The Wood-Grilled Sirloin from Red Lobster features a tender, juicy sirloin steak char-grilled over natural wood, delivering a smoky flavor and beautifully seared crust, served with your choice of fresh sides for a satisfying, savory meal.
Equipments
- Char-grill or Wood-fired Grill
- Natural wood (for grilling)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grill brush
- Serving plates
- Sauce brush (optional)
- Mixing bowls (for preparing sides)
- Cooking pans or pots (for sides)
- Plating tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 oz) sirloin steak
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Natural wood chips or chunks (hickory, oak, or applewood)
- Cooking spray (for grill grates)
- Butter (optional for finishing steak)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary, optional for garnish)
- Choice of fresh sides (e.g., potatoes, green beans, broccoli, rice pilaf)
When preparing the Wood-Grilled Sirloin, choose a high-quality sirloin steak between 8-10 ounces for optimal tenderness and flavor. Season the steak simply with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its natural taste without overpowering it. Use natural wood chips like hickory, oak, or applewood to achieve the signature smoky flavor associated with Red Lobster's dish. Be sure to preheat your wood-fired or char-grill properly and apply cooking spray to the grill grates to prevent sticking while maintaining a perfect sear. For your perfect Wood-Grilled Sirloin copycat menu, focus on pairing the steak with fresh, well-seasoned sides such as green beans or rice pilaf to recreate the full Red Lobster experience.
Instructions
- Preheat char-grill or wood-fired grill to high heat using natural wood chips or chunks for smoky flavor.
- Clean and oil grill grates with grill brush and cooking spray.
- Pat sirloin steak dry with paper towels.
- Brush steak with olive oil on all sides.
- Season steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place steak directly over the hottest part of the grill.
- Sear steak 3–5 minutes on first side for a good crust.
- Flip steak using tongs; grill 3–5 minutes more for preferred doneness.
- Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature (Medium-rare: 130–135°F, Medium: 135–145°F).
- Optional: Brush steak with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh herbs before removing from grill.
- Transfer grilled steak to cutting board; let rest 5 minutes.
- Slice steak, if desired, with chef’s knife.
- Prepare chosen sides in cooking pans or pots as desired.
- Plate steak with fresh sides using plating tongs or spatula.
- Garnish steak with more fresh herbs if desired; serve immediately.
Substitution
The Wood-Grilled Sirloin copycat recipe replicates Red Lobster's tender steak grilled over natural wood for authentic smoky flavor and a perfect sear. If you don't have access to a wood-fired grill, using a gas grill with soaked wood chips in a smoker box can achieve similar results. Thyme or rosemary adds fresh aroma when placed on the steak during the final minutes of grilling. You can substitute sirloin with ribeye or strip steak for a juicier or more marbled cut while maintaining cooking times. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired doneness, keeping your meal perfectly cooked.
Tips
When grilling your Wood-Grilled Sirloin, ensure the grill grates are thoroughly cleaned and well-oiled to prevent sticking and maintain grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness, aiming for 130-135degF for medium-rare to avoid overcooking. Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor. Avoid piercing the steak with a fork during cooking to retain its juicy texture.
Nutritions
The Wood-Grilled Sirloin from Red Lobster provides a rich source of high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance, delivering approximately 500-600 calories per 8-10 oz steak depending on preparation. This cut is naturally low in carbohydrates and offers important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support energy metabolism and immune function. The use of olive oil and natural wood grilling methods enhances the flavor without adding unhealthy fats, while your choice of fresh vegetable sides boosts fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for a balanced meal. Tracking your portion sizes and incorporating nutrient-dense sides ensures this savory dish fits well within a wholesome diet.
Storage
To maximize the flavor and tenderness of your Wood-Grilled Sirloin, wrap the cooled steak tightly in aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container to retain moisture. Keep fresh sides like potatoes or green beans in separate sealed containers and refrigerate to preserve their texture and freshness. Consume the stored meal within 2-3 days, reheating gently to maintain the smoky char-grilled taste without overcooking.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the sirloin with a ribeye or New York strip steak for a richer flavor and marbling. Instead of olive oil, try rubbing the steak with a garlic-infused oil or a spice blend like smoked paprika and cumin for extra depth. For a quicker cooking method, consider finishing the steak in a preheated oven at 400degF after searing to achieve even doneness. Incorporating a charred lemon wedge on the side can add a bright, smoky contrast to the woody grilled flavors.
Allergies
The Wood-Grilled Sirloin may pose allergy risks primarily from butter and olive oil, as individuals with dairy or olive allergies should exercise caution. Cross-contact with natural wood chips like hickory, oak, or applewood is unlikely to cause allergies but verify for potential sensitivities to wood smoke. Your choice of fresh sides could also introduce allergens such as dairy or gluten, so always confirm specific ingredients with the restaurant.
Why this recipe?
The Wood-Grilled Sirloin at Red Lobster stands out for its tender, juicy texture enhanced by a smoky, charred flavor from the open-flame grilling process. High-quality USDA Choice sirloin ensures rich marbling and robust taste, complemented by a perfect seasoning blend that amplifies natural beef flavors. People appreciate the dish for its satisfying balance of lean protein and savory crust, making it a memorable steak experience. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this gourmet taste at home, controlling ingredient quality and customization to suit your palate.