Sirloin steak is a beef cut that comes from the sirloin primal cut, which is located in the hip region of the cow. It is a versatile and flavorful cut that can be prepared in many ways, including grilling. Grilling sirloin steak over direct high heat allows the outside to develop a flavorful, caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. With the right techniques, you can make incredibly delicious bbq sirloin steak at home.
Selecting the Best Sirloin Steak for Grilling
When selecting sirloin steak for grilling, here are some tips:
- Choose USDA Choice grade or higher – This indicates higher marbling and more flavor. Lower grades can turn out dry on the grill.
- Get a thickness of 1-1.5 inches – Too thin and the meat will overcook, too thick and the outside may char before the inside cooks through.
- Pick boneless steaks – Bone-in steaks take longer to cook. Stick to boneless for quicker grilling times.
- Go for top sirloin – Top sirloin comes from closer to the tenderloin and is more tender than bottom sirloin. It’s a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Trim off excess fat – Too much visible fat can cause flare ups. Trim off any thick sections of fat before grilling.
Getting the right cut of sirloin steak will make a big difference in the end result!
Essential Tools Needed for Grilling Sirloin Steak
Grilling up delicious bbq sirloin steak requires having some basic equipment on hand:
- Gas or charcoal grill – The high heat of a grill is necessary to get that flavorful exterior while cooking the interior to your desired doneness.
- Meat thermometer – This is vital for checking the internal temperature and determining when your steak is cooked to your preferred doneness. Look for one that can give quick and accurate readings.
- Tongs – Use tongs to flip and move the steaks on the grill. Sturdy, long handled tongs offer the best control.
- Basting brush – A brush is useful for applying any glazes, sauces or marinades evenly over the top of the steaks while grilling.
- Grill brush – Before placing the steaks, use a stiff grill brush to clean the grates and prevent any sticking.
- Timer – Keep track of the steaks’ cook times with a timer to avoid under or overcooking. Set it when the steaks go on the grill.
Having the right bbq tools on hand makes grilling sirloin steaks much easier and more successful. Invest in quality equipment.
Marinading Sirloin Steak for Added Flavor
Marinating is an excellent way to infuse more flavor into sirloin steak before grilling. Here are some tips for successful marinades:
- Use an acidic liquid as the base – Ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, or wine help tenderize meat.
- Include herbs, spices, and seasonings – Garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, oregano, parsley all add great flavor.
- Consider oil and sweet elements – Olive oil helps the marinade coat the meat. Honey, brown sugar, maple syrup contribute sweetness.
- Marinate for 1-2 hours – Any longer than that and the acids can start to break down the meat texture.
- Pat steaks dry before grilling – This helps get optimal sear and prevents steaming.
- Reserve some marinade for brushing – Brush marinade over steaks while they grill for great flavor.
Take your grilled bbq sirloin steaks to the next level with a bold, tasty marinade that penetrates into the meat.
How to Grill Sirloin Steak Perfectly
Grilling sirloin steak over direct high heat is the best technique for achieving a juicy interior and flavorful crust. Follow these tips:
1. Prepare the Grill
- For gas grills, preheat to high.
- For charcoal, let the coals get hot and coat with grey ash before cooking.
- Scrape the grates clean with a grill brush.
2. Pat the Steaks Dry
- Blot steaks with paper towels before grilling.
- This helps them sear instead of steaming on the grill.
3. Season the Steaks
- Coat both sides with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Generously season with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
- Press the seasoning in so it adheres.
4. Sear the Steaks
- Place the steaks directly over the hot side of the grill.
- Resist moving them for 2-3 minutes to get a good sear.
- Flip and sear 2-3 minutes on the other side.
5. Move to Lower Heat
- Move the steaks to a cooler part of the grill.
- This allows them to cook through without burning the outside.
6. Flip and Cook Until Done
- Flip the steaks every 2-3 minutes to evenly cook both sides.
- Cook until they reach your desired doneness, testing with a meat thermometer.
7. Let Rest and Serve
- Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.
- This allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
- Slice against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Follow these simple grilling steps and tips for flawlessly cooked bbq sirloin steak ready to enjoy!
Determining Doneness of Grilled Sirloin Steak
It can be tricky figuring out when your grilled sirloin steak is cooked to your preferred doneness. Here is a guide to help determine when they are done:
- Rare – 125°F internal temperature, bright red center
- Medium rare – 130-135°F, warm pink center
- Medium – 140-145°F, hint of pink in the center
- Medium well -150-155°F, slightly pink, moist inside
- Well done – 160°F+, grey throughout, firmer texture
To test for doneness, insert an instant read thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the steak, away from bone or fat. Be sure to check temperature in more than one spot.
The cooking times will vary based on thickness of steaks and heat level of the grill, so the thermometer is the best way to assess doneness precisely. Remove the steaks shortly before they reach your target temp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to commit some errors when grilling sirloin steak. Be mindful to avoid these common mistakes:
- Putting cold meat straight on the hot grill – Let steaks come closer to room temp before grilling for more even cooking.
- Not preparing the grill properly – Be sure grill grates are clean and heat is even and hot enough.
- Moving the steaks too often – Give them time to sear sufficiently before flipping or moving.
- Pressing down on steaks with spatula – Doing this squeezes out the juices, causing the meat to dry out.
- Overcooking the steaks – Use a meat thermometer to be sure you pull them off in time.
- Cutting into steaks immediately – Always allow time for juices to redistribute by resting 5 minutes first.
- Serving without letting steaks rest – This causes them to leak too many juices onto the plate.
Being mindful to avoid these mistakes will lead to much better results when grilling bbq sirloin steaks.
Top 6 Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Sirloin Steak
Follow these top tips and tricks for getting perfect grilled sirloin steak every time:
1. Opt for thicker steaks – At least 1-inch thick. This prevents overcooking the interior before the outside browns sufficiently.
2. Pat dry before seasoning – Drying the surface helps them take on seasoning and promotes better searing.
3. Use direct heat – Place steaks directly over hot side of grill for best sear. Avoid indirect heat which steams rather than sears.
4. Flip only once – Allow steaks to develop deep sear marks by leaving each side untouched for 2-4 minutes before flipping once.
5. Let rest before slicing – Resting for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute through the meat for better moisture.
6. Slice against the grain – Cutting against the grain shortens the meat fibers, making steaks more tender when chewed.
Master these essential tips for grilling flawlessly seared, sizzling, and juicy bbq sirloin steaks every time.
Top Sirloin Marinade Recipes
Marinating is a great way to infuse more flavor and moisture into sirloin steaks before grilling. Here are some delicious marinade recipes to try:
Chili Lime Sirloin Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add steaks, coat, and marinate 1-2 hours.
Soy Ginger Sirloin Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Pour over steaks, turning to coat. Marinate 1-2 hours before grilling.
Rosemary Balsamic Sirloin Marinade
- 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix together all ingredients. Place steaks in marinade up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Get creative with marinades to take your bbq sirloin steaks to the next level!
Best Sauces for Sirloin Steak
Serving grilled sirloin steaks with flavorful sauces adds even more appeal to this tasty cut of beef. Here are some excellent sauce options:
Chimichurri – This vibrant green Argentinian sauce packs a punch of parsley, garlic, vinegar and olive oil. Slather it over sliced sirloin while still hot off the grill.
Béarnaise – A classic French butter sauce made with shallot, vinegar, egg yolks and plenty of fresh tarragon and parsley. Decadent paired with your grilled steaks.
Peppercorn Sauce – For steak lovers, a peppery cream sauce spiked with cracked black peppercorns is a perfect choice.
Mushroom Sauce – Sautéed mushrooms in a veal or beef broth reduction creates a deep, earthy sauce that complements grilled sirloin.
Red Wine Sauce – Simmering shallots and red wine into a lightly thickened sauce balances the richness of sirloin steak.
Teriyaki Sauce – For Asian flair, brush grilled steaks with this sweet, salty and slightly thick sauce while hot off the grill.
Elevate your grilled bbq sirloin steaks by pairing them with any of these delicious sauce options for even bolder flavor.
Cooking Times for Different Thicknesses
To end up with perfectly cooked steaks, it helps to know approximate grilling times for sirloin steaks of different thicknesses.
- 3/4 inch thick – About 5-7 minutes total. Sear 2-3 minutes per side.
- 1 inch thick – Around 8-10 minutes total. Sear 3-4 minutes per side.
- 1 1/2 inches thick – Approximately 10-14 minutes total. Sear 4-5 minutes per side.
- 2 inches thick – Total of 14-18 minutes. Sear 5-6 minutes per side.
These times are for medium rare doneness. Adjust up or down depending on desired doneness and heat level of grill, using a meat thermometer to test for accuracy.
Remove steaks 5°F before final target temp as they will continue cooking after coming off the grill. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Grilled Sirloin Steak FAQs
Grilling up delicious sirloin steaks at home does come with some common questions. Here are answers to some frequent FAQs:
Is sirloin a good steak for grilling?
Yes! Sirloin has great beefy flavor and holds up well on the grill. Go for cuts labeled top sirloin for the most tenderness and juiciness.
What is the best cut of sirloin for grilling?
Top sirloin is considered superior for grilling compared to bottom sirloin. Top sirloin steaks come from closer to the tenderloin which increases tenderness.
What is the best thickness for grilling sirloin steak?
Aim for 1-1 1⁄2 inches thick. Too thin and it overcooks quickly. Too thick and the outside can burn before the inside cooks through. The 1-1 1⁄2 inch range gets the best sear while keeping the interior properly cooked.
Should sirloin steak be marinated?
Marinating is highly recommended to boost flavor and tenderness in sirloin steak before grilling. The meat soaks up the marinade components deeply and quickly.
At what temperature should I remove sirloin steak from the grill?
For medium rare doneness, pull the steaks off around 130°F internal temp. For medium 140°F, and for well done 155-160°F. The temp will rise a bit more as it rests off heat.
How long should I let grilled sirloin steak rest?
Letting it rest about 5 minutes is ideal. This allows the juices that were forced out during cooking to reabsorb back into the meat, ensuring better moisture when you slice and serve it.
Conclusion
Grilling sirloin steak over high heat is one of the best ways to enjoy this flavorful and beefy cut. With the right thickness, marinade, and grilling techniques, you can achieve steaks with a beautifully seared exterior encasing a tender and juicy interior. Master the tips in this guide to create your own crave-worthy bbq sirloin steaks at home. From properly preparing the grill to nailing the cook times, you now have the knowledge to grill up lip-smackingly good sirloin steaks worth bragging about.