Sirloin Cap vs Striploin — What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Sirloin Cap (sirloin cap) and Striploin (striploin (strip steak)) are not the same cut: Sirloin Cap is sirloin primal (top sirloin cap (coulotte)); Striploin is loin primal (longissimus dorsi (short loin)).
Canonical entities: Sirloin Cap · Striploin
Side-by-side
| sirloin cap | striploin | |
|---|---|---|
| Primal | sirloin | loin |
| Muscle / location | top sirloin cap (coulotte) | longissimus dorsi (short loin) |
| Character | Triangular cap on the top sirloin; prized as picanha in Brazil. | Leaner than ribeye; the classic strip steak muscle running along the short loin. |
Key differences
- Different primals: sirloin vs loin.
- Texture and slicing: compare fibrous, grain-heavy cuts vs more tender steak-style muscles based on each cut’s description.
- Retail naming diverges by country—always map through a canonical cut when translating menus or labels.
When to use each
Sirloin Cap
Pick Sirloin Cap when you want its specific marbling/texture profile: Triangular cap on the top sirloin; prized as picanha in Brazil.
Striploin
Pick Striploin when its primal/muscle traits fit the dish: Leaner than ribeye; the classic strip steak muscle running along the short loin.
Sirloin Cap and Striploin are different canonical muscles/primals: Sirloin Cap is sirloin (top sirloin cap (coulotte)); Striploin is loin (longissimus dorsi (short loin)).
Choose based on tenderness, marbling, grain direction, and how you plan to cook (sear vs braise vs slice thin).
Read the full guides: sirloin cap (what-is) · striploin (what-is) · sirloin cap hub · striploin hub