Cooking Baseball Steak – How to Grill, Broil & Roast this Cut of Steak

You may have never heard of a “baseball steak.”

Although it is a steak cut from the primal loin of the cow, it has a more robust flavour and will save you money because it tends to be less expensive than a filet mignon. Here’s a comprehensive guide on this cut, including the origins of the term “baseball steak,” where it’s found, and how to cook it. In other words, how should it be prepared? Get ready to serve the perfect steak after reading this blog!

Why is it Called Baseball Steak?

Raw Top Sirloin Cut

The actual term for a baseball steak is Top Sirloin Filet; however, it is commonly known by various names, depending on the country or cuisine.

Its other names include: 

• Top Sirloin Filet
• Top Sirloin Steak
• Top Sirloin Filet Boneless
• Top Sirloin Butt Steak
• Boneless Top Sirloin Butt Steak.

But why it is called Baseball Steak? 

The baseball cut is named from its rounded shape. This steak is cut from the centre of the top sirloin and is a lean, thick, and tasty cut that is similar to filet mignon but at a lower price. 

When you look at this top sirloin filet, you will notice exactly why many people call it baseball steak. The cut resembles the filet mignon steak because it tends to be round and thick, usually around two inches or more. But, the baseball steak tends to poof out a little bit at the top and on the sides, making it form a shape similar to baseball. After you cook it, a little bit more puff happens.

Because it’s cut from the upper region of the loin, the baseball steak is smaller than a normal top sirloin. Aside from that, though, the flavour of this little cut is far superior to that of most other cuts, especially when cooked correctly.

Where Does the Baseball Cut Steak Come from?

Sirloin Primal Location on Cow

The baseball cut steak is generated from the cow’s sirloin primal, which is placed between the loin and the round primal. The sirloin primal has several popular cuts and is separated into top Sirloin Butt and Bottom Sirloin Butt.

The top sirloin butt contains steaks that are ideal for grilling and high heat cooking, whereas the bottom sirloin butt has cuts such as Tri-Tip and Sirloin Bavette that are ideal for roasting or grilling.

How to Choose the Best Cut of Baseball Top Sirloin?

To select the greatest cut of baseball top sirloin steak, keep these suggestions in mind when you go to your local supermarket:

• Avoid beef cuts with no marbling since Baseball Sirloin has good marbling.
• Selecting cuts with purple colour is not a good idea. It would help if you always tried to choose a cut that is as red as possible.
• If you intend to grill it, aim for slices that are 2 inches or thicker. This thickness is ideal for guaranteeing a great grill cook.

3 Different Ways on Cooking a Baseball Steak

There are many ways you can try when cooking steak, but since this is about Baseball Steak, here are different ways you can try when cooking it.

• Grilling
• Sear & Roast using the oven
• Broiling

Choose the most suitable cooking method for you; that’s the only way you can achieve your perfect steak!

How to Cook Top Sirloin Steak in the Oven

Cooking steak like this is comparable to that of any steak cut like tri-tip or filet mignon. You may select whether or not to season the meat before cooking it in the oven. However, it is ideal to use basic seasoning because this cut already has a lot of flavours, but it’s up to you if you want to try something different.

1. After seasoning, sear it in butter or olive oil in a pan for about 2-3 minutes on each side, then move it to a baking tray and bake it.
2. Preheat the oven to 450°F, then place the baking dish and the steak inside once it reaches that temperature.
3. Cooking it at a high heat allows the meat to cook fast, particularly outside, while preventing the fluids from escaping or drying out. This sirloin steak will usually take roughly 8-10 minutes to cook in the oven or around 4-5 minutes per side. 
4. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. The juices will be able to settle in and become more sensitive as a result.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak’s internal temperature reaches 120-125°F, the ideal temperature for medium-rare doneness and the suggested cooking point.

How to Cook Baseball Steak on the Grill

If you don’t enjoy cooking in the oven, you may try grilling. Using the grill for the top sirloin cut is preferable since you will get better results if you adhere to the proper cooking times and temperatures.

1. To begin, turn on the grill and heat it to medium-high. While you wait for the grill to heat up, season the meat and brush it with melted butter.
2. Sear the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side over the hottest portion of the grill.
3. Next, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, allowing the meat to simmer for another 6-10 minutes, depending on your desire.

Even while grilling, a meat thermometer is advised to check the interior temperature of the meat to ensure it is correctly cooked.

Cooking Baseball Steak on a Broiler

When using the broiler, You should follow the same processes as when using the oven or grill:

1. Begin by preheating the broiler to high.
2. Season the steaks with salt and pepper after lightly brushing them with butter or olive oil.
3. Broil them for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.

Allow it to rest for 5 minutes after you take it from the broiler before serving.

Baseball Top Sirloin Steak Cooking Times & Temperatures

The following temperatures and cooking times are for sirloin strip, porterhouse and ribeye steak.

Rare

110° to 120°F

• 1″ – 4 mins each side
• 1.25″ -4.5 mins each side
• 1.5″ – 7 mins each side
• 1.75″ – 7.5 mins each side
• 2″ – 8 mins each side

Medium-Rare

120° to 130°F

• 1″ – 5 mins each side
• 1.25″ -5.5 mins each side
• 1.5″ – 7 mins each side
• 1.75″ – 7.5 mins each side
• 2″ – 8 mins each side

Medium

130° to 140°F

• 1″ – 6 mins each side
• 1.25″ – 6.5 mins each side
• 1.5″ – 7 mins each side
• 1.75″ – 7.5 mins each side
• 2″ – 8 mins each side

Grilling Tips for Baseball Steak

If grilling is your favoured way of cooking, keep the following things in mind:

• It is best to let the frozen meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Always let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing.
• Remove it at a temperature that is 5-7 degrees lower than the desired temperature. When you take the meat from the grill while still cooking on low heat with the lid closed, it will continue to cook for a few minutes—as a result, removing it a few degrees lower than the intended temperature is advised.
• The thickness of the steak determines grilling periods and internal temperature. They may also differ according to the cooking method and grill style.