Top sirloin
Top sirloin is a steak from the top sirloin butt, at the hip end of the loin. Its main muscle is the gluteus medius. Studies disagree on how tender it is, and America's Test Kitchen calls its tenderness decent. It is best grilled or pan-seared, then sliced across the grain.
Where does top sirloin come from?
Top sirloin steak is cut at the hip end of the loin. Its main muscle is the gluteus medius, from the top sirloin at the hip.
How tender is top sirloin?
Studies disagree. Its main muscle has been rated 31st of 40 beef muscles in one ranking, but tender or very tender in two lab studies. America's Test Kitchen calls its tenderness decent. Slicing it across the grain makes each bite easier to chew.
How should you cook top sirloin?
Use dry heat: grilling or pan-searing. Steaks thinner than about 1 to 1½ inches cook through in about the time it takes to sear, so a hot grill or pan is enough. Thicker steaks do better with a reverse sear or a two-zone fire. Try your exact steak in the planner below.
Plan your top sirloin
Step 1 of 5
Ready to cook
Salt the steak at least 40 to 45 minutes ahead, or up to overnight uncovered in the fridge, then pat it dry. A wet surface steams before it browns.
- Pull at
- 120 to 125°F
- Final center
- 130°F
- Rest
- 5 to 10 min
About 8 to 14 minutes in the pan for a 1½″ steak (America's Test Kitchen, Serious Eats).
Stoves and grills vary, so cook to temperature: insert an instant-read thermometer from the side into the center of the thickest part.
Common questions
Is top sirloin a tender steak?
Studies disagree. A Nebraska ranking of 40 beef muscles put its main muscle 31st, while two laboratory studies rated it tender or very tender. America's Test Kitchen calls its tenderness decent.
How should you slice top sirloin?
Slice it across the grain. That cuts the muscle fibers into short pieces, so each bite separates easily instead of pulling apart in long strands.
What is the best way to cook top sirloin?
Grill it or pan-sear it. A thick steak does well with a reverse sear or a two-zone fire. Go by an instant-read thermometer, not the clock.
Sources
Every fact on this page is checked against at least two independent sources. How we check facts.
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