Done | 155°F+ | 160°F+ |
Tip: The USDA recommends cooking to at least 145°F for safety. Other chefs like medium-rare for optimum flavor and texture.
Expert Advice for Flawless Sirloin Steak
- Flip frequently to brown uniformly. Rather than flipping only once, flip every 30 to 60 seconds for uniform browning.
- Rest prior to serving by allowing it to stand for 5 to 10 minutes to retain the juices within.
- Slice against the grain to reduce muscle fibers and maintain each bite tender.
- Use a thermometer, since estimating doneness tends to result in overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is top sirloin steak tender?
Yes, it’s fairly tender. It’s not as tender as filet mignon but is more tender than flank steak. Slice against the grain and cook to medium-rare for the most tenderness.
2. Do I need to marinate top sirloin steak?
You don’t need to, but it will enhance flavor and tenderness, particularly if you’re grilling. Employ acidic marinades with vinegar, citrus, or soy sauce.
3. Can top sirloin be frozen and cooked?
Yes, but thaw first to cook evenly. To cook from frozen, sear both sides in a pan and then finish at 275°F in the oven to your level of doneness.
4. What oil can I use to pan-fry top sirloin steak?
Use high-smoke-point oils such as avocado, grapeseed, or canola for searing. Olive oil is fine for seasoning but will burn under high heat.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Top Sirloin Steak
It is easy to master cooking top sirloin steak at home so that you can indulge in restaurant-quality meals without breaking the bank. Pan-frying, oven finishing, or grilling, the trick lies in controlling the heat, the seasoning, and patience during resting.
Since you now know how to do it, serve your steak with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or just salad. For those who are adventurous, use other cuts such as sirloin steak or sirloin tip roast—both provide a different flavor experience worth trying.
