Sirloin steak is one of the most popular steak cuts, and for good reason. It is lean, full of flavour, easy to cook, and works well for everything from a quick midweek tea to a proper steak dinner.

But what is sirloin steak, where does it come from on the animal, and why is it such a favourite with beef lovers?

In this guide, we’ll explain what sirloin steak is, where it comes from, how it compares to other steak cuts, and the best way to cook it at home.

What Is Sirloin Steak?

Sirloin steak is a cut of beef taken from the loin area of the animal, towards the back. It is a naturally tender cut because the muscles in this area do not do as much hard work as cuts from the shoulder, shin or brisket.

A good sirloin steak usually has a strip of fat along one edge and, depending on the animal, may also have some marbling running through the meat. That combination gives sirloin its balance of tenderness, flavour and juiciness.

Sirloin is generally leaner than ribeye, but it still has plenty of beefy flavour. It is a great choice if you want a proper steak without as much fat running through the meat.

Where Does Sirloin Steak Come From?

Sirloin steak comes from the loin section of beef, found along the back of the animal.

This area is not worked as hard as tougher cuts, which is why sirloin is naturally more tender. It also has a layer of fat on the outside, which helps with flavour and cooking.

At True Bites, sirloin steaks can be cut thinner or thicker depending on what you prefer. Thicker steaks are better if you want a strong sear on the outside while keeping the middle pink and juicy.

Why Is It Called Sirloin?

There is an old story that the name sirloin came from a monarch enjoying a loin of beef so much that they “knighted” it as “Sir Loin”. It’s a brilliant story, even if it probably isn’t true.

The name is more likely to have come from the French word surlonge, meaning above the loin.

Either way, sirloin has been a favourite steak cut for a long time, and it is still one of the cuts customers ask for most often.

Is Sirloin Steak Tender?

Yes, sirloin steak is a tender cut of beef, especially when cooked properly.

It is not usually as soft as fillet steak, and it does not have as much fat and marbling as ribeye, but that is part of what makes sirloin so popular. It gives you a good balance of tenderness, flavour and value.

Sirloin can become tough if it is overcooked or sliced the wrong way. For the best result, cook it quickly over a high heat, rest it properly, then slice against the grain.

What Does Sirloin Steak Taste Like?

Sirloin steak has a classic beefy flavour. It is rich without being overly fatty, which makes it a good choice for people who like steak but do not want something as marbled as ribeye.

The fat edge on sirloin is important. When cooked properly, it helps add flavour and keeps the steak juicy. You can leave it on while cooking, then trim it afterwards if you prefer.

Sirloin Steak vs Ribeye Steak

Sirloin and ribeye are both popular steak cuts, but they are quite different.

Ribeye usually has more marbling and more fat running through the meat. This makes it very juicy and full of flavour, but also richer.

Sirloin is usually leaner, with a firmer texture and a clean beef flavour. It is a great option if you want a proper steak with less internal fat.

If you like a richer, fattier steak, choose ribeye. If you prefer a leaner steak with good flavour, sirloin is a great choice.

Sirloin Steak vs Rump Steak

Sirloin is usually more tender than rump steak, while rump often has a stronger beef flavour and can be better value.

Rump comes from a harder-working part of the animal, so it needs careful cooking and resting. Sirloin is more forgiving and is often the better option if you want an easy steak night.

How to Cook Sirloin Steak

Sirloin steak is best cooked quickly in a hot pan, griddle pan, cast iron pan, under the grill or on the BBQ.

The key is high heat, a good sear, and a proper rest afterwards.

1. Take the sirloin steak out of the fridge around 20 to 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat the steak dry with kitchen paper.
3. Rub with a little oil and season with salt and pepper just before cooking.
4. Heat a frying pan or cast iron pan until hot.
5. Place the steak in the pan and cook without moving it too much.
6. Turn the steak and cook the other side.
7. Use tongs to hold the fat edge against the pan for extra flavour.
8. Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving.

For a more detailed steak cooking guide, have a look at our guide on how to cook steak in the oven, especially if you are cooking thicker steaks.

Sirloin Steak Cooking Times

Cooking times depend on the thickness of the steak and how hot your pan is, but for a typical sirloin steak, use these timings as a guide:

These timings are only a guide. A thick sirloin steak will take longer than a thin one. For the most accurate result, use a meat thermometer.

What Temperature Should Sirloin Steak Be?

If you are using a meat thermometer, these internal temperatures are a helpful guide:

Remember that steak continues to cook slightly while resting, so you can remove it from the pan just before it reaches your final target temperature.

Should You Rest Sirloin Steak?

Yes, you should always rest sirloin steak after cooking.

Resting gives the juices time to settle back through the meat. If you slice into steak straight away, more of those juices will run out onto the plate.

For most sirloin steaks, 5 minutes of resting is enough. For a very thick steak, rest it a little longer.

What to Serve with Sirloin Steak

Sirloin steak works with all the classic steak sides, including chips, mash, roast potatoes, grilled vegetables, salad, mushrooms, onion rings or peppercorn sauce.

It is also great sliced into sandwiches, wraps, salads or served with eggs for a proper steak and eggs breakfast.

If you are planning a bigger steak night, browse our full beef range or our steak collection.

Tips for Cooking Sirloin Steak

• Take the steak out of the fridge before cooking so it is not fridge-cold.
• Pat the surface dry before it goes in the pan.
• Use a hot pan to get a good sear.
• Do not keep moving the steak around.
• Cook the fat edge against the pan for extra flavour.
• Rest the steak before slicing.
• Slice against the grain for a better texture.

Final Thoughts

Sirloin steak is a lean, tender and flavourful cut of beef from the loin. It is a brilliant all-round steak because it is easy to cook, full of flavour and works well with simple seasoning.

If you want a steak that is leaner than ribeye but still feels like a proper treat, sirloin is a great choice.

FAQs

What is sirloin steak?

Sirloin steak is a cut of beef from the loin area of the animal. It is tender, lean, flavourful and often has a strip of fat along one edge.

Where does sirloin steak come from?

Sirloin steak comes from the loin section of beef, along the back of the animal.

Is sirloin steak tender?

Yes, sirloin steak is naturally tender, especially when cooked quickly over a high heat and rested before serving.

Is sirloin steak better than ribeye?

Neither is better for everyone. Ribeye is usually fattier and richer, while sirloin is leaner with a firmer texture and classic beef flavour.

What is the best way to cook sirloin steak?

The best way to cook sirloin steak is quickly in a hot pan, griddle pan, under the grill or on the BBQ. Sear it well, then rest before serving.

How long should you cook sirloin steak?

For a typical sirloin steak, cook for around 2 to 3 minutes per side for rare, 3 to 4 minutes for medium rare, and 4 to 5 minutes for medium.

Should you cut the fat off sirloin steak?

It is best to leave the fat on while cooking because it adds flavour. You can trim it after cooking if you prefer.