Sirloin steak contains a perfect percentage of fat that will literally make the meat melt in your mouth, creating a true explosion of flavors for your palate. This bone-free cut of meat is also usually very affordable and large enough to feed the whole family. It can also be cooked in multiple ways. Read on to find out how to choose a sirloin steak and how to cook it using one of the most popular methods.
Ingrediants
- Sirloin steak
- Waterfall
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, pepper and garlic to taste (optional)
- Marinade (optional)
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Prepare the Sirloin
Step 1. Choose a cut of sirloin from your local butcher or favorite supermarket
- Buy a cut that's big enough for your needs. One serving for an adult should weigh between 115 and 225g.
- Choose only steaks with a thickness of at least 2.5cm, although it is preferable to buy one 5cm. A steak that is too thin will dry out easily on cooking.
- A fresh sirloin steak should be deep red in color and have a generous amount of fat streaks. It is just an adequate level of fat fiber to make a succulent steak.
- You should be able to see a layer of white fat wrapping around the outside of the meat.
Step 2. Remove the steak from its packaging and rinse it on both sides with cold running water, then dry it with paper towels
Step 3. Season the meat according to your personal taste
Remember that quality meat doesn't require too many seasonings. A sprinkling of salt and pepper on both sides should suffice, depending on your taste.
Use garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or any spice you like
Step 4. If desired, make a marinade for the steak
This cut of meat is perfect for marinating because it pairs perfectly with multiple flavors.
- Buy your favorite marinade directly at the supermarket, or make it yourself using equal parts extra virgin olive oil, vinegar and the spices you want.
- Place the meat in an airtight food bag and add the marinade. Seal the bag and let the steak rest for 4 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
- When you are ready to cook the meat, remove it from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels and proceed to the next step.
Step 5. Bring the meat to room temperature by letting it rest out of the refrigerator for at least an hour
When cooking a cold steak it is very difficult to achieve exactly the desired degree of doneness. Conversely, cooking a steak at room temperature is much easier, whether you want it rare, medium, or well done.
Method 2 of 5: Pan-fried Sirloin Steak
Step 1. Cut the sirloin and create the desired portions
Use a plastic cutting board, rather than a wooden one, to avoid cross-contamination of food.
Step 2. Heat a cast iron skillet using medium-high heat
Add 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot, but don't let it reach the point of smoke, which indicates that it is burning.
Step 3. Arrange the steaks in the center of the pan
Cook them for 15 seconds, then flip them over to the other side using kitchen tongs. You will get a great crunchy crust on both sides.
- Do not turn the meat too quickly, otherwise the surface will not 'seal' and form the correct crust.
- Don't brown too many steaks at the same time. If necessary, brown the meat several times.
Step 4. Keep turning the meat every 30 seconds until cooked
- For a rare steak, cook it for 90 seconds on both sides.
- For a medium rare steak, cook it for 2 minutes on both sides.
- For a medium-rare steak, cook it for 150 seconds on both sides.
- For a well-done steak, cook it for 180 seconds on both sides.
Step 5. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pot and let them rest for about 3 minutes
In this way the juices can be redistributed in the fibers of the meat making it juicy and tasty.
Step 6. Serve the steaks piping hot
Method 3 of 5: Grilled Sirloin Steak
Step 1. Cut the sirloin and create the desired portions
Use a plastic cutting board, rather than a wooden one, to avoid cross-contamination of food.
Step 2. Prepare the grill
Brush the grill with extra virgin olive oil and preheat it to a medium-high temperature. Before starting to cook, wait until the grill is hot.
Make sure the grill isn't too hot, or you will burn the steak on the outside leaving it raw on the inside
Step 3. Arrange the steaks on the grill surface
Cook them for about 4 minutes, then turn them over to the other side using tongs. Perform this step only if the classic grill pattern has appeared on the meat and a dark crust has been created. Cook the second side for another 4 minutes.
Step 4. When cooked, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for about 3 minutes
Method 4 of 5: Grilled Sirloin Steak in the Oven
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 250 ° C using the grill function
Step 2. Grease a baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil to make it non-stick and arrange the seasoned steaks
Step 3. Place the pan in the oven
Make sure the steaks are about 10cm away from the grill coil.
Step 4. Grill the steaks for about 5-6 minutes if they are about 5 cm thick
After the necessary time has elapsed, remove the pan from the oven, flip the steaks to the other side and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes.
Method 5 of 5: Oven Roasted Sirloin Steak
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 200 ° C
Step 2. Arrange the seasoned steaks on a baking sheet
Step 3. Place the meat in the oven and cook uncovered for 40-50 minutes
Step 4. When cooked, remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for about 3 minutes before serving
Step 5. Finished
Advice
- If you want to test the doneness of the meat, use a special thermometer. Insert the needle of the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat trying to get to the center. Regardless of the cooking method used, the meat is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 62-69 ° C.
- If you want to cook your sirloin steak using the oven grill, and you want a nice crispy crust that wraps the meat, try browning your steak on both sides using a medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Thanks to this device you will be able to 'seal' the juices inside the meat, preserving its flavor and softness during cooking in the oven.
- The cooking time varies according to the size of the cut of meat, so change it accordingly. If you want a well done steak, add 2-3 minutes of cooking on each side.
