How To Cook Thin Cut Sirloin Steak? A Chef’s Perfect Steak

What’s the best way to cook a thin cut sirloin steak? The best way to cook a thin cut sirloin steak is to bring it to room temperature, pat it dry, season it with your choice of herbs and spices, and then cook it on a preheated grill or pan for approximately 2 minutes per side. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, and then slice and serve.

As an experienced chef, I know that mastering the art of cooking a perfect thin sirloin steak is essential for anyone looking to impress their guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal at home.

Thin sirloin steaks are versatile, full of flavor, and relatively easy to cook. I’ll share my tips and tricks on how to cook thin sirloin steak to perfection, just like we do in professional steakhouses.

How To Cook Thin Cut Sirloin Steak

Selecting the right cut of sirloin is crucial for achieving the best results. When choosing a thin sirloin steak, pay attention to the marbling, which refers to the white flecks of fat distributed throughout the meat.

Marbling enhances the steak’s flavor and tenderness. Aim for a steak that is evenly marbled and approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch in thickness.

Prepare The Raw Thin Sirloin Steak

Before cooking your steak, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly. Next, season the steak generously with salt and pepper.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the steak in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours or overnight.

1. Preparation: First, bring your thin sirloin steak to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook evenly. Then, pat the steak dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to ensure a better crust when cooking. If desired, marinate your steak or apply a dry rub to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Preheat your cooking surface: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat for 10 minutes to ensure proper temperature. If using a pan, heat the pan over medium-high heat until hot. For oven cooking, preheat your broiler and broiler pan.
3. Season the steak: Season your thin sirloin steak with your choice of herbs, spices, or seasoning blend. Remember that a simple combination of salt and pepper can also yield a tasty result.

The Best Ways To Cook Thin Cut Sirloin Steak

1. Pan-searing

Using a heavy-duty frying pan, like a cast iron skillet, is ideal for cooking thin sirloin steaks.

• Preheat the pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot.
• Add a small amount of oil and then place the steak in the pan.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until a nice crust forms and the steak, reaches the level of how well done you want it cooked.

2. Grilling

Grilling is a popular method for cooking thin sirloin steaks, and it can be done on both outdoor and indoor grills.

• Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Place the steak on the grill.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping only once.

3. Broiling

• To broil your thin sirloin steak, set your oven to broil.
• Place an oven rack about 4 inches below the broiler.
• Place the steak on a broiler pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.

4. Cooking in the Oven

While not as common, baking a thin sirloin steak in the oven is a pretty old-school way of cooking a steak.

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Place the seasoned steak into a hot skillet.
• Sear the steak on each side to give it some color and crisp, but not long.
• Lift the seared steak onto a baking sheet.
• Set into the oven to cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Checking for Doneness

Determining when your thin sirloin steak is cooked to your desired level of how well done you normally enjoy your steak.

• Use a meat thermometer or the finger test method to ensure accuracy.
• Aim for 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for medium.

Resting and Slicing the Steak

Allow your steak to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute and the meat relax, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

When slicing, use a sharp knife to cut against the grain which helps maximize tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your perfectly cooked thin sirloin steak with complementary side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, parmesan French fries, or a fresh tossed green salad with a nice vinaigrette.

Enhance the flavor with a dollop of herb butter, unsalted or salted butter, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a spoonful of chimichurri sauce.

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