Steak tips respond best to quick, high-heat cooking that seals in their natural juices. Learning how to cook steak tips is easier than you think, and this guide will walk you through every step from selecting the cut to serving it perfectly.
Steak tips are small, flavorful pieces of beef that come from tougher cuts like sirloin or round. Because they are lean and irregularly shaped, they need fast cooking to stay tender. Overcooking them makes them chewy.
This article covers pan-searing, grilling, and oven methods. You will also get tips on marinades, seasoning, and internal temperatures.
What Are Steak Tips?
Steak tips are not a single cut. They are usually trimmings from sirloin, flank, or tenderloin. Some stores sell “sirloin tips” or “flap meat” labeled as steak tips.
They are budget-friendly and full of beef flavor. Because they are small, they cook fast. This makes them perfect for weeknight dinners or quick meals.
Look for tips that are deep red with some marbling. Avoid pieces with too much fat or silver skin, as those can be tough.
How To Cook Steak Tips
This section covers the core method for perfect steak tips every time. The key is high heat and short cooking time.
Step 1: Choose Your Cut
- Sirloin tips – Most common, good balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Flap meat – Very tender, great for grilling.
- Round tips – Leaner, best with marinade.
- Tenderloin tips – Most tender, but more expensive.
Step 2: Prepare The Meat
- Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents browning.
- Trim any large pieces of fat or silver skin.
- Cut into uniform pieces, about 1.5 to 2 inches each. Even sizes ensure even cooking.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or onion powder if you like.
Step 3: Bring To Room Temperature
Let the tips sit out for 20–30 minutes before cooking. Cold meat seizes up in the pan and cooks unevenly.
Step 4: Preheat Your Pan Or Grill
For pan-searing, use a cast-iron skillet or heavy stainless steel pan. Heat it over medium-high to high heat for 3–4 minutes. The pan should be smoking hot.
For grilling, preheat your grill to high (about 450–500°F).
Step 5: Cook The Steak Tips
Add a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola to the pan. Swirl to coat.
Place the tips in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Pan-sear: Cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Flip once.
- Grill: Cook 4–5 minutes per side, turning once.
- Oven broil: Place tips on a baking sheet, broil 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 6: Check Internal Temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Insert into the thickest piece.
- Rare: 120–125°F
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 140–145°F
- Well-done: 160°F+ (not recommended for tips)
Step 7: Rest The Meat
Transfer cooked tips to a plate. Tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes. This lets juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve whole or slice against the grain. Drizzle with pan juices or a simple sauce.
Best Marinades For Steak Tips
Marinades add flavor and help tenderize lean cuts. Use a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Classic Balsamic Marinade
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate for 2–4 hours in the fridge. Do not exceed 8 hours, as acid can make the meat mushy.
Spicy Chipotle Marinade
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Marinate for 1–2 hours. This works great for grilling.
Simple Garlic Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is mild and lets the beef flavor shine.
Pan-Seared Steak Tips Recipe
This is the fastest method. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Pat tips dry. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Add tips in a single layer. Cook 3 minutes without moving.
- Flip. Add butter if using. Cook another 3 minutes for medium-rare.
- Remove from pan. Rest 5 minutes. Serve.
Grilled Steak Tips Recipe
Grilling adds smoky flavor. Best for outdoor cooking.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds steak tips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat grill to high (450°F).
- Toss tips with oil and seasonings.
- Place on grill grates. Cook 4–5 minutes per side.
- Check temperature. Remove at 130°F for medium-rare.
- Rest 5 minutes. Serve with chimichurri or steak sauce.
Oven-Broiled Steak Tips Recipe
Broiling is great when you cannot grill or pan-sear. It gives good browning.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak tips
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- Set oven rack 6 inches from broiler. Preheat broiler on high.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Place tips in a single layer.
- Broil 4 minutes. Flip. Broil another 4 minutes.
- Check temperature. Adjust time if needed.
- Rest 5 minutes. Serve.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Overcooking: Steak tips dry out fast. Use a thermometer.
- Skipping the rest: Cutting too early loses juices.
- Too much moisture: Wet tips steam instead of sear.
- Overcrowding the pan: This lowers heat and causes steaming.
- Not trimming silver skin: It stays chewy after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Steak tips pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Rice pilaf or quinoa
- Crusty bread to soak up juices
You can also slice tips and serve over pasta or in tacos. They work great in stir-fries too.
Storing And Reheating Leftovers
Store cooked steak tips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Cover and warm for 2–3 minutes. Do not microwave, as it toughens the meat.
You can also slice cold tips and add to salads or sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Cook Steak Tips From Frozen?
It is not recommended. Frozen tips cook unevenly and release too much moisture. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
What Is The Best Oil For Searing Steak Tips?
Use oils with high smoke points like avocado, canola, or grapeseed. Olive oil burns at high heat.
How Do I Know When Steak Tips Are Done Without A Thermometer?
Use the finger test: Touch the meat. Rare feels soft like your cheek. Medium-rare feels like the base of your thumb. Well-done feels firm like your forehead. But a thermometer is more reliable.
Can I Marinate Steak Tips Too Long?
Yes. Acidic marinades (vinegar, citrus) can break down the meat too much if left over 8 hours. Stick to 2–4 hours for most recipes.
Why Are My Steak Tips Tough?
They are likely overcooked or from a lean cut. Cook to medium-rare or medium at most. Also, slice against the grain for tenderness.
Final Tips For Success
Practice makes perfect. Start with a simple pan-sear method and adjust seasonings to your taste.
Remember that steak tips are forgiving. Even if you slightly overcook them, a good sauce or marinade can save the dish.
Experiment with different marinades and cooking methods. You will find your favorite combination.
Now you know how to cook steak tips like a pro. Grab your pan or fire up the grill, and enjoy a delicious, quick meal.