We’ve made this steak so many times, and every time, it turns out just like the one at Golden Corral-maybe even better. We’re here to help you get it right too, step by step, with all the little tips that actually matter.
The Golden Corral sirloin steak recipe is a method for cooking sirloin steak at home that mimics the flavor and texture of the restaurant’s version. It uses a cast iron pan, simple Steak Seasoning, and oven finishing to get it just right.
Wanna know the secret to those juicy bites and perfect Golden Corral Pork Steak marks? Stick with us-we’ll show you exactly how to do it at home, no guesswork needed.
What Makes This Golden Corral Sirloin Steak So Delicious?
What makes this Golden Corral Sirloin Steak so delicious is the perfect balance of a savory marinade, a quick sear for beautiful grill marks, and a tender oven finish.
Each bite is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked-just like at the steakhouse, but made effortlessly at home.
Ingredients Required for Golden Corral Sirloin Steak Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Golden Corral Sirloin Steak
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce, if preferred)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Steak:
- 2–4 top sirloin steaks
- 1 tbsp butter (for searing)
- Optional: compound butter for serving
Perfect Side Dish:
- Roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon (recipe linked below)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Cast iron grill pan
- Oven
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl or measuring cup with spout
- Whisk
- Large zip-top bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Tongs
- Alarm or instant-read meat thermometer
- Heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 3–8 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes (plus 5 minutes resting)
Recipe for Golden Corral Sirloin Steak
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Golden Corral Sirloin Steak at home
Step 1: Marinate the Steaks
Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the coconut aminos, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Golden Corral Steak Seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
Place your steaks in a zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Massage gently to distribute the marinade.
Refrigerate for 3–8 hours. Don’t exceed 8 hours or the meat may become too soft.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
About 30 minutes before cooking, take the steaks out of the fridge to let them come to room temperature-this helps them cook more evenly.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, heat your cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until very hot.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Add butter to the hot pan and swirl to coat the surface. Place the steaks in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side without moving them-this helps create those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast until your desired doneness is reached: Doneness Temp (°F) Time Estimate, Rare 120°F 4–5 min, Medium Rare 130°F 6–7 min, Medium 140°F 8–9 min, Medium Well 150°F 10–11 min, Well Done 160°F 12–14 min
For accuracy, use an alarm thermometer. Remove steaks as soon as the target temp is reached.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Immediately remove steaks from the hot pan to prevent overcooking. Let rest for 5 minutes-this locks in the juices. The internal temperature will rise another 5 degrees as they rest.
Slice against the grain, add a dollop of compound butter if desired, and serve alongside roasted asparagus with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Golden Corral Sirloin Steak
1. With Roasted Asparagus and Lemon (our go-to!)
This one’s a staple in our kitchen. The crisp-tender asparagus with a touch of lemon juice cuts through the richness of the steak perfectly. It’s fresh, simple, and you don’t feel weighed down after dinner.
2. Mashed Cauliflower with Garlic Butter
When we’re in the mood for comfort food but still want to keep things light, this is a winner. Creamy, buttery mashed cauliflower is a cozy side that soaks up steak juices like a dream-plus, it’s low-carb friendly.
3. Steak and Eggs (hello leftovers!)
The next morning, we love slicing up leftover steak and serving it with fried or scrambled eggs. Add a little hot sauce and toast on the side, and you’ve got a diner-worthy breakfast.
4. Over a Big Caesar Salad
We’ve done this so many times for lunch. Chop up the steak and lay it over a crisp romaine Caesar or Golden Corral Broccoli Salad with shaved parmesan and crunchy croutons. It’s steakhouse vibes in a bowl.
5. Garlic Herb Butter and a Mashed Potato
A classic combo we never get tired of. Load up a Golden Corral Mashed Potatoes with sour cream, chives, and maybe a sprinkle of cheddar. That melted compound butter on the steak just pulls the whole plate together.
6. With Creamed Spinach and Sautéed Mushrooms
On fancier nights (or when we’re pretending we’re at a steakhouse), this combo is unbeatable. The richness of the creamed spinach and the earthy mushrooms complement the savory steak beautifully.
7. Grain Bowl with Quinoa, Veggies & Avocado
For a lighter, nutrient-packed meal, we’ve served steak slices over warm quinoa with roasted veggies, a handful of arugula, and sliced avocado. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or tahini dressing ties it all together.
8. Steak Tacos with Chimichurri
This one’s a weekend favorite. Thinly sliced steak stuffed in warm tortillas with fresh chimichurri, pickled onions, and a little cotija cheese. Every bite is packed with flavor.
9. Surf & Turf Night with Garlic Butter Shrimp
If we’re feeling a little indulgent, we’ll sear up some shrimp in garlic butter and serve them right alongside the steak. Add some rice or a little crusty bread to mop up the juices and you’re golden.
10. On Toast with Horseradish Cream (trust us!)
This one’s underrated. Take a slice of toasted sourdough, spread on a bit of horseradish cream or aioli, and top with thinly sliced steak. It makes a killer open-faced sandwich or snacky dinner.
Some Tips on This Golden Corral Sirloin Steak Recipe
1. Take the steak out early.
I always let my steak sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before I cook it. This helps it cook more evenly, so it’s not cold in the middle and burnt outside.
2. Don’t skip the marinade.
Trust me on this-marinating makes the steak extra juicy and tasty. Even just a few hours helps a lot!
3. Use a spouted cup for the marinade.
I like using a measuring cup with a little spout to pour the marinade-way less mess, and it’s easy to control where it goes.
4. Get that pan super hot.
Before I put the steak in, I let my cast iron grill pan get really hot. That’s how you get those yummy grill marks and a nice sear.
5. Only flip once.
When I sear the steak, I try not to move it around too much. Let it sit still to get those dark, tasty lines. I only flip it once!
6. Don’t skip the oven step.
Searing is just the start-finishing in the oven makes sure the inside gets just how I like it. Tender, juicy, and perfect.
7. Use a meat thermometer.
I used to guess when steak was done. Now I use a little thermometer that beeps when it’s ready. So much easier!
8. Let it rest.
I know it’s hard, but don’t cut the steak right away. I let it rest for 5 minutes so the juice stays inside. It’s worth the wait.
9. Cut it the right way.
I always slice against the grain. That just means cutting across the little lines in the meat. It makes the steak easier to chew.
10. Add a little butter on top.
Totally optional, but I love to put a bit of butter (or compound butter!) on the steak before serving. It melts and makes it even more delicious.
Storage Guide and Reheating Instructions for Golden Corral Sirloin Steak
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to keep it moist. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat in a 275°F oven until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve tenderness.

Golden Corral Sirloin Steak Recipe
We’ve made this steak so many times, and every time, it turns out just like the one at Golden Corral-maybe even better.
We’re here to help you get it right too, step by step, with all the little tips that actually matter.The Golden Corral sirloin steak recipe is a method for cooking sirloin steak at home that mimics the flavor and texture of the restaurant’s version.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce, if preferred)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2–4 top sirloin steaks
- 1 tbsp butter (for searing)
- Optional: compound butter for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steaks
Start by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl or measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the coconut aminos, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
Place your steaks in a zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour the marinade over the steaks, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Massage gently to distribute the marinade.
Refrigerate for 3–8 hours. Don’t exceed 8 hours or the meat may become too soft.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
About 30 minutes before cooking, take the steaks out of the fridge to let them come to room temperature-this helps them cook more evenly.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, heat your cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until very hot.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Add butter to the hot pan and swirl to coat the surface. Place the steaks in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side without moving them-this helps create those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast until your desired doneness is reached:
Doneness Temp (°F) Time Estimate
Rare 120°F 4–5 min
Medium Rare 130°F 6–7 min
Medium 140°F 8–9 min
Medium Well 150°F 10–11 min
Well Done 160°F 12–14 min
For accuracy, use an alarm thermometer. Remove steaks as soon as the target temp is reached.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Immediately remove steaks from the hot pan to prevent overcooking. Let rest for 5 minutes-this locks in the juices. The internal temperature will rise another 5 degrees as they rest.
Slice against the grain, add a dollop of compound butter if desired, and serve alongside roasted asparagus with a fresh squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to keep it moist. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat in a 275°F oven until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve tenderness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 800
Common Queries on This Golden Corral Sirloin Steak Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Golden Corral Sirloin Steak that people often ask.
1. What cut of steak do they use at Golden Corral?
From what we’ve tasted and seen, Golden Corral typically uses top sirloin steak for their grilled steak option. It’s a flavorful and lean cut, ideal for marinating and quick high-heat cooking like grilling or oven-roasting.
2. What is the best cooking method for sirloin steak?
In our kitchen, the combo method is king-start by searing it in a hot cast iron grill pan, then finish in the oven. This gives you the best of both worlds: a caramelized crust (those beautiful grill marks!) and a juicy, evenly cooked center. It’s also how we mimic that steakhouse quality without a grill.
3. What is the secret to tender sirloin steak?
There are three big ones:
A good marinade with acid (like balsamic vinegar) to help break down the muscle fibers.
Not overcooking-use a thermometer to avoid going beyond your preferred doneness.
And most importantly, letting it rest for 5 minutes after cooking. That gives the juices time to redistribute.
4. Does sirloin steak need to be marinated?
It doesn’t need to be, but in our experience, marinating makes a noticeable difference-especially with leaner cuts like sirloin. It adds both flavor and tenderness. Even 3 hours in the marinade goes a long way.
5. Can I use another cut besides sirloin?
Absolutely! This method works great with ribeye, strip steak, flank, or even filet mignon. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness and marbling.
6. I don’t have a cast iron pan-can I still make this?
Yes! While cast iron gives you those amazing grill marks and even heat, any oven-safe skillet will work. Just make sure it can handle a quick stovetop sear and then go into a 400°F oven.
7. How long should I marinate sirloin steak?
Our sweet spot is 3 to 8 hours. Any less and the flavor won’t penetrate; any more and the steak can start to get mushy. We usually pop it in before lunch to have it ready by dinner.
8. How do I know when my steak is done?
We always recommend using a meat thermometer-it takes the guesswork out. Medium-rare is 130°F, medium is 140°F, and so on. Just remember to pull it from the oven a few degrees early since it continues to cook while resting.
9. Do I need to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking?
If you have time-yes. Letting the steak sit out for 20–30 minutes before searing helps it cook more evenly. But if you’re short on time, don’t stress. We’ve done it both ways and still gotten great results.
10. What sides go best with sirloin steak?
We’re partial to roasted asparagus with lemon-it’s quick, healthy, and complements the steak beautifully. Other great options include garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a fresh Golden Corral Pea Salad.
I love seeing your kitchen creations! If you try this Golden Corral Sirloin Steak Recipe, leave a comment and tag your photos with #wholesomeyum on social.
Until next time-keep cooking boldly, seasoning generously, and enjoying every bite.
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!