Steak tips are a fantastic choice when you want a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Cooking steak tips in the oven is easy and yields juicy, tender results with a beautiful sear and perfect doneness. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with tips to make your steak tips shine.
What Are Steak Tips?
Steak tips are small, tender pieces of beef, often cut from sirloin or other flavorful parts of the cow. They cook faster than whole steaks and absorb marinades and seasonings wonderfully. This makes them perfect for a quick oven-cooked dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish.
Preparing Your Steak Tips for the Oven
Choose Your Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds of steak tips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
Step 1: Season or Marinate
Start by patting your steak tips dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes a good sear. Mix your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl, then rub the steak tips with olive oil and coat them evenly with the spice blend. If you prefer, you can marinate the steak tips for an hour or more for extra flavor.
Cooking Steak Tips in the Oven: Step-by-Step
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven and Skillet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, place a cast iron or oven-safe skillet on the stove over high heat. Let it get very hot-this is key for a great sear.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Tips
Add a little oil to the hot skillet, then place the steak tips in the pan. Sear each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a nice brown crust. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.
Step 4: Transfer to the Oven
Once seared, transfer the skillet with the steak tips directly into the preheated oven. Roast for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your steak tips and your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak tips rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making your steak tips tender and juicy. Serve them hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Steak Tips in the Oven
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
– Rest your meat after cooking to keep it juicy.
– Experiment with marinades like BBQ sauce or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
– Try finishing with butter and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a gourmet touch.
Quick Variations to Try
– BBQ Steak Tips: Marinate in your favorite BBQ sauce, sear, then bake as usual.
– Garlic Butter Steak Tips: Toss with melted garlic butter after resting.
– Spicy Steak Tips: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix.
Cooking steak tips in the oven is straightforward, quick, and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak dinner at home any night of the week. Give it a try and savor every juicy bite!