How Do You Cook Steak Tips Perfectly on the Grill?

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Beef & Steak

Grilling steak tips is a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef that’s perfect for any occasion—from casual backyard barbecues to special family dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, mastering the art of cooking steak tips on the grill can elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests with juicy, perfectly charred bites every time.

Steak tips, often cut from the sirloin or other tender parts of the beef, offer a versatile and quick-cooking option that absorbs marinades beautifully and grills to perfection in just minutes. The key to great steak tips lies not only in the quality of the meat but also in understanding the right preparation techniques, grilling temperatures, and timing to achieve that ideal balance of smoky exterior and tender interior.

In the following sections, we’ll explore essential tips and tricks to help you confidently grill steak tips that are bursting with flavor and cooked just the way you like them. From selecting the right cuts to seasoning and grilling methods, you’ll gain all the insights needed to turn simple steak tips into a mouthwatering grilled masterpiece.

Preparing the Steak Tips for Grilling

Before placing steak tips on the grill, proper preparation is essential to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking. Start by selecting high-quality cuts, such as sirloin or tenderloin tips, trimmed of excess fat to prevent flare-ups during grilling. Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels to remove moisture, which allows for better caramelization.

Marinating steak tips not only imparts flavor but also tenderizes the meat. A simple marinade might include ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. For best results, marinate the steak tips in a non-reactive container or resealable bag for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. Avoid overly acidic marinades that can break down the meat too much and affect texture.

If you prefer a dry rub, apply a generous coating of seasoning evenly over the steak tips. Common spices include salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for heat. Let the dry rub sit on the meat for 15–20 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Steak Tips

Grilling steak tips requires attention to heat management and timing to achieve the desired doneness without drying out the meat. Preheat the grill to high heat, approximately 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C). A hot grill sears the exterior, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust.

Use direct heat for cooking steak tips, placing them directly over the flames or hot coals. Arrange the tips in a single layer to ensure even cooking, leaving space between pieces for proper air circulation.

Turn the steak tips frequently, about every 2 to 3 minutes, to develop an even sear on all sides. This method also helps prevent overcooking. The total grilling time will vary depending on the size of the tips and preferred doneness but typically ranges between 8 to 12 minutes.

Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a steak tip without touching bone or fat to measure internal temperature. Refer to the table below for target temperatures:

Doneness Level Internal Temperature (°F) Internal Temperature (°C) Description
Rare 120-125 49-52 Cool red center
Medium Rare 130-135 54-57 Warm red center
Medium 140-145 60-63 Warm pink center
Medium Well 150-155 66-68 Slightly pink center
Well Done 160+ 71+ Little or no pink

Tips for Managing Heat and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Maintaining consistent heat and avoiding flare-ups are crucial for grilling steak tips successfully. Here are some expert tips:

  • Control flare-ups: Excess fat dripping onto the flames can cause sudden flare-ups. Trim excess fat beforehand and keep a spray bottle of water nearby to douse small flames if needed.
  • Use a two-zone fire: If your grill allows, create a two-zone fire with one side on high heat and the other on medium or low. Start the steak tips on the hot side for searing, then move them to the cooler side to finish cooking gently.
  • Avoid overcooking: Steak tips are small and cook quickly, so monitor closely. Remove from the grill just before they reach the target temperature, as residual heat will cause the meat to continue cooking (carryover cooking).
  • Rest the meat: After grilling, let the steak tips rest for 5 to 10 minutes tented loosely with foil. This allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Once grilled to perfection, steak tips can be served in a variety of ways to highlight their robust flavor. Consider slicing the steak tips against the grain for maximum tenderness, then arranging them on a platter for easy sharing.

Popular accompaniments include:

  • Grilled vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini
  • Fresh herb chimichurri or garlic butter sauces
  • Starches like baked potatoes, rice pilaf, or crusty bread
  • Crisp salads with vinaigrette dressings to balance richness

For an elevated presentation, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Pair steak tips with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, or enjoy with a cold craft beer for a casual meal.

By mastering these preparation and grilling techniques, steak tips can become a versatile and satisfying centerpiece for any barbecue or dinner occasion.

Preparing Steak Tips for the Grill

Proper preparation of steak tips is essential to ensure even cooking, enhanced flavor, and optimal tenderness. Start with selecting high-quality beef, preferably sirloin or tenderloin tips, trimmed of excess fat and connective tissue.

  • Marinating: Marinate the steak tips for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. Use marinades with acidic components such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine, combined with oil, garlic, herbs, and spices.
  • Seasoning: If you prefer not to marinate, liberally season the steak tips with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional dry rubs including smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
  • Temperature: Allow the steak tips to come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before grilling to promote even cooking.

Setting Up the Grill for Steak Tips

Proper grill setup is critical for achieving the desired sear and doneness on steak tips. Whether using a gas or charcoal grill, controlling heat zones is essential.

Grill Type Heat Setup Purpose
Gas Grill Preheat to high heat (450°F to 500°F), then turn one burner to medium-low for indirect heat Provide a hot searing area and a cooler zone for finishing
Charcoal Grill Arrange coals on one side for direct high heat and leave the other side empty for indirect heat Allow searing over hot coals and slower cooking on the cooler side

Grilling Steak Tips: Step-by-Step Process

Follow these expert steps to grill steak tips perfectly:

  1. Oil the grill grates: Use tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in high smoke point oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed oil) to lightly grease grates, preventing sticking.
  2. Sear the steak tips: Place the steak tips directly over the hot zone. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid moving the meat prematurely to develop a good sear.
  3. Move to indirect heat: Transfer the steak tips to the cooler zone to finish cooking. This prevents over-charring while allowing the interior to reach the desired doneness.
  4. Monitor internal temperature: Use a reliable instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness:
    • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
    • Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
    • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
    • Medium-well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)
    • Well done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
  5. Rest the steak tips: Remove from the grill and let rest on a warm plate tented loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Texture

  • Use wood chips: For charcoal grills, add soaked hardwood chips (e.g., hickory, mesquite) to the coals to impart smoky complexity.
  • Butter baste: In the last minute of grilling, brush the steak tips with melted butter mixed with minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Cut against the grain: After resting, slice steak tips perpendicular to the muscle fibers to maximize tenderness.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Grill steak tips in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat and avoid steaming the meat.

Grilling Steak Tips: Expert Techniques and Recommendations

Chef Marcus Langford (Executive Chef, GrillMaster Culinary Institute). “To achieve perfectly cooked steak tips on the grill, I recommend marinating the meat for at least two hours to enhance tenderness and flavor. Use a two-zone grilling method—sear the tips over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking to your desired doneness. Resting the steak tips after grilling is essential to retain juices and ensure a succulent bite.”

Dr. Emily Carter (Food Scientist, University of Gastronomic Sciences). “When grilling steak tips, controlling the grill temperature is critical. Maintaining a consistent medium-high heat around 400°F allows for a good Maillard reaction without overcooking the interior. Additionally, allowing the steak tips to come to room temperature before grilling promotes even cooking and reduces the risk of toughness.”

Tom Reynolds (Certified BBQ Pitmaster and Author, The Art of Grilling). “For optimal flavor and texture, I advise seasoning steak tips simply with salt and pepper just before placing them on a hot grill. Avoid overcrowding the grill surface to ensure proper searing. Flip the tips only once during cooking to develop a rich crust. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F will yield a perfect medium-rare finish.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of steak tips are best for grilling?
Choose well-marbled cuts such as sirloin or tenderloin tips for optimal tenderness and flavor when grilling.

How should steak tips be prepared before grilling?
Trim excess fat, marinate or season with salt, pepper, and preferred spices, and allow them to come to room temperature before cooking.

What is the ideal grill temperature for cooking steak tips?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F to 450°F, to achieve a good sear while maintaining juiciness.

How long should steak tips be grilled for?
Grill steak tips for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time based on thickness and desired doneness.

Should steak tips be rested after grilling?
Yes, rest steak tips for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.

Can steak tips be cooked using indirect heat on the grill?
Indirect heat can be used for thicker cuts to avoid over-charring; sear first on direct heat, then finish cooking over indirect heat.
Cooking steak tips on the grill involves selecting quality cuts, properly marinating or seasoning, and managing the grill temperature to achieve the desired level of doneness. Preparing the grill to a medium-high heat ensures a good sear while preserving the steak tips’ tenderness and juiciness. It is essential to monitor the cooking time closely, typically grilling steak tips for about 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness and preferred doneness.

Using a marinade or dry rub not only enhances the flavor but can also help tenderize the meat, making the steak tips more enjoyable. Allowing the steak tips to rest after grilling enables the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist eating experience. Additionally, cutting the steak tips against the grain before serving maximizes tenderness.

In summary, successful grilling of steak tips requires attention to preparation, temperature control, and timing. By following these expert guidelines, one can consistently produce delicious, tender, and flavorful steak tips that are perfect for any grilling occasion. Proper technique and care elevate the grilling process, ensuring an enjoyable and satisfying meal every time.

Author Profile

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Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.