Steak tips are a delicious, versatile cut of beef that can be cooked quickly and enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or oven-roasting, knowing how to cook steak tips properly will ensure they turn out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best tips and techniques for cooking steak tips, so you can impress yourself and your guests with a fantastic meal.
What Are Steak Tips?
Steak tips usually come from sirloin or other tender cuts like tri-tip, filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip. They are small, bite-sized pieces of steak, perfect for quick cooking and great for marinating. Avoid using inexpensive stew meat as it tends to be tough.
Preparing Your Steak Tips
1. Bring to Room Temperature
Before cooking, let your steak tips sit out for about 20 to 30 minutes to come to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside warms up.
2. Season Simply but Well
Salt is your best friend when it comes to seasoning steak tips. Use kosher salt generously to bring out the natural flavors of the beef. You can also add freshly ground black pepper. Avoid over-seasoning; the goal is to highlight the meat’s flavor, not mask it.
3. Pat Dry
If your steak tips are a bit wet, pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This step helps achieve a nice crust by ensuring good contact with the pan or grill.
Cooking Methods for Steak Tips
Pan-Searing Steak Tips
Pan-searing is one of the quickest and easiest methods to cook steak tips.
– Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until very hot.
– Add a high smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or soybean oil.
– Add steak tips in a single layer without overcrowding the pan to avoid steaming.
– Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
– Add butter and minced garlic in the last 20 seconds for extra flavor, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Grilling Steak Tips
Grilling adds a smoky flavor and beautiful char to steak tips.
– Marinate your steak tips for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
– Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
– Grill steak tips for about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for thickness and preferred doneness.
– Rotate the tips 90° every couple of minutes for even grill marks.
– Remove from grill when the internal temperature reaches about 130°F for medium-rare.
– Let the steak tips rest for 8-10 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
Oven Cooking Steak Tips
Oven cooking is also an option, especially when you want a hands-off approach.
– Preheat your oven to 400°F.
– Sear steak tips in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to develop a crust.
– Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 5-7 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness.
– Rest the steak tips before serving.
Tips for Perfect Steak Tips Every Time
– Don’t overcook: Overcooking steak tips makes them tough. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 125-130°F internal temperature.
– Flip often if you want: Contrary to old advice, flipping steak tips frequently can help them cook more evenly.
– Use the right oil: Avoid olive oil for searing because it smokes at low temperatures. Use oils with high smoke points like avocado or canola oil.
– Rest your meat: Let steak tips rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
– Slice against the grain: When cutting steak tips, slice against the grain to make them more tender and easier to chew.
Flavor Variations and Marinades
Steak tips are perfect for experimenting with flavors. Some popular options include:
– Garlic Butter: Toss cooked steak tips with melted butter and minced garlic for a rich, savory finish.
– Balsamic Glaze: Cook steak tips with mushrooms and a balsamic vinegar glaze for a tangy twist.
– Red Wine Vinaigrette Marinade: Marinate steak tips in a mixture of red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs for a flavorful and tender bite.
Serving Suggestions
Steak tips are incredibly versatile and can be served:
– Over rice or mashed potatoes
– With grilled vegetables or a fresh salad
– As a hearty sandwich filling
– Tossed in pasta or tacos
They make a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.
Steak tips are easy to cook and endlessly adaptable. With these tips, you’ll be able to make juicy, flavorful steak tips that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Juicy, tender steak tips are just a few simple steps away from perfection. Happy cooking!