If you’re looking for a simple, juicy, and flavour-packed dinner that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss, this easy sirloin steak recipe is exactly what you need. Perfectly seared on the outside with a tender, buttery centre, this steak delivers rich beefy flavour with minimal ingredients and effort. It’s an ideal beginner-friendly recipe that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. With a crisp golden crust, garlic butter finish, and perfectly cooked interior, this steak recipe proves that great steak at home can be incredibly easy.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 sirloin steaks, about 250g each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- Extra butter for serving, optional
How to Make Easy Sirloin Steak Recipe
- Prepare the steaks: Remove the sirloin steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Letting the steaks come to room temperature helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Season well: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the pan: Place a heavy frying pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. Allow it to become very hot before adding the oil. A properly heated pan creates the perfect golden crust.
- Sear the steaks: Add the olive oil and place the steaks carefully into the pan. Cook without moving them for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a rich caramelised crust.
- Flip and add butter: Turn the steaks over using tongs. Add the butter, crushed garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan.
- Baste continuously: Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks repeatedly while they cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This keeps the steaks juicy and full of flavour.
- Rest before serving: Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice and serve: Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve immediately with extra garlic butter if desired.

Tips for the Best Sirloin Steak
How do I get a good crust on steak?
Make sure the pan is very hot before adding the steaks. Patting the meat dry also helps create a crisp golden crust instead of steaming.
Should I cook steak straight from the fridge?
No. Letting the steak sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes helps it cook more evenly and prevents a cold centre.
How do I know when sirloin steak is done?
For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches around 54°C. Medium is closer to 60°C. A meat thermometer gives the most accurate results.
Why should steak rest after cooking?
Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat, keeping the steak tender and juicy when sliced.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans
- Pair with crispy fries and garlic aioli
- Add a fresh green salad on the side
- Serve with roasted vegetables and herb butter
- Pair with creamy peppercorn sauce
Storage
Room Temperature
Cooked steak can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
Wrap cooked steak tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 640mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
What is the best pan for cooking sirloin steak?
A heavy cast iron skillet works best because it holds heat well and creates a beautiful golden crust.
Can I cook sirloin steak in the oven?
Yes, you can finish thicker steaks in the oven after searing them in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side.
How long should I rest steak after cooking?
Rest the steak for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh herbs provide better aroma and flavour. Use a smaller amount of dried herbs as they are more concentrated.
Easy Sirloin Steak Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
steaks10
minutes10
minutes20
minutes420
kcal20
minutesJuicy and tender sirloin steak cooked in a hot skillet with garlic butter and fresh herbs. A quick and easy steak dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
2 sirloin steaks, about 250g each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
Extra butter for serving, optional
Directions
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat a heavy frying pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Add olive oil and carefully place the steaks into the pan.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side without moving them to create a golden crust.
- Flip the steaks and add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan.
- Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks continuously for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Transfer the steaks to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with extra butter if desired.
Notes
- Always rest steak before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Use a hot pan for the best crust and flavour.
- Fresh herbs add incredible aroma and richness.
