How to Cook Sirloin in the Oven

Cut from the same area of the cow that a T-bone and porterhouse steak originate from, the sirloin steak is a top choice for steakhouse patrons. It’s full of beefy flavor and, when cooked properly, has an excellent texture with just the right amount of bite. Although its most common cooking method is grilled, this cut does just as well in the oven.

If you want to learn how to cook sirloin in the oven of your own kitchen, read our guide to get all the details.

Preparing Sirloin for the Oven

Here’s how to get sirloin steak ready for the oven:

1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator. Salt on both sides, and rest for 45 minutes at room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Be sure to move a rack to the middle spot on the oven.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high heat with butter or oil.
4. Have a clean plate ready with a piece of aluminum foil to tent over the top for your steaks to rest on after cooking.

Oven-Cooked Sirloin Cooking Time

Sirloin steak is somewhat thin compared to other popular cuts, like ribeye or tenderloin. Therefore, you can expect a relatively quick cook for this steak after searing it. Medium-rare sirloin steak typically takes 4-6 minutes to sear and another 5 minutes to cook in the oven on 400 degrees. 

Final Temperature

The chart below can help you determine when sirloin steak reaches your desired doneness level. Use the first set of temperature ranges to guide when to remove the steaks from the oven and the second set as the final temperature ranges. 

Doneness	Temperature to Remove from Oven	Final Temperature
Medium-rare	120-125℉	130-135℉
Medium	130-135℉	140-145℉
Medium-well	140-145℉	150-155℉
Well-done	150-155℉	160-165℉

Medium Rare Sirloin

To cook sirloin steak to medium-rare in the oven, prepare the steak by salting it and letting it rest at room temperature for 45 minutes. In a skillet, heat oil or butter. Sear sirloin steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping just once. In an oven preheated to 400 degrees, cook the steaks for 5-10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Use the chart above to check the temperatures before and after resting.

Oven Cooking Tips for Sirloin

Follow the helpful tips below to learn how to cook sirloin in the oven.

Choose the Right Oil for Searing

Some oils are not meant for searing, as they end up smoking when they reach high temperatures. When this happens, you could end up with a less-than-pleasant taste on your steak. To sear sirloin steak before putting it in the oven, choose a high smoking point oil, like canola oil, refined olive oil, or avocado oil. Alternatively, use a tablespoon of butter to do the trick. 

Pick a Thicker Steak

If possible, go for a sirloin steak that’s at least 1 ½ inches thick. Thinner steaks will work, but they can dry out quickly in the oven. With a thicker steak, you can achieve a nice sear and oven cook without overdoing it and causing the steak to become tough.

Always Remember to Check the Temperature

Although professional chefs might use the old palm-of-the-hand trick to determine whether a sirloin steak is cooked to medium-rare or medium, it’s best to rely on the accuracy of a digital thermometer. If you’d like, you can use an oven-safe thermometer, which stays inserted in the steak throughout the cooking process. Or, use a simple meat thermometer to check the temperature after removing the steak from the oven and again after it rests. 

Choosing the Right Cut

When you shop for sirloin steak, you’ll probably find a few varieties. 

Premium Angus and USDA Prime are among the best quality. These steaks typically have the best marbling, or fat content that helps tenderize and flavor the steaks when broken down. Don’t get too hung up on wet-aged versus dry-aged sirloin steaks. Either label denotes steaks that have been through an aging process, which also adds flavor and breaks down tough fibers to tenderize them. Dry-aged steaks tend to be a little costlier because the process usually takes longer.

Most importantly, look for a sirloin steak that’s deep red in color, has ample marbling, and is thick enough to give you a reliable oven cook, like top sirloin from Chicago Steak Company.

Oven Cooking Sirloin Instructions

Use these instructions and the simple recipe below to learn how to cook sirloin steak in the oven in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Season and Prepare

A delicious oven-cooked sirloin steak starts with the right seasoning. Salt both sides of your steaks with plenty of salt. Then, leave them at room temperature for 45 minutes before you’re ready to cook them. The brining process will help them crisp on the outside when searing to add flavor and lock in juices.

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Then, heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat with one tablespoon of butter or high-heat oil.

Step 2: Sear Sirloin Steak

Sprinkle black pepper on the steaks. Then, transfer them to the skillet to sear. Let them brown for 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping over with tongs. You should notice a golden-brown sear form.

Step 3: Time for the Oven

Move the skillet directly into the oven on the middle rack. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches the temperature range for your desired doneness level (120-125℉ for medium-rare). If your steak needs a little more time, turn the heat down to 325 degrees and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Rest and Enjoy

Transfer steaks to a clean plate or cutting board. Tent a piece of aluminum foil over them to hold heat in. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before enjoying. 

Oven-Cooked Sirloin Recipe

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 6-ounce top sirloin steaks
• Salt
• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• Black pepper

Instructions:

• Salt each side of the steaks generously and leave at room temperature for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a cast-iron skillet with butter or oil over high heat.
• Sprinkle pepper on both sides of the steaks. Sear steaks on each side for 2-3 minutes, flipping only once.
• Transfer the skillet to the middle oven rack. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the steak reaches the temperature range for your preferred doneness.
• Move steaks to a clean cutting board or plate and tent with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes.

Other Ways to Cook Sirloin

Did you know that there are multiple ways to cook sirloin steak in addition to oven-cooking? Here’s how:

• Grilled sirloin steak
• Skewered sirloin steak
• Sous vide sirloin steak
• Reverse seared sirloin steak
• Pan-seared sirloin steak
• Slow-cooked sirloin steak

Your Guide to Cooking Sirloin Steak in the Oven

When you’re ready to cook sirloin steak in the oven at home, count on Chicago Steak Company for the high-quality beef you want. Our top sirloin is available in Premium Angus or USDA Prime wet-aged steak. When you order, we’ll individually wrap your steaks and flash freeze them to prepare them for shipping. You’ll even get a unique registration number with your box to ensure your satisfaction.