How Long to Cook Steak Tips on the Grill?

Steak tips are a flavorful, juicy, and quick-cooking cut of beef that are perfect for grilling. Whether you’re preparing a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner, steak tips offer a delicious way to enjoy beef without the long cook times required for larger cuts. However, getting the cooking time just right is crucial to ensuring a tender and flavorful bite. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about grilling steak tips to perfection, from choosing the right cut to cooking times based on your desired doneness.

Choosing the Right Steak Tips

Before you start grilling, selecting the right steak tips is essential. Steak tips typically come from the sirloin, but other cuts like ribeye, flank, or even tenderloin can be used. Here’s what to consider when choosing steak tips:

• Cut of Meat: Sirloin steak tips are the most common because they are lean, flavorful, and cook quickly.
• Marbling: Look for marbling (thin streaks of fat within the meat) as it adds flavor and juiciness.
• Thickness: Steak tips can vary in thickness; the thicker they are, the longer they’ll take to cook. Aim for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for best results.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh steak tips tend to grill more evenly, but if using frozen, be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.

Preparing Steak Tips for the Grill

Proper preparation makes all the difference in getting the most flavor and tenderness out of your steak tips.

Trimming (If Necessary)

While most steak tips are sold trimmed, check for any excess fat or silver skin and remove it with a sharp knife.

Marinating vs. Seasoning

Steak tips can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper or marinated for extra flavor. Here are some options:

• Simple Seasoning: A mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances natural beef flavors.
• Marinades: Steak tips absorb marinades well, making them ideal for bold flavors. Try a marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a delicious taste. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours.
• Dry Rubs: If you prefer a crusty sear, try a dry rub with smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and cumin.

Bringing Steak Tips to Room Temperature

Before grilling, remove the steak tips from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This allows them to cook more evenly and retain their juices.

Preheating the Grill

Getting your grill to the right temperature is key for cooking steak tips correctly.

• Gas Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (400-450°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Charcoal Grill: Light the coals and let them burn until covered in white ash, then spread them evenly.
• Direct vs. Indirect Heat: Place the steak tips over direct heat for searing and indirect heat for slower cooking if needed.

Grilling Times for Steak Tips

Grilling time depends on the thickness of the steak tips and your preferred level of doneness. Here’s a guideline:

Doneness Level	Internal Temperature	Grill Time (Per Side)
Rare	120-125°F	3-4 minutes
Medium-Rare	130-135°F	4-5 minutes
Medium	140-145°F	5-6 minutes
Medium-Well	150-155°F	6-7 minutes
Well-Done	160°F+	7-8 minutes

Using a Meat Thermometer

For accuracy, use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak tip to check doneness. Remove the steak tips from the grill when they are 5°F below the target temperature, as they will continue cooking while resting.

Resting the Steak Tips

Once the steak tips are done, transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping them tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Steak tips pair well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some serving ideas:

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers complement the smoky flavor of steak tips.
• Mashed Potatoes: Buttery mashed potatoes make for a rich and satisfying pairing.
• Rice or Quinoa: A light grain dish balances the hearty texture of the steak.
• Salads: A fresh garden or Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast.

Sauces & Toppings

• Chimichurri: A fresh herb sauce made with parsley, garlic, and olive oil enhances the steak.
• Garlic Butter: Melted butter mixed with garlic and parsley adds a luxurious touch.
• Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce works great with marinated steak tips.
• Mushroom Gravy: A rich mushroom sauce adds depth to the dish.

Conclusion

Grilling steak tips is an easy and delicious way to enjoy beef without a long cook time. The key to perfect steak tips is selecting the right cut, properly seasoning or marinating, preheating the grill to the right temperature, and cooking based on your preferred doneness. Don’t forget to rest the steak tips before serving to ensure they stay juicy and tender. With the right techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality steak tips at home every time. Fire up the grill and enjoy.