Sirloin is the balanced British steak: a strip of fat along one edge, a tender eye, and enough flavour to stand up to a hot pan without needing a sauce. It is the cut we pack most often at Meatsupermarket.com because it behaves for beginners and still satisfies people who cook steak every week. Start in the sirloin steaks collection and pick the weight before you pick a recipe.
6oz versus 8oz in the pan
Sirloin Steak 2x 6oz is a sensible plate for most adults. Sirloin Steak 2x 8oz is a butcher’s portion. Both cook the same way. Dry the steak, salt it, and use a pan you can get properly hot. 6oz sirloin: 2 minutes first side, 90 seconds to 2 minutes second side for medium-rare. 8oz sirloin: 2 minutes 30 seconds a side, then rest 5 to 6 minutes. Render the fat edge by standing the steak up in the pan for 45 seconds. That edge is the best bite on the plate; do not trim it off before cooking.
A probe takes the guesswork out. 50–52°C in the centre is rare to medium-rare after resting (it will climb a couple of degrees). 55–57°C is medium. Past 60°C sirloin starts to dry because it has less marbling than ribeye. Rest on a rack or warm plate, not in the pan.
BBQ, oven and air fryer sirloin
BBQ: direct heat, 2 to 3 minutes a side for 6oz, lid open so you keep the crust. Oven: you can finish a seared steak at 180°C for 3 to 4 minutes if it is a thick 8oz and the pan has not got it there. Air fryer: 200°C, 7 to 9 minutes for 6oz, turning once. It is a clean way to cook Sirloin Steaks 6x 6oz on a school night when you do not want four pans on the hob. Cook in batches of two so the air can move.
Pack sizes for the week
A 2x pack is supper. A 6x pack is three nights for two. The family 8x 6oz bundle and the 4x and 10x packs sit in family steak packs and steak for two depending on the count. Buy what you will cook in a fortnight, not what looks impressive in the basket. Sirloin freezes well; defrost in the fridge overnight and dry it thoroughly before it sees heat.
Sirloin is the steak to learn on. Get the pan hot, time the sides, rest it, and you will not need a restaurant to eat well at home.