How Do You Cook Steak Tips? A Complete Guide to Perfectly Tender Bites

Steak tips are one of the most underrated cuts of beef. They’re flavorful, quick to prepare, and extremely versatile. Whether you’re firing up the grill, searing them on the stovetop, or throwing them in a slow cooker, steak tips are a great go-to for easy, delicious meals.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook steak tips from choosing the right cut to seasoning, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in and turn those beefy bites into your new favorite dish.

What Are Steak Tips?

Steak tips are small, bite-sized pieces of beef cut from various parts of the cow. In New England and many parts of the U.S., “steak tips” most commonly refer to the tender, marbled flap meat or sirloin, but they may also come from tri-tip, tenderloin, or chuck.

These meaty chunks are ideal for fast weeknight dinners, barbecue skewers, or meal prepping. Their shape makes them perfect for marinades and fast cooking locking in flavor and juiciness.

Choosing the Right Steak Tips

Not all steak tips are created equal. The key to success starts at the butcher counter or meat section of your grocery store.

A. Best Cuts for Steak Tips

1. Sirloin Tips: Tender and flavorful, these are a popular choice due to their balance of leanness and texture.
2. Flap Meat (Bottom Sirloin): This cut is more marbled, making it ideal for grilling and searing.
3. Tri-Tip or Tenderloin Tips: These are extremely tender and less fibrous, though usually more expensive.
4. Chuck Tips: Cheaper but tougher. Great for slow cooking or braising.

B. What to Look For

• Bright red meat with marbling
• Evenly sized chunks (or trim them yourself)
• Avoid grayish or excessively fatty cuts

C. Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed

Grass-fed steak tips are leaner and slightly gamier in flavor, while grain-fed beef tends to be juicier and more marbled. Either can work well depending on your taste preference and budget.

Preparing Steak Tips

Proper prep is essential for juicy, tender results. Steak tips are forgiving, but attention to detail here pays off.

A. Trimming and Cutting

If your steak tips come in larger strips or chunks, trim off excess fat or silver skin (a tough membrane) and cut them into 1½–2-inch cubes for even cooking.

B. Seasoning Options

1. Simple Seasoning

A basic combo of kosher salt and black pepper works wonders. You can also add:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika

2. Dry Rubs

Try a blend of:

• Brown sugar
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Crushed red pepper

Let the dry rub sit for 30 minutes before cooking.

3. Marinades (Highly Recommended)

Marinating not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat—especially if you’re using a tougher cut.

Here are a few popular marinade ideas:

Garlic Soy Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Black pepper to taste

Balsamic Herb Marinade:

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp rosemary or thyme
• Salt & pepper

Spicy BBQ Blend:

• 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Pinch of cayenne

Marinating Time:

• Minimum: 30 minutes
• Ideal: 2–4 hours
• Max: Overnight (especially for tougher cuts)

Cooking Methods for Steak Tips

Steak tips can be cooked in multiple ways depending on the equipment you have and the flavor profile you’re going for. Here’s how to nail each method.

A. Grilling Steak Tips

Grilling gives you charred edges and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with any marinade or rub.

Step-by-Step:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 450°F).
2. Remove steak tips from marinade and pat dry (this ensures a good sear).
3. Lightly oil the grates.
4. Place steak tips directly over the flame.
5. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use tongs to turn, not a fork.
6. Remove and let rest for 5–10 minutes.

Tips:

• Don’t move the steak too much; let it sear.
• Cook on skewers for easy flipping.

B. Stovetop Searing

No grill? No problem. A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan does the trick.

Step-by-Step:

1. Heat 1–2 tbsp of high smoke-point oil (like avocado or canola) on high.
2. Add steak tips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
3. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Optional: Add butter, garlic, and herbs (like rosemary or thyme) and baste.
5. Remove and rest.

Flavor Booster: Deglaze with red wine or beef broth for a quick pan sauce.

C. Broiling in the Oven

Broiling gives you a charred finish similar to grilling.

Step-by-Step:

1. Set your oven to broil (high).
2. Place steak tips on a foil-lined broiler pan or baking rack.
3. Broil 3–4 inches from the heat source for 4–5 minutes.
4. Flip and broil another 3–4 minutes.
5. Rest before serving.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on them they can go from perfect to overcooked fast.
• Use a thermometer to check internal temps.

D. Slow Cooking (For Tougher Cuts)

If you have chuck steak tips or just love ultra-tender beef, the slow cooker is your best friend.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sear tips in a hot pan (optional but adds flavor).
2. Add to slow cooker with:
   • 1 cup beef broth
   • 1 chopped onion
   • 2 cloves garlic
   • Mushrooms, carrots, or other veggies
3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours until fork-tender.
4. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry if desired.

Great For: Beef tips with gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Internal Temperature Guide

Cooking to the right internal temperature ensures safety and ideal texture. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Doneness	Internal Temp	Texture
Rare	125°F	Cool red center
Medium-Rare	130–135°F	Warm red center
Medium	140–145°F	Pink center
Medium-Well	150–155°F	Slightly pink
Well Done	160°F+	No pink, firmer chew

Rest Time: Let steak tips rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting or serving. This redistributes juices and prevents drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Steak tips are super flexible when it comes to side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas:

Classic Pairings

• Mashed potatoes with gravy
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Buttered corn on the cob

Healthy Options

• Cauliflower rice
• Grilled zucchini or bell peppers
• Quinoa and arugula salad
• Sweet potato mash

Creative Serving Ideas

• Steak tip tacos with slaw and chipotle crema
• Steak tip rice bowls with avocado and salsa
• Garlic butter steak tips over pasta
• Steak tip skewers with pineapple and red onion

Delicious Sauces

• Chimichurri: Adds a bold herbaceous zing
• Garlic Herb Butter: Melts beautifully over hot steak tips
• Red Wine Reduction: Rich and elegant
• Bourbon BBQ Sauce: Smoky and slightly sweet

Storage and Leftovers

Steak tips reheat well if stored and handled properly.

Storing

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months (remove excess air).

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep moist.
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it can toughen the meat.

Leftover Ideas

• Steak tip quesadillas
• Beef tip and egg breakfast burritos
• Toss into fried rice or stir-fry
• Add to pasta with cream sauce or pesto

Final Tips & Common Mistakes

✅ Tips for Success

• Always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Use high heat for quick searing to lock in juices.
• Let steak tips come to room temperature before cooking.
• Dry meat with paper towels before searing for better browning.
• Finish with a pat of butter for richness.

❌ Avoid These Mistakes

• Overcrowding the pan or grill
• Skipping rest time
• Overcooking past medium unless braising
• Not trimming connective tissue

Conclusion

Cooking steak tips is easy, fast, and incredibly satisfying when done right. From bold marinades to perfect sears, steak tips deliver big flavor in small packages. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, searing on the stovetop, or using a slow cooker for ultra-tender bites, there’s a method to suit every taste and lifestyle.

So grab your favorite marinade, fire up that grill or skillet, and enjoy a plate of perfectly cooked steak tips tonight.