Are you a fan of steak tips? These delicious cuts of beef are perfect for grilling, skewering, and sautéing.
But with so many different cuts of beef available, it can be tough to know which one is the best for making steak tips.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of beef that can be used for steak tips and help you identify the best cut for your next meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned steak tip pro or a newcomer to this tasty dish, read on to learn more about the best cut of beef for steak tips.
What Is The Best Cut Of Beef For Steak Tips?
When it comes to steak tips, there are a few different cuts of beef that can be used. While the most common cut is sirloin, steak tips can also be made from flank steak, tenderloin tips, and parts of the round.
However, not all cuts of beef are created equal when it comes to making the best steak tips. For instance, while tenderloin tips may be a superior cut of beef, they are 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. After tasting 50 pounds of cheap steak tips, tasters had a clear favorite: a single muscle that butchers call flap meat and that is typically labeled “sirloin tips.” A whole piece of flap meat weighs about 2 1/2 pounds. One piece can range in thickness from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches and may be sold as cubes, strips, or small steaks. It has a rich, deep beefy flavor and a distinctive longitudinal grain.
Flap meat is an excellent choice for making steak tips because it is not as tender as other cuts of beef but absorbs marinade flavors well. It is also less expensive than other cuts of beef, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
What Are Steak Tips?
Steak tips are a regional specialty that originated in New England. They are bite-size pieces of beef steak that are perfect for grilling, skewering for kabobs, or sautéing quickly in your favorite sauce. While most steak tips are cut from the sirloin, they can also be cut from other parts of the cow, such as the flank steak, tenderloin tips, and parts of the round.
The exact definition of what constitutes a “steak tip” can vary depending on the region you are in. For example, on the east coast of the United States, sirloin tips are the most common cut used for steak tips. However, on the west coast, tri-tip is more commonly used.
True steak tips come from various muscles in the sirloin and round and cost about $5 per pound. They are typically less expensive than other cuts of beef and are magically transformed into a desirable dish through marinating and cooking. The best cut of beef for making steak tips is flap meat, which has a rich, deep beefy flavor and a distinctive longitudinal grain. It is not as tender as other cuts of beef but absorbs marinade flavors well, making it an excellent choice for making steak tips.
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef
Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial when it comes to making the best steak tips. Different cuts of beef have varying levels of tenderness, texture, and flavor. For instance, while tenderloin tips may be a high-quality cut of beef, they are not ideal for making steak tips due to their tenderness.
When it comes to making steak tips, flap meat is a great choice because it has a rich, deep beefy flavor and a distinctive longitudinal grain. It is also less expensive than other cuts of beef, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. Additionally, flap meat absorbs marinade flavors well, making it an excellent choice for marinating before cooking.
It is also essential to consider the USDA grading system when choosing a cut of beef for steak tips. Prime cuts are superior and come from young, well-fed cows with abundant marbling. Choice beef is still high-quality but has less marbling than prime cuts. Select beef has the lowest amount of marbling and is much leaner than prime and choice beef. While select beef may still be tender, it will be less juicy and flavorful than the others.
The thickness of the cut of beef is another crucial consideration when making steak tips. A slightly thicker cut will help achieve the right sear-to-pink ratio when cooking on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet on the stove.
Lastly, it is worth considering whether the beef was grass-fed or grain-fed. The diet of the animal can impact the fat to meat ratio and influence the tenderness of the cut, as well as its nutritional value.
Types Of Beef Cuts For Steak Tips
There are a few different cuts of beef that can be used to make steak tips. The most common cut is sirloin, which is typically used in New England to make this regional specialty. Sirloin tips are robust and meaty thanks to the varied tender steaks they’re cut from, like tri-tip, flank steak, coulotte, and sirloin.
Flank steak is another popular choice for making steak tips. It is a lean cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow. Flank steak is a flavorful cut of beef that is often used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. When cut into bite-size pieces, it makes excellent steak tips.
Tenderloin tips are a superior cut of beef that come from the tenderloin, which is located in the middle of the cow. While these tips are a premium cut of beef, they are not what we consider to be a true steak tip. Tenderloin tips are tender and juicy but lack the robust flavor of other cuts of beef.
Parts of the round can also be used to make steak tips. The round is located on the hindquarters of the cow and is a lean cut of beef that is often used for roasting or braising. When cut into bite-size pieces, it can be used to make flavorful and juicy steak tips.
The Top Contenders: Sirloin Vs. Flank Vs. Skirt Steak
When it comes to choosing between sirloin, flank, and skirt steak for your steak tips, there are a few key differences to consider.
Sirloin steak is taken from the hip of the cow and tends to be slightly more tough and lean than other cuts. The top sirloin is more tender and better for grilling, while the bottom sirloin is better for roasting. Tri-tip is a cut of bottom sirloin. Sirloin steak is a lean cut that is meaty, packed with flavor, and ideal for grilling, pan-searing, and broiling in the oven. It’s also terrific used for kabobs on the grill or sliced for a stir-fry. Available in several weights, one top sirloin steak is great for one person. While sirloin steaks are not as tender as cuts from the loin (e.g., filets, strip steaks, and T-bone/porterhouse steaks), they’re more tender than beef steak cuts from the round.
Flank and skirt steak are both tough, beefy strips of meat that are great straight off the grill. However, there are some differences between the two. Skirt steak is tougher than flank and carries a more intense flavor. This means that it can only be cooked as rare or medium-rare and is usually best seared. If you prefer your steak well done or tender, then we advise going for flank. Flank steak has a thicker, wider, and heavier meat than skirt steak. The skirt steak is just a thinner and longer cut, although with more flavor than flank steak. The problem with skirt steaks is their tough muscle fibers, especially the outer skirt steak.
When it comes to making steak tips, flap meat (a muscle in the sirloin) is our top choice due to its deep beefy flavor and distinctive longitudinal grain. However, if you’re looking to use a different cut of beef for your steak tips, consider your preferences for tenderness and flavor intensity when choosing between sirloin, flank, and skirt steak.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Cut For Your Steak Tips
When choosing the best cut of beef for your steak tips, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, you want to look for a cut of beef that is tender and not tough. This can be achieved by choosing a cut that has a good balance of fat and meat, little connective tissue, and has been aged properly.
Secondly, you want to consider the grade of beef you choose. The USDA classifies beef as select, choice, and prime. Prime being the highest quality, only accounting for about 2% of all graded domestic beef and is usually sold to restaurants and hotels. Choice grade is still high quality, but will be less tender and flavorful than prime. Select cuts will be the leanest and will need the most care during cooking to create a juicy, tender final product.
Thirdly, it is important to consider the cooking method you plan to use for your steak tips. Grilling, braising, and searing are the three common methods used. Each cut of beef may be better suited for a specific cooking method. For example, sirloin steak is a good choice for grilling but can dry out quickly if overcooked.
Lastly, it is important to consider your budget when choosing the best cut of beef for your steak tips. While some cuts may be more expensive than others, there are affordable options available that can still deliver great flavor and tenderness.
Tips For Preparing And Cooking Your Steak Tips To Perfection
Now that you have chosen the best cut of beef for your steak tips, it’s time to prepare and cook them to perfection. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect steak tip:
1. Start with room temperature meat: Cold steaks don’t cook evenly, so make sure to let your steak tips rest out on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Use a meat thermometer: Unless you’re feeling adventurous and want to gauge the doneness of meat by touch, use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results. Pull the steak off the grill a few degrees before the desired temperature, as the internal temperature will continue to rise while resting.
3. Get the right thickness: Thick steak tips are easier to cook than thin ones as they sear outside and remain rare in the center. So, opt for thicker cuts of meat when preparing your steak tips.
4. Let it rest: After cooking, let your steak tips rest again for 5-10 minutes, so the juices redistribute and the fibers relax. Cutting into a steak the moment it comes off the heat will result in a tough, dry steak.
5. Marinate your steak tips: Flap meat is an excellent choice for making steak tips because it absorbs marinade flavors well. So, marinate your steak tips for at least an hour before cooking to enhance their flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your steak tips are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection every time.
