The Best Way to Cook Four Pounds of Sirloin Roast

by Julie Christensen

A sirloin roast, like sirloin steak, is tender and flavorful, and a good choice for a Sunday family dinner or even a weeknight meal. Set the roast on the counter for one to two hours before putting it in the oven. It will sputter less while cooking if it starts at room temperature. A sirloin roast may seem like a fancy, labor-intensive meal, but it's really as simple as salting and peppering the meat and popping it in the oven.

Cooking Methods

Roasting is the traditional cooking method for a sirloin roast, which is where it gets its name, although a very lean roast may benefit from braising. Cooking in the oven creates a roast that is evenly browned on the outside and juicy on the inside. Use a shallow roasting pan with a wire rack for best results. Place the roast with the fatty side up.

Cooking Times

The Texas Beef Council recommends setting the oven temperature for a sirloin roast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The most accurate way to gauge when a sirloin roast is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer in the middle of the roast, away from any bones or fat. A sirloin roast is rare when the thermometer reads 120 to 125 degrees, but 120 degrees may be too rare for some palates. For medium roast, cook it to a temperature of 145 to 150 degrees, and for well-done, the temperature should be between 155 and 165 degrees. Sirloin roast will continue to cook an additional 5 to 10 degrees after being removed from the oven, so plan accordingly. To cook a roast without a thermometer, roast the meat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on desired degree of doneness.

Seasonings

Season a sirloin roast before placing it in the oven with salt and pepper, garlic, or rosemary and thyme. After removing the roast from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This resting period firms up the meat, seals in the juices and makes carving easier. Once you've removed the roast from the pan, make a flavorful gravy with the drippings and a thickening agent, such as butter and flour.

Side Dishes

A sirloin roast is a hearty, traditional meal that will make your family sit up and take notice, and then linger at the dinner table, savoring every last bite. Skip the low-calorie side dishes for this special entrée occasion and bring out the big guns -- mashed potatoes, honeyed carrots, fresh dinner rolls and green bean casserole. For family members who are concerned about calories, serve a generous green salad loaded with vegetables and tossed with a light creamy dressing.

References

About the Author

Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."

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