If you're a meat enthusiast like me, you know how much a good steak goes hard on meals. With over a decade on a carnivore diet, I’ve discovered that top sirloin is one of those steaks that cut the filet mignon.
I talked to my local butcher to learn everything about top sirloin steak, and I also dedicated several days thoroughly researching its complete nutritional profile online.
Here’s what I’ve found.
Quick Summary
- Top sirloin is a tender and affordable cut from the sirloin subprimal.
- Top sirloin butt steak is healthy, rich in potassium and proteins, and low in carbs.
- The best way to cook top sirloin steak is by grilling.
What Is A Top Sirloin?
Top sirloin, also known as full sirloin butt, is a type of sirloin steak made from the sirloin subprimal, a division of the bigger beef loin primal cut.
The sirloin primal is divided into several pieces with the tenderloin between the top and bottom sirloin, also called the bottom sirloin butt steak.
The top sirloin steaks are often labeled as sirloin center cut steak, top sirloin butt steak, tip, sirloin steak cap, picanha, or sirloin steak boneless cap.
These are trade names for the top sirloin steak cap or the tip, sometimes priced higher since it has denser marbling and tastes juicy and meaty.
Taste & Texture
Top sirloin is known for being beefy and rubbery in terms of taste and texture. Unfortunately, preparation and cooking mistakes often make this sirloin steak tough and chewy.
It requires extra care because it's lean and often available as a thicker cut. When you know how to cook top sirloin properly, you can consistently produce a succulent, beefy flavor steak with the ideal amount of toughness.
"Choose the best method and approach to use for each cut to maximize flavor and the interaction with other components in a recipe."
- Michael Siehien, Sterling Silver Signature Chef
Is Top Sirloin Healthy?
Yes, top sirloin is healthy. The combination of high protein and low fat is perfect for keeping you full longer while promoting protein synthesis and muscle building within the body.
Top sirloin is one of the best sources of B Vitamins [1]. B12 protects brain cells, maintains the health of your red blood cells, and helps with message transmission[2].
Additionally, you'll receive trace amounts of the other five B vitamins, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and B6, to assist your body in breaking down food and speeding up your metabolism [3].
Nutritional Profile
According to the USDA, the top sirloin contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 213
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 84 mg
- Potassium: 369 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0.9 g
- Protein: 27 g
What To Look For When Choosing A Top Sirloin?
The most important factor to look for when choosing a top sirloin is size. It is frequently cut into 1.5" to 1.75" thick slices. Thinner slices are undesirable since the flesh gets overcooked easily.
If you want these cuts of beef to break down and become incredibly tender, consider low and slow cooking methods like braising.
Moreover, it would be best to consider choosing the densely marbled tip portion. The top sirloin's flavor and texture and how much and where the fat is distributed depend on this property.
You should seek out those evenly-spaced fatty flecks that will melt into and flavor the sirloin butt as it cooks.
4 Ways To Cook Top Sirloin
You can cook your boneless top sirloin steak in various ways, depending on the top sirloin steak recipe or how you want your dish to appear and taste.
Let's look at them below:
- Grilling: Like the bottom sirloin butt, the top sirloin is excellent for grilling as you can cook it quickly and at a high temperature, producing a beautiful sear and a juicy inside.
- Broiling: A broiler is used for cooking top sirloin steaks from the top down instead of the bottom up, similar to grilling but indoors.
- Sous Vide: This modernist cooking technique involves vacuum-sealing steak and cooking it in a closely supervised water bath.
- Pan-seared: You can pan-fry your seasoned steak in butter or oil. Rather than roasting, thicker pieces can be pan-fried.
Top sirloin is an excellent steak for sauces, marinades, spices, and fresh herbs. Try daring combinations like chili and lime, herb butter with rosemary, or marinate your meat with kosher salt.
I love using olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper on my grilled top sirloin steak. Also, topping with crab butter or red wine pan sauce works wonders on your grilled top sirloin.
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How to Serve & Store
Serve top sirloin steak while it is still warm after resting. You may serve this top sirloin steak alone, with a gravy sauce, or with a side dish.
This steak is perfect for French fries, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. For an exciting flavor blend, dip it in some Korean BBQ Sauce or any preferred sauce. I love mine with teriyaki sauce.
Store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight bag. Toss any leftover steaks with a funky smell.
FAQs
Is Top Sirloin The Healthiest Cut Of Steak?
Yes, top sirloin is the healthiest cut of steak. This steak is an excellent source of protein, potassium, B vitamins, selenium, and other nutrients, and it's also low in carbohydrates for people following low-carb eating plans.
What Does Top Sirloin Taste Like?
Top sirloin tastes beefy with a robust touch, making it delicious and an excellent base for your favorite marinades and seasoning mixes.
Should You Try Top Sirloin?
Top sirloin is a versatile cut that can be prepared in any sirloin steak recipe, so it never gets boring or repetitive. Its flavor is driven by its relatively deep marbling content, and it has one of the healthiest proteins, vitamins, and minerals, so you should try it.
If you're searching for a meat delivery company that offers top-quality, grass-finished beef raised without hormones or antibiotics, look no further than ButcherBox.
Their grass-finished top sirloin is a fantastic choice for incorporating into your favorite sirloin steak recipe. For more information and a detailed review, be sure to check out ButcherBox.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566799/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6930825/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073544/
