
There’s something absolutely magical about a perfectly cooked petite sirloin steak – it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at an upscale steakhouse, except you’re doing it right in your own kitchen. This elegant cut of beef is often overlooked in favor of its larger cousins, but I’m here to tell you that petite sirloin deserves a place of honor on your dinner table. It’s tender, flavorful, and most importantly, it comes together in about thirty minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
The petite sirloin comes from the bottom sirloin subprimal, and when cut into individual steaks, it offers an incredible balance of tenderness and beefy flavor that will have your dinner guests asking for the recipe. Unlike some of the pricier cuts, petite sirloin is budget-friendly without sacrificing quality or taste. The key to perfecting this cut lies in understanding proper seasoning, temperature control, and the importance of letting your steak rest – these simple techniques transform a good steak into an absolutely unforgettable one.
I’ve been making petite sirloin steaks for years, and I’ve learned that this cut responds beautifully to a simple approach. You don’t need complicated sauces or lengthy marinades; instead, quality ingredients and proper technique are your best friends. In this recipe, I’m sharing my tried-and-true method for achieving a gorgeous crust on the outside while maintaining a perfectly tender, juicy interior. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a fantastic dinner, this petite sirloin steak recipe will become your go-to.
One of my favorite things about petite sirloin is its versatility. You can serve it alongside classic steakhouse sides like Potato Salad or Macaroni Salad for a casual dinner party, or pair it with more elegant accompaniments like Egg Salad for a sophisticated presentation. The beauty of this recipe is that it truly works with whatever you have on hand.
If you’re someone who loves cooking steaks but feels intimidated by the process, I completely understand. The good news is that once you master the technique for petite sirloin – which is genuinely simple – you’ll feel confident cooking any steak. The steps are straightforward: properly season your meat, get your pan smoking hot, sear the steak until it develops a beautiful crust, and finish cooking it to your desired temperature. That’s it! It’s a foolproof method that works every single time, and I’m excited to walk you through it.
I always recommend removing your petite sirloin from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking throughout. While you’re waiting, this is the perfect time to gather your ingredients and mentally prepare yourself for the cooking process. There’s something very meditative about the ritual of cooking a beautiful piece of meat – it’s a moment to slow down and appreciate the process.
The seasoning for this recipe is intentionally minimal because we want the natural beefy flavor of the petite sirloin to shine through. Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh garlic are truly all you need. Some people add a touch of smoked paprika or dried thyme, and while these additions are wonderful, they’re completely optional. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity – it’s a celebration of quality ingredients prepared with care.
For more inspiration on how to create memorable meals at home, check out these excellent resources from Bon Appétit and Serious Eats, which offer fantastic techniques and insights into meat cookery. You’ll also find wonderful guidance at New York Times Cooking for elevating your steakhouse experience at home.
Ingredients
- 2 petite sirloin steaks, 1 to 1.5 inches thick (about 8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional but recommended)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fleur de sel for finishing (optional)

Instructions
- Remove your petite sirloin steaks from the refrigerator and place them on a clean cutting board. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial because moisture on the surface will prevent proper browning. Take your time with this step; the drier the steaks, the better your crust will be.
- While your steaks are coming to room temperature (about 25-30 minutes), preheat your oven to 400°F. Position your oven rack in the middle position so your steaks will cook evenly.
- Season both sides of each steak generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Divide the seasoning evenly between the two steaks, and don’t be shy – proper seasoning is what separates a good steak from a truly great one.
- Place a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to preheat for about 2-3 minutes until it’s very hot. You can test the heat by carefully holding your hand about 4 inches above the surface – it should be almost uncomfortably hot.
- Once your pan is screaming hot, carefully add the high-heat oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. The oil should shimmer and begin to smoke almost immediately. This is exactly what you want – the smoke indicates that the temperature is perfect for searing.
- Gently place both steaks into the hot skillet, laying them away from you to minimize splashing. Resist the urge to touch them – let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and have developed a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Using tongs, carefully flip each steak and sear the second side for another 3-4 minutes until it also develops a beautiful crust. The internal temperature should read about 115°F on a meat thermometer for medium-rare at this point.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter, the minced garlic, and your fresh herb sprigs (if using) to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the foaming, herb-infused butter for about 1 minute. This step adds incredible flavor and helps create an elegant finish.
- Transfer the skillet from the stovetop to your preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 4-6 minutes, depending on how thick your steaks are and your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts – the handle will be extremely hot. Place the steaks on a clean cutting board and top each with a small pat of the remaining butter and a sprinkle of fleur de sel if desired.
- This step is absolutely non-negotiable: let your steaks rest for 5-7 minutes before serving. During this resting period, the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is incredibly juicy and tender. If you skip this step, all those wonderful juices will run out onto your plate instead of staying in the steak.
- Serve your perfect petite sirloin steaks immediately while they’re still warm, alongside your favorite sides and a cold glass of wine.

Pro Tips
- Petite sirloin steaks are typically less expensive than ribeye or New York strip, making this an economical choice for impressive entertaining
- The resting period is absolutely essential – do not skip it, as it allows carryover cooking and juice redistribution
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use the heaviest skillet you have; cast iron retains heat best but stainless steel works beautifully too
- For medium doneness, cook to 135-145°F; for medium-well, aim for 145-155°F; remember that the steak will continue cooking as it rests
- Fresh herbs make a tremendous difference in the final flavor profile – if using dried herbs instead, use about one-third the amount
- Pat your steaks dry right before cooking, not earlier, to prevent them from drying out further
- Don’t season your steaks too far in advance of cooking, as salt can draw moisture to the surface; season immediately before cooking
- High-heat oils like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or refined coconut oil are best; avoid olive oil which has a low smoke point
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after plating
- Leftover steak slices are wonderful cold in salads or served on sandwiches the next day
- The thickness of your steaks matters – thinner steaks cook faster and may not develop as good a crust; 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal
- If your steaks are thicker than 1.5 inches, you may need to extend the oven cooking time by 2-3 minutes
- Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results – this removes all guesswork from the cooking process
- Room-temperature steaks cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the refrigerator
