The Best Way to Cook Sirloin Steak Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Results Every Time

 There’s nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful sirloin steak—but what if you don’t have a grill or it’s the middle of winter and cooking outside isn’t an option? Don’t worry. You can still achieve steakhouse-quality flavor from the comfort of your kitchen. In fact, the best way to cook sirloin steak indoors doesn’t require fancy tools or complex techniques—just the right approach and a little patience.

Whether you're preparing a romantic dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a hearty meal, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook sirloin steak indoors to tender, delicious perfection.

Why Sirloin Steak?

Sirloin steak is a popular cut for a reason—it’s relatively affordable, packed with beefy flavor, and easy to cook. It strikes the perfect balance between tenderness and texture. When prepared correctly, it can rival much more expensive cuts like ribeye or filet mignon.

But unlike fattier steaks, sirloin can turn tough if overcooked or handled incorrectly. That’s why following the best way to cook sirloin steak indoors is key to getting that ideal tender texture and robust taste.

Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the method, make sure you have the right tools on hand:

• Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed pan)
  
  

• Tongs or spatula
  
  

• Meat thermometer (optional, but very helpful)
  
  

• Aluminum foil
  
  

• Paper towels
  
  

Ingredients

• 1-2 sirloin steaks (about 1–1.5 inches thick)
  
  

• Kosher salt
  
  

• Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

• Olive oil or avocado oil
  
  

• Butter
  
  

• Fresh garlic (optional)
  
  

• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)
  
  

Step-by-Step: Best Way to Cook Sirloin Steak Indoors

Step 1: Bring to Room Temperature

Remove your sirloin steak from the fridge about 30–40 minutes before cooking. Allowing it to come to room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels—moisture on the surface will prevent a proper sear.

Step 2: Season Generously

Sprinkle both sides of the steak with a generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. For added flavor, you can also include garlic powder or a dry steak rub of your choice.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Place a cast iron skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Let it get hot—really hot. You want the surface of the pan to sear the steak on contact. This is one of the most important aspects of the best way to cook sirloin steak indoors.

Step 4: Add Oil and Sear

Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil. Carefully place the steak in the pan, laying it away from you to avoid splatters.

Sear for 2–3 minutes on each side without moving it. The goal is to create a dark, flavorful crust.

Step 5: Add Butter and Aromatics

After the sear, reduce the heat to medium. Add a tablespoon of butter, a few crushed garlic cloves, and some fresh herbs (if using). Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak continuously for a minute. This bastes the steak, enhances flavor, and keeps it moist.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness:

• Rare: 120–125°F
  
  

• Medium-Rare: 130–135°F
  
  

• Medium: 140–145°F
  
  

• Medium-Well: 150–155°F
  
  

• Well Done: 160°F+
  
  

For most, medium-rare to medium is ideal for sirloin.

Step 7: Rest the Steak

Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute and results in a juicier steak.

Cutting into the meat too soon is one of the most common mistakes—even if you followed the best way to cook sirloin steak indoors, skipping this step can make it dry.

Bonus: Finishing in the Oven

If your steak is very thick, you can start by searing it for 2 minutes per side on the stovetop, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven for 5–8 minutes to finish cooking. This gives you more control over doneness, especially if you're aiming for medium-well or well-done.

What to Serve with Sirloin Steak

A perfectly cooked sirloin steak deserves equally tasty sides. Try pairing it with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
  
  

• Grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
  
  

• Creamy mushroom sauce
  
  

• A crisp Caesar salad
  
  

• Baked sweet potatoes
  
  

Looking for more inspiration? Scrappy Geek has tons of easy, delicious side dish ideas to complete your steak dinner.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you’re confident in the kitchen, sirloin steak can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls:

• Overcrowding the pan: This causes the steak to steam rather than sear.
  
  

• Cooking straight from the fridge: Cold meat cooks unevenly.
  
  

• Skipping the rest time: Your steak will lose precious juices if sliced too soon.
  
  

• Using the wrong oil: Butter alone will burn—always start with a neutral oil and add butter later.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Mastering the best way to cook sirloin steak indoors can turn a simple weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience. With a hot skillet, some butter and aromatics, and a little attention to timing, you can get that crusty sear and tender interior that makes every bite satisfying.

Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this method is sure to deliver. Want more kitchen tips, grilling guides, and hearty recipes? Check out Scrappy Geek for all things delicious and easy to make at home.