Sirloin tip side steaks are from one of three muscles that make up the sirloin tip. The muscles are in the animal's thighs and get heavy use, so the steak meat is rather tough. These steaks should be marinated, grilled, and sliced thin.

Other Common Names

• Charcoal Steaks
• Knuckle Sirloin Tip

Primal Cut

• Round Primal

Typical Cooking Methods

• Grill

• Broil

• Braise

General Cooking Recommendations

This tough cut of steak should be marinated before cooking to help increase tenderness and flavor. Cooking should be over high heat, taking care not to overcook the meat (which would make it even tougher). Cook to an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.

Another option would be to braise the steak over low temperatures. The moisture and long cooking time will tenderize the meat. For braising, cook to an internal temperature of 203 degrees.

How to Cook Sirloin Tip Side Steak on Your Traeger

To cook sirloin tip side steak on a Traeger, marinate the meat before cooking for at least an hour. With your Traeger preheated to high, grill the steak for 6 to 10 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.

Sirloin Tip Side Steak Internal Temperatures

• For rare, aim for 120-130 °F internally.
• For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally.
• For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally.
• For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally.
• For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.

Is Sirloin Tip Side Steak a Good Cut?

Sirloin tip side steak is not a good cut. It has some of the toughest meat of any steak cut.

How Much Does Sirloin Tip Side Steak Cost?

This steak should go for $5 to $8 per pound. Don't spend more than that, or you will probably feel it's not worth it.

How Do You Know When Sirloin Tip Side Steak Is Done?

This steak is done when the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit, for medium-rare.

What Is a Sirloin Tip Side Steak Best For?

The best use of this steak is a very long marinade, then slicing and cooking with fajitas or stir-fry.

Can Sirloin Tip Side Steak Be Cooked From Frozen?

Yes. It can be cooked from frozen if you cook over high heat.

Sirloin tip side steak comes from the vastus lateralis muscle, a large muscle in the thigh area. This muscle gets plenty of use as the animal moves around, making the meat relatively lean.

When food scientists ranked 40 beef muscles, the vastus lateralis was the 9th toughest muscle.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association identifies the Sirloin Tip Side Steak with UPC number 1543. You may see this number in the UPC code on the beef package label at the supermarket.