Understanding Sirloin Steak Protein

Sirloin steak — specifically top sirloin in USDA references — is a common whole-muscle beef log because it is sold by weight, easy to portion in ounces, and high in protein per calorie compared with fattier steak cuts.

Protein content depends on trim level (lean only vs lean + fat), raw vs cooked state, and actual portion weight. The calculators on this page scale from per-100g USDA values — match your scale reading to the matching reference.

Why Sirloin Protein Varies

Raw vs cooked — broiled top sirloin lists 29.3g protein per 100g (lean + fat) vs 22.2g raw (FDC #169457 vs #169454). Cooking concentrates protein; it does not manufacture it.

Lean only vs lean + fat — separable fat changes per-100g protein density. Lean-only broiled lists 30.6g protein at 183 kcal vs 29.3g at 212 kcal for lean + fat broiled.

Cut name on the label — USDA entries here are top sirloin steak with 0" trim. Bottom sirloin, tri-tip, strip, and other "sirloin" marketing names may differ.

Portion size — restaurant steaks and home portions range widely; weigh for precision rather than assuming a standard 6 oz.

How Much Protein Is in a 6 oz Sirloin Steak?

At broiled lean + fat values (default reference), 6 oz (~170g) cooked provides about 49.9g protein and 360 kcal.

If you weighed 6 oz raw, use the raw reference instead — about 37.7g protein and 311 kcal at lean + fat raw values.

Steak thickness, trim, and doneness change cooked yield. Re-weigh cooked meat when batch cooking or meal prepping for accurate logs.

How Much Protein Is in 4 oz of Sirloin?

At broiled lean + fat values: 4 oz (~113g) cooked ≈ 33.1g protein, 240 kcal.

At lean-only broiled values: 4 oz (~113g) cooked ≈ 34.5g protein, 207 kcal.

Use the food-state selector above if you logged raw weight or lean-only trim.

Raw vs Cooked Sirloin Steak Protein

Per 100g, broiled lean + fat top sirloin lists more protein (29.3g) than raw (22.2g) — moisture loss during cooking concentrates macros into fewer grams. Total protein in your portion does not increase unless you add ingredients.

For food logging: weigh raw → log raw reference; weigh cooked → log cooked reference. The raw-vs-cooked comparison table below shows side-by-side values for top sirloin.

Do not compare raw ribeye to broiled sirloin in one table row without noting the food-state mismatch — see the cooked steak-cut comparison for like-for-like broiled entries.

Sirloin vs Other Steak Cuts (Cooked, Broiled)

Among cooked, broiled USDA references on this page, top sirloin lean + fat (29.3g protein / 212 kcal) sits between tenderloin lean + fat (28.2g / 218 kcal) and ribeye lean + fat (26.6g / 265 kcal) per 100g.

Ribeye carries more fat and calories at similar cooked weights; tenderloin is slightly lower in protein density but still high-protein. Cut choice changes fat and calories more than it changes whether steak is a strong protein source.

All rows in the steak-cut comparison table use cooked, broiled references so comparisons are state-matched.

Should You Weigh Sirloin Raw or Cooked?

Either works — consistency matters more than which state you choose. Many people weigh raw before grilling; others re-weigh the cooked steak on the plate.

If your tracker entry says "6 oz sirloin," confirm whether that was raw or cooked — switching states without changing the reference can skew protein by 25% or more per 100g.

Side dishes, compound butter, and pan sauces are separate log entries — plain steak references exclude add-ons.

Reading Labels and Menu Descriptions

Retail packs may list top sirloin, center-cut sirloin, or generic sirloin steak. When a Nutrition Facts panel is present, prefer that label for the specific product.

Restaurant menus rarely specify trim or raw vs cooked weight. Treat menu ounce claims as approximate unless the venue confirms whether weights are raw or cooked.

USDA SR Legacy entries (linked in Data & Methodology) are generic references for top sirloin at defined trim levels — not every branded steak program.

Common Sirloin Tracking Mistakes

Logging cooked weight with raw per-100g protein (or the reverse).

Assuming every label that says "sirloin" is top sirloin with 0" trim.

Comparing raw ground beef to broiled steak without noting different food states.

Ignoring lean-only vs lean + fat when trimming visible fat before eating.

Using eyeball portion sizes instead of a kitchen scale for recurring logs.

Sirloin Steak vs Other Protein Foods (food state shown per row)

Food (food state)Protein (g)Calories (kcal)Total Fat (g)Notes
Top sirloin, lean + fat broiled29.32129.7Default reference
Chicken breast, skinless roasted31.01653.6Poultry contrast
Lean ground beef 93/7, raw20.91527.0Ground beef — raw state
Ground beef 93/7 patty pan-broiled25.61828.0Ground beef — cooked
Tofu, firm9.0784.2Plant protein contrast

Top Sirloin Protein by Food State (per 100g)

Food stateProtein (g)Calories (kcal)Total Fat (g)
Lean + fat, broiled (FDC #169457)29.32129.7
Lean only, broiled (FDC #168634)30.61835.8
Lean + fat, raw (FDC #169454)22.21839.4
Lean only, raw (FDC #168631)23.21585.0

Steak Cuts Compared (cooked, broiled, lean + fat, per 100g)

Cut (cooked, broiled)Protein (g)Calories (kcal)Total Fat (g)
Top sirloin (FDC #169457)29.32129.7
Tenderloin (FDC #169438)28.221810.6
Ribeye (FDC #169436)26.626519.0

Sirloin Steak vs Lean Ground Beef (per 100g)

NutrientTop sirloin broiledGround beef 93/7 rawGround beef 93/7 patty broiled
Protein (g)29.320.925.6
Calories (kcal)212152182
Total Fat (g)9.77.08.0
Food state noteWhole muscle, cookedGround, rawGround patty, cooked

Sirloin Steak vs Chicken Breast (per 100g)

NutrientTop sirloin broiledChicken breast roasted
Protein (g)29.331.0
Calories (kcal)212165
Total Fat (g)9.73.6
Food state noteBeef steak, cookedPoultry, cooked

Practical Tips for Sirloin Steak

  • 1

    Match raw or cooked to what you weighed — the largest sirloin logging error.

  • 2

    Top sirloin is a specific USDA cut — other "sirloin" labels may not match these references.

  • 3

    Compare steak cuts cooked-to-cooked — use the broiled comparison table, not raw ribeye vs broiled sirloin.

  • 4

    Weigh in grams when precision matters; oz tables are estimates.

  • 5

    Log butter, oil, and sauces separately from plain steak values.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sirloin Steak

How much protein is in sirloin steak?
Per 100g broiled top sirloin, lean + fat (default reference, FDC #169457) lists 29.3g protein and 212 kcal. Lean-only broiled lists 30.6g protein; raw lean + fat lists 22.2g. Select trim and food state in the calculator to match what you weighed.
How much protein is in a 6 oz sirloin steak?
At broiled lean + fat values, 6 oz (~170g) cooked provides about 49.9g protein and 360 kcal. If you weighed raw meat, use the raw reference — about 37.7g protein per 170g at lean + fat raw values.
How much protein is in 4 oz of sirloin steak?
At broiled lean + fat values, 4 oz (~113g) cooked provides about 33.1g protein and 240 kcal. Lean-only broiled values list slightly more protein per 4 oz at lower calories.
How much protein is in 100g of sirloin steak?
100g broiled top sirloin, lean + fat (FDC #169457) lists 29.3g protein, 212 kcal, and 9.7g fat. Raw lean + fat lists 22.2g protein per 100g (FDC #169454).
Does cooking sirloin increase protein?
No. Cooking removes water and fat, concentrating the same absolute protein into less weight — grams per 100g rise in cooked USDA entries, but total protein in your portion does not increase.
Should I weigh sirloin steak raw or cooked?
Log the state you weighed. Raw USDA entries apply to raw weight; broiled entries apply to cooked weight. Mixing states is a common tracking mistake.
Is sirloin or chicken breast higher in protein?
Per 100g cooked, chicken breast lists 31.0g protein at 165 kcal; broiled top sirloin lists 29.3g protein at 212 kcal. Breast is slightly denser in protein per 100g; sirloin still delivers high protein per portion at higher fat and calories.
How does sirloin compare to ribeye for protein?
Per 100g cooked broiled lean + fat, top sirloin lists 29.3g protein and 212 kcal; ribeye lists 26.6g protein and 265 kcal (FDC #169436). Sirloin is higher in protein per 100g and lower in fat and calories in these references.
How much sirloin provides 30g of protein?
At broiled lean + fat values, you need about 102g (~3.6 oz) cooked for 30g protein. At raw lean + fat values, about 135g (~4.8 oz) raw. Use the protein target calculator for other goals and food states.
Is lean-only sirloin higher in protein than lean + fat?
Per 100g broiled, yes — lean only lists 30.6g protein (FDC #168634) vs 29.3g for lean + fat (FDC #169457). Less fat mass per 100g raises protein density slightly.

Important Notice

Nutritional values on this page are based on USDA FoodData Central SR Legacy references for top sirloin and related steak cuts (FDC #169457, #168634, #169454, #168631, #169436, #169438). Chicken breast, ground beef, and tofu comparisons use separate food-state references as labeled in each table row. Package Nutrition Facts labels are the most accurate source for specific branded steaks. Protein target calculations describe mathematical equivalents only — not personal intake recommendations. This information is for nutrition journaling only — it is not medical advice.

About the Author

Manish Kumar - Author
Manish KumarNASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

Certified fitness professional and nutrition researcher with over 10 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry. Founder of Food Nutrify, dedicated to making accurate, science-backed nutrition data accessible to everyone through free, easy-to-use calculators.

NASM Certified Personal TrainerSports Nutrition Specialist

References & Sources

  1. [1] USDA FoodData Central (2024). Beef, top sirloin, steak, separable lean and fat, trimmed to 0" fat, all grades, cooked, broiled — FDC #169457. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
  2. [2] USDA FoodData Central (2024). Beef, top sirloin, steak, separable lean only, trimmed to 0" fat, all grades, cooked, broiled — FDC #168634. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
  3. [3] USDA FoodData Central (2024). Beef, top sirloin, steak, separable lean and fat, trimmed to 0" fat, all grades, raw — FDC #169454. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
  4. [4] USDA FoodData Central (2024). Beef, rib, eye, small end (ribs 10-12), separable lean and fat, trimmed to 0" fat, choice, cooked, broiled — FDC #169436. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
  5. [5] USDA FoodData Central (2024). Beef, tenderloin, steak, separable lean and fat, trimmed to 0" fat, all grades, cooked, broiled — FDC #169438. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.