Although baseball steak might look similar to filet mignon because of its round shape, don’t be fooled; they’re completely different beef cuts, especially in flavor and tenderness. In this guide, I’ll explain what a baseball steak is, why it’s called that, its other names, where it comes from on a cow, and more.
What is Baseball Steak (Top Sirloin Filet)?
Baseball steak is a beef cut from the center of the top sirloin. It is thick and lean but has a decent beefy flavor and is quite affordable. Although this cut of beef is pretty lean, it has a nice tender texture when cooked to no more than medium-rare doneness. Unfortunately, baseball steak is uncommon in most grocery stores, but you can ask your butcher to cut one.
The name “baseball steak” comes from how it looks when cooked. As it cooks, the steak puffs up around the sides and the center, forming a dome shape that resembles a baseball.
People often confuse baseball steak with filet mignon because they look alike but come from different parts of the cow. Filet mignon is cut from the beef tenderloin, part of the short loin. Filet mignon is extremely tender but very expensive and has a mild flavor. Baseball steak, however, is cut from the top sirloin. It is not as tender, but it’s richer in flavor.
What Are the Other Names for Baseball Steak?
Here are some of the most popular other names for baseball steak in the United States:
- Baseball cut steak
- Center-cut
- Boneless top sirloin butt steak
- Top sirloin filet
- Top sirloin butt steak
- Top sirloin filet boneless
- Center-cut top sirloin steak
The most commonly used alternative names for baseball steak are top sirloin filet and center-cut top sirloin steak.
Where Does Baseball Steak Come From on a Cow?
The baseball steak comes from the cow’s sirloin primal section, specifically from the upper part of the top sirloin steak.
Is Baseball Steak Tender?
Baseball steak, a thick and lean cut from the sirloin, is quite tender when cooked to rare/medium-rare doneness. While it isn’t as tender as filet mignon, it’s far from tough or chewy, making it one of the tenderest options from the sirloin.
What Does Baseball Steak Taste Like?
Baseball steak has a nice, beefy flavor. It’s a lean cut, so it doesn’t have much marbling, but when cooked just right, keeping it at rare to medium-rare, it turns out quite tender with a nice texture. It’s a great pick if you love a good, beefy flavor.
What Are the Best Methods for Cooking Baseball Steak?
Baseball steak is best when cooked quickly over high heat, either grilled or pan-seared, to achieve a medium-rare to medium doneness. This approach ensures the steak remains tender and juicy, with a nicely formed crust that enhances its flavor. When seasoning, keep it simple to let the steak’s natural, beefy taste shine through. A touch of rosemary or garlic, along with salt, pepper, and a bit of butter, is all you need.
Don’t overcook the baseball steak to avoid it becoming dry and tasteless. Other effective cooking methods include sous vide or reverse searing, each offering a unique twist to this tasty cut.
