One of my favorite cuts of steak is known as the top sirloin cap. I think it is one of the most under-appreciated cuts of beef, generally because it is not sold separately. When you break down a top sirloin, it is mainly comprised of the main sirloin and the cap. The cap is also known a culotte steak or a churrasca steak. It is significantly more tender than the top sirloin, and more flavorful.

What's The Top Sirloin Cap?
People generally either love or hate sirloin. It doesn’t carry as much marbling as a ribeye, nor is it tender like a filet, but generally is a good value at the grocery or a steakhouse. However, the sirloin cap is a different cut, so to speak, and will be a favorite of any beef lover. If you know a good butcher or frequent a steakhouse that cuts their own steaks, ask them to save you a capsteak next time. I think of it as similar to the spinelis dorsi, or ribeye cap that is so flavorful and popular now. However, unlike that cut, you generally would never butcher the sirloin cap into a part of a sirloin steak. Most of the top sirloin cap ends up as churrasca steaks served at Brazilian steakhouses, with the thin layer of fat left on it. When I cook it, I generally remove it, but that is optional.

Why Smoke It?
I don’t pretend to know why, but the sirloin cap gathers smoke flavor more quickly than any other cut I smoke. As it is naturally tender, it can handle a “hot” smoking temperature. To keep it moist, you will want to finish it at a medium rare or medium internal doneness (135 for medium rare.) Unlike a brisket, it does not have a lot of connective tissue that needs a long time to break down to achieve tenderness, so I cook it at 275 or 300 degrees.

Let's Cook It!
First, trim off any silver skin. I remove the fat cap as well, as I want to season the entire steak, however, this is optional.

Next, season it up. I use my Grillin' Shake, but a simple salt and pepper or your favorite BBQ rub will also do nicely.

Now it's time to put it on the smoker. I run my smoker for this cook at 275 degrees, but up to 300 degrees is acceptable. When cooking beef, I like to use cherry wood, but any hardwood is great for this cut of beef.

Cook the top sirloin to 143 degrees internal temperature, which takes about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the sirloin. Remove it 3 to 5 degrees before your desired doneness, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest 5 to 10 minutes. The internal temp will continue to climb and hit perfection while resting. Identify the “grain” of the meat and slice against it. In the below photo, you can notice the grain running from about “1:00” to “7:00.”

Serve it up! Your friends and family will thank you!