How to Cook Loin & Sirloin Steaks Using a Meat Thermometer

Use a meat thermometer for precision cooking.

Don’t buy a good loin or sirloin steak only to ruin it by over or undercooking. A few minutes either way can make or break your meal. Purchase a digital, instant-read meat thermometer for precision cooking. Instant-read thermometers display the meat temperature more quickly than leave-in models. The USDA recommends cooking beef to 160 degrees F for safety, but your personal preference may vary. Tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is short loin. T-bone and porterhouse steaks contain a portion of tenderloin. Less tender than tenderloin, sirloin is a thinner, larger, more flavorful steak. Does this Spark an idea?

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Digital instant-read meat thermometer
Charcoal or gas grill
Cooking spray
Tongs
Skillet
Steak

Instructions

Preparing
- 1
  
  Purchase loin or sirloin steak that is at least 1 inch thick.
- 2
  
  Look for steaks that are bright red and firm to the touch.
- 3
  
  Beware of steaks with a lot of juice in the package, because this is a sign of improper storage.
Grilling
- 4
  
  Spray your grill rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- 5
  
  Build a charcoal fire in your grill, or light a gas grill to high temperature.
- 6
  
  Using tongs, place the steak 4 inches from the fire.
- 7
  
  Allow steak to sear without moving it. Handling the steak too early during the cooking time causes it to lose moisture.
- 8
  
  For 1-inch steaks, cook 7 minutes per side to medium rare, 8 to 9 minutes per side for medium and 10 minutes for well done. Add 2 minutes per side for each additional 1/2 inch of thickness.
- 9
  
  Insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the steak. Your thermometer should read 140 degrees F for medium rare, 160 degrees for medium and 170 degrees for well done.
- 10
  
  Let the steak rest for five to 10 minutes before cutting to retain the natural juices.
- 11
  
  Wash your thermometer by hand in hot soapy water, not in the dishwasher.
Pan Fry
- 12
  
  Spray a nonstick skillet with cooking spray.
- 13
  
  Heat the skillet to high on your stove top.
- 14
  
  Use tongs to place the steak in the skillet.
- 15
  
  Follow steps 4 through 8 in the Grilling section.

Tips & Warnings

If you are using salt, season the steak after cooking. Adding salt to the steak before cooking forces the natural juices out of the steak.
Use tongs, not a fork, to handle the steak. Piercing the steak while cooking drains the moisture, causing the steak to dry out.