![\"How](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-To-Make-Sirloin-Steak-Tender_-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\nHow Do I Make My Sirloin Steak More Tender?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can grill mouth-watering steak if you take the time to tenderize it and cook it to the right temperature. I\u2019ve got you covered. I\u2019ll show you how I cook delicious sirloin steaks every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use A Meat Mallet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is a common method for tenderizing meat and is effective with sirloin steak since it is only moderately tough. For even better results with this method, try beating the meat with a mallet and then marinating the steaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steaks that have been tenderized using a meat mallet absorb a marinade better and faster than non-tenderized steaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To use a meat mallet, place your sirloin steaks inside a gallon zipper bag or wrap it in plastic wrap. The plastic keeps meat juices from flying across your kitchen. Whack the sirloin gently – you\u2019re not driving a nail. Several controlled hits will work better than a couple of vicious hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make A Marinade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marinading is by far the best and most effective method of tenderizing sirloin steak. Marinading not only tenderizes the steak but infuses it with a wealth of flavors depending on what you would like to put in the marinade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most important thing to remember is to use an acidic component in the marinade to break down the tough fibers of the steak. A basic marinade would include the following components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Salt<\/strong>: Such as kosher salt, curing salt, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Acid<\/strong>: Balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Seasonings<\/strong>: Black pepper, garlic powder, fresh herbs, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fat<\/strong>: Olive oil, vegetable oil, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sugar (optional)<\/strong>: Brown sugar, Honey, Demerara sugar, etc. Be careful when adding sugars, as they can burn, particularly over a live fire. If your marinade uses sugar, watch for flare-ups on the grill, and have a misting bottle filled with water ready to spray at the coals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The ingredients above are an effective tenderizing solution for sirloin steaks. Of course, you are free to add a host of other ingredients, such as soy sauce, freshly minced garlic, parsley, oregano, and others, to create a sophisticated flavor profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Play around with ratios to find the perfect marinade for you. I usually aim for a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A marinade will break down the fibers of the steak and as the liquid soaks into the meat it becomes meltingly tender.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"raw](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/raw-sirloin-steak-on-a-table-1200x800.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRelated Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Why Is My Steak Chewy? Unlocking the Secrets to Tender Bites<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Marinade for At Least Four Hours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To allow the marinade to do its thing, you\u2019ll want to soak the beef in the solution in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Overnight is even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mix your marinade ingredients in a bowl, then pour the marinade into a one-gallon plastic baggie. Stick the meat in there, put the baggie in the fridge, and allow the marinade time to work its magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use An Enzyme Based Tenderizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An enzyme-based tenderizer is a powdered enzyme that is sprinkled on the surface of a steak to break down the tough tissues. A tenderizer is derived from natural enzymes such as papain from papayas and bromelain from pineapples that break down protein chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sprinkle a light drizzle of the tenderizer on both sides of the sirloin steak. Let the steak sit at room temperature as the enzymes get to work. Enzyme-based tenderizers work fast, so use paper towels to wipe them off after 20 – 30 minutes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a cast iron pan, sear sirloin steaks on a thin layer of olive oil immediately after wiping it down. The enzymes that have penetrated the steak will continue to break down the meat if you let it sit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over-tenderizing meat could leave the steaks dry while the surface becomes mushy and unpalatable. Enzyme-based tenderizers work best for small steaks since they do not penetrate very deeply into the meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The McCormick Meat Tenderizer<\/a> is a great choice here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using A Jaccard Meat Tenderizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Jaccard meat tenderizer<\/a> is an improvement on the ‘fork’ method. This tenderizer works wonders on tough meat. 48 blades puncture holes all over the surface of the meat, and with a sirloin steak, you may only need to use two strokes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The holes tear through the tough meat fibers, making the steak softer. This way, the fibers of the steak cook more easily and absorb moisture and fat faster, making the steak less chewy and more enjoyable overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just like with a meat mallet, this method should be combined with marination for supremely tender steaks. The holes will allow the marinade to penetrate the steak faster and more thoroughly. The end result? Ultra-soft, delicious steaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sear Your Steak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another way to tenderize steak is to give it a good sear on a pan or a grill. Searing the steak also works well after tenderizing by another method, such as using a mallet.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Smoked](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Smoked-sirloin-steak-closeup-1200x800.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSear the meat on a grill or a cast iron skillet at a high heat of 400 – 500 degrees Fahrenheit<\/a> for 6 minutes per side. This will produce steaks that are ultra-tender while locking in the flavors. I like my steaks medium rare, around 125\u00b0 internal temperature. Cook yours to your desired doneness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source Your Beef<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to note that some steaks are going to be tougher than others, even if they are the same cut. The difference in tenderness results from factors such as the age of the animal and the feeding practices it was subjected to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to ensure you\u2019re getting delicious and consistent meat is to buy your meat from the same source. Shop around different grocery stores, and figure out which has the best, most consistent meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your grocery store has a butcher counter, ask for a fresh cut of sirloin. I guarantee it will taste better than a cut that\u2019s been sitting in a cooler wrapped in plastic for a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better yet, befriend a local butcher and buy your meat from them. Even the most venerable pit master will make bad bbq with sad, gray cuts of meat. I look for meat that is brilliantly red, firm to the touch, and richly marbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cut Against The Grain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After the steaks have cooked and been allowed to rest<\/a>, always cut across or against the grain. The grain refers to the muscle fibers of the meat and runs in one direction. Cut the steaks perpendicular to this direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cutting against the grain<\/a> is an old pit master trick for tougher cuts of meat like sirloin, flank, and skirt steak. Slicing against the grain makes meat taste more tender. You\u2019ll cut through the muscle fibers, shortening them and making them easier to chew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use A Herb Butter Compound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A herb butter compound is a nifty way to add fat and richness to a tough sirloin steak. Sirloin steak contains very little fat, which means it can dry out when cooked. Dry steak is chewy and unpleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A herb butter mixture will fix this problem. Mix the ingredients below for my go-to butter compound recipe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Oregano<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Minced garlic cloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Basil<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Black pepper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed, then put the herb butter in the fridge for about twenty minutes to solidify it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After cooking the steak, serve them with a scoop of herb butter compound on top of the steak. The butter will melt slowly into the steaks during carryover cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Tender](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tender-Sirloin-steak-with-roasted-vegetables-1200x800.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThis will infuse the steak with a buttery, spicy layer of flavor to complement the rich beefy flavor of sirloin. Serve with mashed potatoes, lemon rice, or pasta. Chef\u2019s kiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monitor Your Cooking Temperatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The temperature at which meat is cooked is very crucial. If you go above or below the desired temperature, even a tender steak can turn into a rubbery piece of meat, and your dinner is ruined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cook sirloin steak for at least an hour at 225\u00b0 Fahrenheit if you opt for a slow cooking method. Reverse sear your steak. Once it nears your desired internal temperature, throw it on a screaming hot cast iron pan for a minute per side for beautifully browned steak (thank you, Maillard reaction).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you choose to cook your steak hot and fast, tenderize it first, then sear the steak at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 6 minutes per side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always sear sirloin steaks in a fat, like olive oil, since they lacks the necessary fat to keep them moist when cooked over high heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steak Doneness Temperatures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The following internal temperatures indicate doneness when cooking beef. The steaks will rise an additional 5\u00b0 F after cooking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Rare: 120\u00b0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Medium-rare: 130\u00b0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Medium: 140\u00b0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Medium-well: 150\u00b0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Well-done: 160\u00b0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Again, I like to pull my steaks from the cooker at around 125\u00b0. The further past 125\u00b0 you cook your steaks, the tougher they\u2019ll get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Douse Or Sprinkle With Salt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Salt is an excellent meat tenderizer whether it is used shortly before cooking or in a marinade. Salt breaks down meat fibers, making the steak more tender. Salt your steaks liberally to cook them to perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For smaller steak cuts, you can sprinkle salt on them and let them sit at room temperature for an hour. This process is known as dry brining, and I dry brine almost all of my meats. It\u2019s also an effective technique for vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ensure that you don’t let the salt stay on the meat any longer before you cook it. One hour is all it takes for salt to relax the proteins in meat, resulting in steaks that are so tender, you might not even need a steak knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While salt helps break down meat fibers, it also dehydrates meat, and if too much moisture is lost the steak could become even tougher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use kosher salt instead of regular salt. Kosher salt has a more subtle flavor and will not interfere with the eventual flavor of your sirloin steak recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"sirloin](\"https:\/\/pitmastercentral.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/sirloin-steak-on-a-bbq-grill-1200x800.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRelated Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What is a Coulotte Steak: Juicy, Flavorful Bliss!<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Keep Brisket Moist: 8 Tips for a Tender Treat<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow Do Restaurants Make Their Steaks So Tender?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nThey Buy Prime Beef<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Most, if not all, restaurants use prime beef in their recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime beef constitutes the best quality steak and the most tender cuts of meat available. But you are not likely to find it in supermarkets and most butcher shops, since it\u2019s gobbled up by restaurants despite its hefty price tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They Age Their Meat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Restaurants buy a ton of beef and dry age it to make it very tender. Dry aging meat is a process of letting beef sit or rest under controlled conditions for prolonged periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How to Keep Brisket Moist: 8 Tips for a Tender Treat<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- What is a Coulotte Steak: Juicy, Flavorful Bliss!<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Acid<\/strong>: Balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n