How to Make Perfect Grilled Steak Tips: A Delicious and Easy Guide

 

Grilled steak tips are a classic favorite for a reason—they’re juicy, flavorful, and relatively easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, cooking for family, or just craving a satisfying meal, grilling steak tips can elevate your cooking game. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of grilling perfect steak tips, from selecting the right cut of meat to serving a delicious meal.

Additionally, we’ll provide links to helpful resources like ScrappyGeek for further cooking tips and grilling advice.

What Are Steak Tips?

Steak tips refer to smaller, bite-sized cuts of beef that come from various parts of the cow, often from the sirloin or the tenderloin. These pieces of meat are typically cut against the grain, making them tender and easy to chew. The great thing about steak tips is that they’re versatile and can be cooked in many ways, but grilling them brings out the best in their rich, meaty flavor.

Unlike large steak cuts, steak tips are quicker to cook, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling sessions. They also absorb marinades wonderfully, taking on the flavors of whatever spices or sauces you choose.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Before you fire up the grill, it's essential to choose the right cut of beef. While any part of the cow can be used for steak tips, certain cuts provide better tenderness and flavor. Here are a few popular options:

• Sirloin Tips: These come from the top sirloin and are relatively affordable. Sirloin steak tips are lean but still tender and flavorful, making them a popular choice for grilling.

• Tenderloin Tips: These cuts come from the same area as filet mignon, so they’re incredibly tender and mild in flavor. They’re often more expensive than sirloin tips but offer a luxurious bite.

• Flank Steak Tips: Though a little tougher than the sirloin or tenderloin, flank steak tips are excellent for marinating and grilling. They tend to be flavorful and ideal for a quick cook on high heat.

For the most tender and flavorful results, we recommend going for sirloin or tenderloin tips. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, flank steak tips are a great choice.

Preparing Your Steak Tips

Once you’ve selected the right cut of meat, the next step is to prepare it for grilling. Preparation is essential to ensure that your steak tips turn out perfectly every time.

Trim Excess Fat

Before marinating or seasoning your steak tips, use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fat. While a little fat is fine for flavor, too much can result in flare-ups on the grill and lead to uneven cooking.

Marinating Your Steak Tips

Marinating your steak tips adds incredible flavor and helps tenderize the meat. You can marinate them for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, depending on your schedule. Here’s a simple marinade recipe that works wonders for grilled steak tips:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then pour the marinade over the steak tips. Seal them in a plastic bag or container and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill. You can also experiment with other marinades like citrus-based ones, herbs, or spicy ingredients, depending on your flavor preferences.

Seasoning Your Steak Tips

If you’re not marinating your steak tips, seasoning is the next best thing. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can bring out the best in your steak tips. For extra flavor, try adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning, but remember that a little goes a long way. Over-seasoning can overpower the natural flavor of the beef.

Prepping Your Grill

To cook the perfect grilled steak tips, it’s important to prep your grill properly. Here’s how to ensure your grill is ready for action:

1. Clean the Grill Grates: Start by cleaning the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any food residue from previous grilling sessions.

2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the steak tips will sear nicely when placed on the grates. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals have turned white before you start grilling.

3. Oil the Grill: Use a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to wipe down the grates. This helps prevent the steak tips from sticking to the grill.

If you want additional grilling tips and tricks, check out the grilling section at ScrappyGeek, where you'll find detailed resources for grilling a variety of meats and vegetables.

Grilling the Steak Tips

Now that you’ve prepared the meat and the grill, it’s time to cook the steak tips. Here’s how to achieve a perfect sear while maintaining a juicy interior:

1. Place the Steak Tips on the Grill: Arrange the marinated or seasoned steak tips on the grill in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

2. Grill the Steak Tips: For medium-rare steak tips, grill them for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. For medium, aim for 5 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time if your steak tips are thinner or thicker.

3. Flip Only Once: Avoid flipping your steak tips multiple times. Let them sear on one side before turning them over to get that perfect grill mark and flavor.

4. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steak tips are cooked to your preferred doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130°F, while medium should be around 140°F.

Once your steak tips are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.

Serving Your Grilled Steak Tips

Grilled steak tips can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving up these tasty bites:

• As a Main Course: Serve the steak tips with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

• In Tacos or Sandwiches: For a fun twist, slice the grilled steak tips and serve them in soft tacos with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also pile the sliced steak tips onto a toasted bun for a delicious sandwich.

• With Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic butter, chimichurri, or BBQ sauce, to complement the flavor of the steak tips.

For more creative meal ideas and grilling inspiration, visit ScrappyGeek and explore various grilling recipes that will take your barbecue skills to the next level.

Conclusion

Grilling steak tips is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal. Whether you’re marinating them for hours or just seasoning them with a few key ingredients, these flavorful bites are sure to impress. With the right cuts of meat, proper preparation, and a few grilling tips, you can make the perfect grilled steak tips every time.

For more helpful grilling advice, recipes, and kitchen hacks, be sure to check out ScrappyGeek, where you’ll find tons of useful resources for cooking and grilling.