What is the Best Cut of Beef for Steak Tips? A Guide to Selecting Tender, Flavorful Meat

Steak tips are a classic menu item at many restaurants. These tasty morsels of beef are flavorful tender, and easy to eat. But what cut of beef makes the best steak tips? Let’s explore some of the top options to select meat that will deliver on texture and taste.

What Exactly Are Steak Tips?

Steak tips are essentially small, bite-sized pieces of beef ranging from 1 to 2 inches in size. They can come from a variety of beef cuts and are usually marinated or seasoned, then quickly grilled or broiled to medium rare doneness.

The tender texture makes them easy to eat as an appetizer or a main course. They have a toasted, charred exterior with a moist, juicy interior. Steak tips are extremely versatile and pair well with various sauces and seasonings.

Best Cuts for Steak Tips

The most important factor in great steak tips is selecting beef cuts that offer good marbling and adequate tenderness. Here are some of the top options:

Sirloin Tip

The sirloin tip comes from the hip section of the cow. It offers good marbling and a beefy flavor that pairs well with marinades. The meat has some natural tenderness but benefits from quick cooking over high heat. It can be portioned into bite-size pieces perfect for tips.

Top Sirloin

Coming from the upper hip region top sirloin provides another excellent choice for steak tips. It has finer marbling than other cuts but remains fairly tender especially when cooked quickly to medium rare. Top sirloin can be cut into uniform cubes or strips for tips.

Tri-Tip

Trendy tri-tip has gained popularity for its tenderness and taste. The triangular shape allows for cutting uniform steak tips. It has less fat than other cuts but abundant flavor, especially when marinated. Cook tri-tip tips quickly to medium rare to medium for the best texture.

Flank Steak

While flank steak needs to be cooked carefully to avoid toughness, it can make flavorful tips if sliced across the grain into small pieces. Marinating helps tenderize and boost the flavor. Cut relatively thin for successful tips from flank steak.

Bottom Round Roast

Bottom round is quite lean and can be tough. But cutting across the grain into bite-sized morsels can make satisfying tips. Proper cooking and marinating helps counteract the tendency toward dryness and chewiness in this affordable cut.

Chuck Roast

Well-marbled chuck roast transforms nicely into steak tips with its balance of fat and connective tissue. The key is cutting the chuck into small, uniform pieces to enable quick cooking. Well-seasoned chuck tips have lots of rich, beefy flavor.

Tips for Cooking Steak Tips to Perfection

Cut beef into 1-2 inch pieces, trimming any excess fat or gristle. Uniform pieces allow even cooking.
Marinate tips for 1-8 hours to boost tenderness and infuse flavor. Use oil, acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus, and spices/herbs.
Pat steak tips dry thoroughly before cooking for ideal browning.
Use high heat – grill at 500°F or broil 3-4 inches from heat source.
Cook in a single layer, turning frequently, for about 8-12 minutes for medium rare tips.
Avoid overcooking; steak tips can go from juicy to leathery quickly. Use a meat thermometer if needed.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Slice against the grain if needed for larger pieces.

Top Tips for Flavorful, Foolproof Steak Tips

Ask the butcher for recommendations on the best value cuts for tips from locally sourced beef.
Choose a marinade that complements the beef flavor rather than overpowers it. A simple oil and vinegar marinade works wonderfully.
Sprinkle tips with a beef-friendly rub before cooking for a flavor boost.
Garnish cooked tips with fresh herbs, sautéed mushrooms or onions, crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of flavored butter.
Pair tips with roasted potatoes, rice, or pasta salad for a hearty, casual meal.

With the right cut, seasoning, and cooking method, you can enjoy restaurant-quality steak tips cooked to juicy, flavorful perfection at home. Experiment with different beef cuts to find your favorites.

The Complete Guide to Cooking the Perfect Steak

FAQ

What cut of beef is used for steak tips?

That being said, we should mention that while a steak tip is typically cut from sirloin, it may also be cut from flank steak, tenderloin tips, and parts of the round. The type of cut may also depend on which region of the country you’re visiting. For instance, on the east coast, we’re accustomed to sirloin tips.

What are beef tips called at the grocery store?

Although its name suggests otherwise, this cut comes from the Round primal, and is found on the front end of the rear leg. Often fabricated into roasts, which are great when braised, but can also be cut into steaks or used for Ground Beef. Also known as Knuckle and formerly known as Round Tip.

Is sirloin tip the same as beef tips?

While part of the sirloin tip is often used, steak tips can also come from flap meat, flank steak, as well as tenderloin tip and parts of the round. Just don’t use a T-bone or filet mignon to make tips, those should cook up unbothered to a nice medium-rare.

Is beef chuck good for steak tips?

Beef tips generally refer to sirloin tips (sometimes labeled “bavette” or “flap meat”). This cut can be hard to find, and it’s too easy to pick up similarly named roasts that end up tough because they have little fat or connective tissue. For the meatiest, most tender beef tips and gravy, opt for boneless beef chuck.