If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night, this Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe is the one to try. It captures tender steak tips marinated to perfection, then grilled or pan-seared with that unmistakable smoky, tangy barbecue taste. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next cookout, these steak tips bring big flavors with minimal effort, making them a real crowd-pleaser that’s hard to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this recipe. Each component is simple, yet plays a crucial role—setting the foundation for rich flavor, a perfect sear, and that satisfying texture you’ll love.
- 1.5–2 lb sirloin or steak tips: Choose tender, juicy cuts for the best bite and grilling ease.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: The star of the marinade that infuses sweet, smoky flavors that define this dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the marinade cling beautifully while preventing sticking.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Brings a depth of umami that enhances the savory character of the beef.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A subtle hit of garlicky goodness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color that makes these tips irresistible.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat to balance everything.
How to Make Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Tips
Begin by cutting your sirloin or chosen steak into large bite-sized chunks. This ensures every piece is the perfect size to absorb the marinade and cook evenly, making every bite juicy and tender.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy or Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Stir well so all the flavors meld into a rich, tangy marinade that will coat your steak tips beautifully.
Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Toss the steak chunks in your marinade, making sure each piece is completely covered. For the best flavor, let the steak tips soak up the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinating for up to 8 hours lets those tastes really deepen.
Step 4: Cook the Steak Tips
Fire up your grill or heat a pan on medium-high. Cook the steak tips for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they reach your preferred level of doneness. The outside should have a perfect caramelized char while the inside stays tender and juicy.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, give your steak tips a few minutes to rest. This step locks in the juices, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful instead of drying out.
How to Serve Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can also add a zesty contrast that livens up every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables. For something heartier, mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad create a well-rounded meal full of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these steak tips as sliders on mini buns with pickles and a dollop of extra barbecue sauce for a fun party appetizer. Or, skewered with alternating veggies for a colorful, hand-held treat that’s perfect for outdoor grilling days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, giving you a quick and tasty option for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
To extend their life, you can freeze cooked steak tips. Pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ideally separated by parchment to avoid sticking. Properly frozen, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, gently warm the steak tips in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can cause the meat to toughen.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or steak tips are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like ribeye chunks or flank steak. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking tougher cuts.
Is it necessary to marinate the steak for 8 hours?
Not at all! While longer marinating enhances flavor, even 30 minutes gives the steak tips plenty of time to soak up the barbecue goodness for a quick, tasty meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe can be gluten-free. Just be sure to select a barbecue sauce and soy or Worcestershire sauce that are labeled gluten-free, as some brands do contain gluten.
What’s the best way to get a nice sear if I don’t have a grill?
A hot cast-iron skillet works wonders. Make sure it’s preheated well before adding the steak tips to achieve that lovely caramelized crust without sticking.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd or meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily and keeps well. Preparing in advance and reheating makes it a fantastic option for gatherings or weekly meal plans with a flavorful punch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that’s both simple and spectacular, and this Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s full of flavor, quick to make, and endlessly versatile, so I hope you give it a try soon and discover how easy and delicious weeknight dinners can be when you’ve got a winning recipe like this in your back pocket.
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Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and juicy steak tips marinated in a flavorful barbecue sauce, then quickly grilled or pan-seared to perfection. This simple and versatile recipe is ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or backyard cookout, boasting classic American BBQ flavors.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1.5–2 lb sirloin or steak tips
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the sirloin or steak tips into large bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to create a rich marinade.
- Marinate the Steak Tips: Add the steak chunks to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Steak Tips: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak tips for 3–4 minutes per side, adjusting time to preferred doneness, until they develop a nice sear and are cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the steak tips from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices before serving.
Notes
- Use sugar-free barbecue sauce to keep this dish low-carb and diabetic-friendly.
- Allow the meat to rest after cooking to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- You can substitute soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce depending on your flavor preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American BBQ
