How to Cook a Perfect Sirloin Steak on the Stove - A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a sirloin steak on a pan is both simple and rewarding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve a beautifully seared steak with a tender, juicy interior. Remember to season generously, use a hot pan, and let the steak rest before serving. With these tips and techniques, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious restaurant-quality sirloin steak right from your own kitchen. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

Sirloin steak (1-1.5 inches thick) Salt Pepper Olive oil or butter (Optional) Garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Equipment

A heavy skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended) Tongs (Optional) Meat thermometer

Instructions

Prep the Steak

Remove the sirloin steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat the Skillet

Place your skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until its very hot. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet. If using butter, you can combine it with oil to prevent burning.

Sear the Steak

Once the oil is shimmering or the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully place the steak in the skillet. Avoid crowding the pan if cooking more than one steak, do it in batches. Sear the steak without moving it for about 4-5 minutes depending on thickness. You're looking for a nice brown crust.

Flip the Steak

Use tongs to flip the steak over. If you like, add crushed garlic cloves and fresh herbs to the pan for added flavor. Cook for another 3-5 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of about 130°F or 54°C). Adjust the time based on your preferred doneness: Rare: 120°F 49°C Medium-rare: 130°F 54°C Medium: 140°F 60°C Medium-well: 150°F 66°C Well-done: 160°F 71°C

Rest the Steak

Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Serve

After resting, slice against the grain and serve. You can drizzle any pan juices over the steak for extra flavor.

Tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pat of butter on top of the steak while it rests. Experiment with marinades or rubs for different flavor profiles.

Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Sirloin Steak!