Tips on Cooking Pork Sirloin Steaks

Pork sirloin steaks are versatile, quick to cook, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ. With the right technique, you can get a golden sear on the outside while keeping the meat tender inside. Here are some expert tips to help you cook pork sirloin steaks to perfection.

1. Flip Only Once

Place your steak in a hot pan or grill and resist the urge to keep turning it. Let it sear undisturbed until a golden crust forms, then flip once.
This single flip helps the meat retain its moisture and gives you an even, caramelised crust.

For best results, try the “6 + 2 + 2” method:
Cook the steak for 6 minutes on one side, 2 minutes on the other, then rest for 2 minutes before serving. Perfect for 2 cm thick pork steaks.

2. Don’t Press the Steaks

Avoid pressing the steaks with a spatula - it squeezes out the natural juices and makes the meat drier. Let the heat and timing do the work for you.

Patience will reward you with tender, flavourful pork every time.

3. Season Generously

Good seasoning makes great steaks. Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides before cooking. For extra depth, add crushed garlic, herbs, or a light dry rub.

Tip: Season early so the salt has time to draw out and reabsorb into the meat, enhancing its natural flavour.

4. Give the Steaks Space

If you’re cooking more than one, don’t crowd the pan. Too many steaks trap steam and prevent proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary - it’s worth it for that perfect sear.

5. Use Butter (Not Just Oil)

Start with a little neutral oil to stop the butter from burning, then add a knob of butter near the end of cooking.

Once melted, tilt the pan and baste the steaks with the buttery juices. This classic technique adds a rich finish and restaurant-quality aroma to your dish

6. Cook to the Right Doneness

According to New Zealand Food Safety guidelines, pork is safe to eat when it reaches at least 63°C (medium) with a 3-minute rest. At this temperature, the centre may have a faint blush of pink — which is perfectly fine and safe.

• Medium to medium-well: Slightly pink, juicy, and tender.

• Well done: Fully cooked through, firmer texture, no pink.

Tip: Use a digital meat thermometer instead of guessing. It takes the risk out of under- or over-cooking.

Bonus Recipe: NZ-Style Glazed Pork Sirloin Steak

If you’re after a New Zealand twist, this glazed pork sirloin steak recipe is easy, full of flavour, and uses everyday pantry ingredients. It’s a great way to turn a simple steak into something special.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• 2 pork sirloin steaks (about 2 cm thick, 250–300 g each)

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 Tbsp butter

For the glaze

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

• 2 Tbsp tomato sauce (ketchup)

• 1 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 3 Tbsp water (or stock)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Method

1. Bring to room temperature
   Take the pork steaks out 20 minutes before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare the glaze
   In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato sauce, sweet chilli sauce, water, and garlic until combined.

3. Season the steaks
   Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. For deeper flavour, you can marinate the steaks in half the glaze for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

4. Sear the first side (6 minutes)
   Heat a pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the pork and cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes, or until golden.

5. Flip and cook the other side (2 minutes)
   Turn the steaks and add butter to the pan. Baste lightly with the melted butter.

6. Add the glaze and finish cooking
   Pour in the remaining glaze and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it slightly thickens and coats the steaks.

7. Rest the steaks (2 minutes)
   Transfer to a plate and let rest for at least 2 minutes before serving.

Serve with steamed vegetables, roasted kumara, or a simple green salad. The sweet and savoury glaze pairs beautifully with fresh NZ produce.

Final Word

Cooking pork sirloin steaks isn’t complicated, but a few simple rules make all the difference: season properly, avoid pressing, cook in a hot pan with butter, and check temperature for doneness.

At Online Meats, our pork comes from PigCare™ Accredited New Zealand farms, so you can trust the quality on your plate. Order your pork sirloin steaks online and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.