Pork sirloin is considered a lesser known cut of pork, but it can make for a tasty and inexpensive meal when cooked properly. Here is a quick overview of pork sirloin to help determine if it’s a good choice for your next dinner.
What is pork sirloin?
Pork sirloin comes from the hip of the pig. It sits just above the rear leg or ham. Sirloin can be sold bone-in or boneless. It is a lean cut of meat with less fat marbling than other pork cuts like shoulder or ribs.
Common names
Pork sirloin may also be labeled as:
- Pork hip
- Pork loin, rear
- Center-cut pork chops (when sliced into chops)
Appearance and texture
Pork sirloin is long and cylindrical in shape as part of the hip primal cut. Slices of sirloin will be round when cut from a bone-in roast or rectangular when cut from a boneless roast.
The meat is lean and fine-grained with less marbling than other cuts. It can become dry if overcooked but remains juicy and tender when properly prepared.
How much does pork sirloin cost?
Pork sirloin is economical compared to other pork cuts. Boneless pork sirloin roasts cost approximately $3-4 per pound on average. Bone-in roasts may be priced slightly lower in the $2-3 per pound range.
When cut into boneless chops, expect to pay about $4 per pound for sirloin pork chops. This compares favorably to the average price of $5-7 per pound for bone-in center cut or rib chops.
Due to its leanness, pork sirloin offers a good value for its price per pound. You can expect around 80-90% usable meat from a sirloin roast versus more bone-in cuts.
Price compared to other major cuts
| Cut | Average Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| Pork shoulder | $2-3 |
| Pork loin chops | $5-7 |
| Pork sirloin roast | $3-4 |
| Pork tenderloin | $6-8 |
Is pork sirloin tender?
While not as naturally tender as pork loin or tenderloin, pork sirloin can be cooked to be tender and juicy. It has less connective tissue than pork shoulder so doesn’t require prolonged cooking.
If roasted, cooked quickly over high heat, or sliced thin for stir fries, pork sirloin remains moist and tender. Chopped sirloin cooked in patties or meatballs also keeps the texture soft and palatable.
Tips for keeping sirloin pork tender
- Cook with dry heat like grilling or roasting over 400°F
- Slice roasts across the grain before serving
- Brine meats in a saltwater solution before cooking
- Cook pork just until slightly pink, not overdone
- Chop finely for patties, stews, or kebabs
How to cook pork sirloin roasts
Pork sirloin can be roasted in the oven or cooked over indirect heat on a grill. Use these tips for moist, tender results:
Oven roasting
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Season roast with salt, pepper, and other spices or herbs
- Place fat side up on roasting rack in a sheet pan
- Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound until 145°F internal temperature
- Tent foil over roast and let rest 10 minutes before slicing
Grilling
- Trim excess fat to prevent flare ups
- Grill over indirect medium heat about 10 minutes per pound
- Flavor with a dry rub or sauce glaze the last 10-15 minutes
- Pull off grill when internal temp reaches 145°F and tent foil over it
Pork sirloin chop recipes
Pork sirloin can be cut into boneless or bone-in chops. Their leanness makes them ideal for quick cooking methods to prevent drying out. Here are recipe ideas for pork sirloin chops:
Easy oven baked chops
- Coat chops with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until browned and cooked through
- Top with barbecue sauce or chimichurri the last 5 minutes
Maple ginger glazed chops
- Whisk maple syrup, grated ginger, soy sauce, garlic
- Pan sear seasoned chops 3-4 minutes per side
- Brush glaze over chops and cook 2-3 more minutes
Creamy mushroom pork chops
- Cook chopped mushrooms in butter until tender
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, thyme
- Simmer chops in sauce 15 minutes until cooked through
Is pork sirloin good for stir fries?
The leanness of pork sirloin makes it an excellent choice for stir fry dishes. Thin slices will cook quickly in the high heat of a wok or skillet.
Cut pork sirloin into very thin strips across the grain of the meat. This texture makes it easy to bite into and chew. Marinating the pork briefly in soy sauce, sherry, ginger and other Asian flavors adds extra flavor.
Stir fry the pork on high heat just 1-2 minutes until no longer pink. Then remove pork from the wok while you stir fry your vegetables. Add back at the end to heat through and soak up sauce.
Tips for pork stir fry
- Freeze pork 30 minutes for easier slicing
- Cut across the grain into thin, 2-inch strips
- Marinate strips 15-30 minutes
- Cook over very high heat to sear and brown
- Combine with vegetables like broccoli, peppers, bok choy
Is pork sirloin healthy?
Pork today is much leaner than in years past due to changes in breeding and feeding practices. Pork sirloin is one of the leanest cuts. A 4 ounce serving provides:
- 180 calories
- 4g saturated fat
- 71mg cholesterol
- 130mg sodium
- 3g carbohydrates
- 26g protein
Pork is a good source of important vitamins and minerals:
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Zinc
When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, pork can be part of a healthy meal plan.
Tips for healthy pork sirloin
- Trim visible fat before cooking
- Choose baking, grilling, or roasting over frying
- Portion into 4-6 ounce servings
- Pair with vegetable side dishes
Conclusion
Pork sirloin offers an affordable cut of meat that is both lean and flavorful. When prepared properly using quick cooking methods, it can turn out juicy and tender. This versatile cut works well for oven roasting, grilling, making chops, or slicing into stir fries.
While not as naturally tender as pricier loin or tenderloin, pork sirloin responds well to brining, marinating, and spice rubs. Taking care not to overcook it will keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out.
If seeking budget-friendly and leaner pork, sirloin is certainly worth considering for everyday meals. With proper preparation, it can prove just as tasty and satisfying as more expensive cuts.