Grilling steak tips is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef that’s perfect for any occasion-from casual family dinners to weekend cookouts. If you’ve ever wondered how to grill steak tips to juicy, mouthwatering perfection, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right marinade to grilling techniques and timing.
What Are Steak Tips?
Steak tips are small, tender pieces of beef cut from various parts of the cow, often from sirloin or other flavorful sections. They’re perfect for grilling because their size allows them to cook quickly while absorbing marinades and seasoning beautifully.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Steak Tips
Start by selecting quality steak tips. Look for cuts with good marbling, which means thin streaks of fat within the meat that help keep it juicy and flavorful during grilling. If you want extra tenderness and flavor, marinate your steak tips.
Easy Marinade Recipe
Here’s a simple marinade that adds great flavor and tenderness:
– ½ cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice or balsamic vinegar
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried or fresh grated ginger
– ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
Whisk these ingredients together, then toss your steak tips in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 4 hours or up to 2 days for deeper flavor penetration.
Step 2: Bring Steak Tips to Room Temperature
Before grilling, take the steak tips out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This step ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy inside without overcooking the outside.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
A hot grill is key to a great sear and flavor. Aim for a grill temperature of about 500 to 600°F. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat on high for 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, set up two zones: one very hot for searing and one medium heat for finishing the cooking.
Don’t forget to oil your grill grates before placing the steak tips on them. This prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Steak Tips
Place the steak tips on the hot side of the grill. Here’s a simple timing guide based on your preferred doneness:
– Medium-rare: Grill 4 minutes per side (internal temp 130-135°F)
– Medium: Grill 5 minutes per side (internal temp 135-145°F)
– Medium-well: Grill 6 minutes per side (internal temp 145-155°F)
Remember, the thickness of your steak tips will affect cooking time, so using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect doneness.
Step 5: Let the Steak Tips Rest
After grilling, transfer the steak tips to a plate and let them rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite juicy and tender.
Bonus Tips for Grilling Steak Tips Like a Pro
– Sear for flavor: Don’t rush the searing process. Let the steak tips develop a dark brown crust on each side before moving them to lower heat to finish cooking. This enhances flavor dramatically.
– Flip only once: For even cooking and great sear marks, flip your steak tips just one time during grilling.
– Use fresh herbs: Garnish grilled steak tips with chopped parsley, chives, or your favorite fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
– Don’t over-marinate: While marinating adds flavor, too long can break down the meat too much and affect texture. Stick to recommended times for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled steak tips are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a fresh salad, alongside grilled veggies, or with classic sides like baked potatoes or corn on the cob. They also make fantastic fillings for wraps or tacos.
Grilling steak tips is straightforward when you follow a few key steps: marinate well, preheat your grill, cook to the right temperature, and let the meat rest. With these tips, you’ll be enjoying perfectly grilled, juicy steak tips every time. Happy grilling!