Are you a fan of steak tips but unsure of where they come from on the cow? Look no further!
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of steak tips and explore the different cuts of beef that can be used to make this delicious and versatile dish.
From sirloin to round to tenderloin, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a seasoned steak tip aficionado or a newcomer to the dish, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the cut of beef used to make steak tips.
So grab a seat and get ready to learn about one of the most beloved cuts of beef out there!
What Cut Of Beef Is Steak Tips?
Steak tips are a popular dish that can be found in many restaurants and homes across the country. But what exactly is the cut of beef used to make this delicious dish?
Steak tips are typically cut from the sirloin, which is a popular and affordable cut of beef. However, they can also be cut from other parts of the cow, such as the round or tenderloin. The type of cut used may also depend on which region of the country you’re in. For example, on the east coast, sirloin tips are more common, while on the west coast, tri-tip is the preferred cut.
It’s important to note that not all steak tips are created equal. Some steak tips come from tender, expensive cuts in the middle of the cow, such as the tenderloin. These tips are a superior cut but not what we consider to be a true steak tip. True steak tips come from various muscles in the sirloin and round and cost about $5 per pound.
One specific muscle that butchers call flap meat is often used to make steak tips. Flap meat has a rich, deep beefy flavor and a distinctive longitudinal grain. It’s best to buy flap meat in steak form rather than cubes or strips, which are often cut from nearby muscles in the hip and butt that are neither as tasty nor as tender.
Introduction To Steak Tips
If you’re not familiar with steak tips, they are precisely as they sound – tips of beef steak cut length-wise for easy grilling and skewering. They are a versatile beef cut that is excellent for grilling, kabobs, tacos, or sautéed for a simple main dish. While steak tips are generally beef from the sirloin, they can also come from the round, flank, and tenderloin.
In New England, sirloin tips, or steak tips as they are often called, are a staple of summer barbecues and are featured on the menus of restaurants throughout the region. They are usually marinated in something sweet and tangy and prepped well in advance of cooking so that the meat sops up the marinade.
It’s important to note that not all cuts of meat labeled as steak tips are of the same quality. Cheaper cuts labeled as steak tips will likely end up getting tough and chewy, which is precisely the opposite of what real steak tips should be. So, it’s best to stick to quality meat using the guidelines we’ve listed above and talk to the butcher to make sure you’re getting real steak tips from the sirloin cut.
Sirloin: A Popular Cut For Steak Tips
The sirloin is a popular cut of beef used for steak tips. It’s a flavorful and affordable cut that is often marinated to enhance its taste. However, the flavor of sirloin comes at the expense of texture, as it can be tough and relatively low in fat. That’s why it’s important to look for steak tips specifically labeled “sirloin tips,” as they come from the portion of the sirloin that has the deepest flavor.
When cooking sirloin tips, it’s important to avoid overcooking them, as their lack of fat means they can easily dry out and become tough. If you’re cooking them quickly, use a skillet or grill, but make sure to marinate them first to break down the tough tissue. For best results, sirloin tips should be braised in the slow cooker or incorporated into a stew.
Despite its limitations, sirloin is a versatile cut of beef that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s a great, cheap cut of beef for a weeknight meal and can be easily incorporated into your protein rotation. So the next time you’re at the grocery store, look for sirloin tips and try your hand at making this delicious dish at home.
Round: A Lean And Flavorful Option
Another option for steak tips is the round, a lean and flavorful cut of beef. The round is a large primal cut that comes from the cow’s rear leg and rump, and it’s made up of three parts: the top, the tip, and the bottom. While the top round is the most tender part of the round, it’s still tough and lean compared to other cuts. The sirloin tip, which is a boneless and lean cut from the round, can be used for steak tips but may require some extra care when cooking due to its connective tissue. It’s best used for kabobs or stews that require braising to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
However, the round tip steak is a more tender option compared to other round steaks. It’s an economical steak that comes from the section next to the sirloin, making it a flavorful choice for steak tips. While it’s lean and cut from heavily used muscles in the cow’s rump, it still offers a rich beefy flavor that can be enhanced with marinades or slow cooking methods like braising or stewing.
It’s important to note that while the round offers a flavorful option for steak tips, it’s not as tender as other cuts like the tenderloin or ribeye. However, with proper preparation and cooking techniques, it can still make for a delicious and affordable meal option.
Tenderloin: The Most Tender Cut For Steak Tips
When it comes to tenderness, the tenderloin is the king of beef cuts. This cut is located in the middle of the cow and is a long, narrow muscle that runs along the spine. It’s not a heavily used muscle, which makes it extremely tender and perfect for steak tips.
The tenderloin is also known as the filet mignon and is one of the most expensive cuts of beef. It’s a small muscle, which means there isn’t much of it on each cow. However, its tenderness and buttery texture make it a popular choice for high-end steakhouses.
While tenderloin steak tips may be more expensive than those made from other cuts, they’re worth the extra cost. The tenderness of the meat means that it doesn’t require as much marinating or cooking time as other cuts. This makes it a great option for quick weeknight meals or last-minute dinner parties.
When shopping for tenderloin steak tips, look for cuts that are evenly sized and have a light pink color. Avoid any that have a grayish tint or are overly fatty.
Other Cuts Used For Steak Tips
While sirloin and flap meat are the most common cuts used for steak tips, other cuts can also be used. Flank steak is another popular cut that can be used to make steak tips. Flank steak is a long, flat cut of beef that is known for its intense beefy flavor. It’s a lean cut of meat, so it’s important to marinate it before cooking to help tenderize the meat.
Tenderloin tips are another option for making steak tips. Tenderloin tips are taken from the same part of the cow as filet mignon, which makes them a more expensive cut of meat. However, they are incredibly tender and flavorful, which makes them a great choice for steak tips.
Parts of the round can also be used to make steak tips. The round is a large, lean cut of beef that is often used for roasts or ground beef. However, certain parts of the round, such as the top round or bottom round, can be used to make steak tips. These cuts are lean and require marinating to help tenderize the meat.
It’s important to note that not all cuts of beef are suitable for making steak tips. T-bone and filet mignon should not be used to make steak tips, as they are already tender and flavorful cuts of meat that don’t require marinating or tenderizing. It’s also important to avoid overcooking steak tips, as their lack of fat means they can easily dry out and become tough.
Tips For Cooking The Perfect Steak Tips
Now that you know what cut of beef is used to make steak tips, let’s talk about how to cook them perfectly. Here are some tips to ensure your steak tips come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor:
1. Marinate your steak tips: No matter what cut of beef you select, marinating your sirloin tips is often the way to go. Marinating your steak will enhance the already tender cut of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth meal. A marinade that features acids or enzymes that break down muscle fibers in the meat is ideal. That means ingredients like lemon or lime juice, buttermilk, vinegar, as well as enzyme-heavy fruits like pineapple and mango. Follow the recipe when it comes to marinating time.
2. Season your steak tips: Season your steak with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss with tongs to coat the steak well with the marinade.
3. Use high heat: Grilled steak tips usually take just 2-3 minutes on each side to cook. Avoid cooking them too long or they may become chewy. Instead, you want to get a good sear while still leaving the middle of the steak tips pink.
4. Don’t overcook: As with any meat, overcooking steak tips will result in tough and chewy meat. Cook them until they’re just slightly pink in the middle.
5. Let them rest: After cooking your steak tips, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your steak tips come out perfectly every time. Whether you’re grilling, sautéing or braising them, these tips will help you achieve delicious and tender steak tips that everyone will love.