New York strip vs. sirloin steak: What’s the difference between the two beef cuts? New York strip is a cut from the short loin of the cow, while the sirloin steak is a cut from the back of the animal towards the rear leg. NY strip steak is quite a bit more tender because it’s from a little-exercised muscle (longissimus); at the same time, it’s packed with more flavor because it has more marbling than sirloin. On the other hand, sirloin steak is cheaper and more versatile.
In this article, you’ll find the difference between sirloin and New York strip steaks. At the end of the article, there’s a brief overview of both steak cuts. Let’s start with the differences:
The Difference Between Sirloin and New York Strip
Flavor and Texture
New York strip steak has a much more tender texture than cuts from the sirloin. The muscle in strip steak is much less exercised and contains more marbling; therefore, it has a juicy texture and is exceptionally flavorful.
Marbling
Strip steak contains more marbling than sirloin. Marbling is essential for an excellent flavor and soft texture.
Versatility
NY strip is a well-marbled and expensive cut; therefore, it’s best when cooked on a grill or pan-fried. On the other hand, sirloin steaks can be grilled, pan-fried, slow-cooked, and roasted, making them a more versatile piece of meat (read this article about different steak cooking methods).
Price
Sirloin steaks are more affordable than strip steaks. That’s because if the steak has loads of marbling and is tender, it’s considered a premium cut. Read USDA grading about prime, choice, and select to understand better why some steaks are more expensive than others.
Cut
Both steaks are cut from different parts of the cow. While the NY strip is from a short loin of the cow, which is more tender and juicy, the sirloin steaks come from the back of the animal towards the rear leg, where meat is more chewy and dry.
New York Strip Steak: Brief Overview
What part of the cow does New York strip steak come from? New York strip steak is a cut fromthe short loin primal of the cow located behind the rib section and in front of the thigh section. The primary muscle running through the steak is longissimus dorsi, the same muscle that runs through ribeye steak. The steak does not have much connective tissue or fat; however, it has a good amount of marbling. Typically the steak comes boneless; however, sometimes, you can find a bone-in version which is referred to as club steak or shell steak.
How does New York strip steak taste? New York strip steak has a pronounced beef flavor because of the amount of marbling it has. It’s incredibly delicious if cooked properly. Like the ribeye steak, new york strip steak is considered one of the tastiest steaks you can buy.
What is the texture of New York strip steak? NY strip loin steak has a tender texture. The delicate texture consists of two variables – marbling and tender muscle. Longissimus dorsi muscle doesn’t get much exercise, contributing to NY strip steak’s tenderness. At the same time, the marbling adds moisture making the steak juicy and tender.
How to cook New York strip steak? New York strip is straightforward to cook on a grill, in a frying pan, or under the broiler in the oven. Bring steak to room temperature 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. Season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Preheat the cast-iron skillet, grill, or broiler. Pat steak dry with a paper towel. Sear the steak over high heat until caramelized crust forms. Turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking to your liking. When grilling the steak, move it onto an indirect heat side of the grill. Usually, the broiler does not have an option to adjust temperature; therefore, you must turn the steak every few minutes. Check meat’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Take strip loin steak from the heat source when the internal temperature is 5° Fahrenheit below the desired doneness and leave it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes.
How much does New York strip steak cost? New York strip is considered a premium steak cut; therefore, it costs about $35 per pound.
Where can you buy New York strip steak? You can buy New York strip steak at most supermarkets, butcher shops, and online stores.
New York strip steak is known as Kansas City strip, club steak, ambassador steak, strip loin steak, or Omaha strip.
Sirloin Steak: Brief Overview
What part of the cow does sirloin steak come from? Sirloin is a beef cut from the back of the animal. It’s a subprimal cut of the beef loin primal and runs from the 13th rib to the end of the hip bone. Sirloin is broken down into two boneless cuts – the top sirloin butt and the bottom sirloin butt. The primary muscle running through the steak is called the gluteus medius. The muscle is tough and lean because it gets a lot of exercises. While the top sirloin steaks are great for grilling and pan-frying, the bottom sirloin steaks are only good for roasting, ground beef, and slow cooking.
How does sirloin steak taste? Beef cuts from sirloin have a deep beef flavor. However, sirloin is a lean cut; therefore, it’s not as flavorful as the NY strip.
What is the texture of sirloin steak? Both the top and bottom sirloin come from a well-exercised area of the cow; therefore, they are pretty tough and chewy. They’re also lean cuts, and most lean cuts tend to be chewy.
How to cook a sirloin steak? The best way to cook sirloin steak cuts is slow and low or hot and fast. Cooking top sirloin is easy. Sear the steak over high heat on a grill or cast-iron skillet. When a caramelized crust forms, turn the heat to medium and continue cooking to your liking. Be careful not to overcook the steak; otherwise, it can become tough and chewy if cooked past medium (145 ° Fahrenheit). Aim for medium-rare (135° Fahrenheit) doneness. The best way to cook bottom sirloin is to slow roast, braise or use it for ground beef.
Related articles:
How much does sirloin steak cost? Sirloin steak costs around $13/lb, depending on the vendor.
Where can you buy sirloin steak? You can purchase sirloin steak at a local grocery store, butcher shop, or online.
Sirloin steak is also known as top butt or sirloin butt.
New York Strip vs. Sirloin Steak: Which is Better?
New York strip vs. sirloin: which one is better? The New York strip is a superior cut. It has more marbling and is quite a bit more tender than the sirloin cut. Although strip steak is more expensive, it’s worth spending extra for this fantastic cut. Sirloin is a budget-friendly option and can be juicy and delicious steak when handled properly.
Related articles:
- Porterhouse vs. ribeye;
- Ribeye vs. t-bone;
- Ribeye vs. tenderloin;
- Ribeye vs. New York strip;
- New York strip vs. filet mignon;
- New York strip vs. flank steak;
- Skirt steak vs. flank steak;
- Skirt steak vs. hanger steak;
- Flat iron vs. flank steak;
- Flat iron steak vs. skirt steak;
- Flat iron steak vs. sirloin;
- Flat iron steak vs. ribeye;
- Tri-tip vs. brisket.
FAQ
Which has more fat sirloin or the New York strip?
New York strip steak has more fat than sirloin steaks making it more tender and juicy.
