If you’re craving a mouthwatering, fuss-free dish that bursts with savory, smoky flavor, you absolutely have to try this Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe. Juicy cubes of marinated sirloin grilled or seared to tender perfection and slathered in tangy BBQ sauce make this dish a showstopper at any backyard gathering or weeknight dinner. This recipe is straightforward, quick, and brings classic American BBQ vibes right into your kitchen or grill, letting you enjoy irresistible steak tips without any complicated steps or hours of prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need an endless list of ingredients for this recipe—just a few simple, everyday staples that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, from tenderizing the steak to adding that signature tang and savory savor that makes barbecue so addictive.
- 1½ lb sirloin or steak tips: Choose tender, well-marbled cuts for juicy, flavorful bites that grill up perfectly.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: The star of the show that brings sweetness and tang to coat every piece in smoky goodness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds a subtle umami boost and depth that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps keep the steak moist and enhances browning during cooking for that perfect crust.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the meat with fragrant, savory notes that complement the barbecue flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that are essential for highlighting and enhancing all the bold flavors.
How to Make Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak Tips
Combine the steak cubes with BBQ sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or resealable bag. Toss everything together to make sure every piece is well coated. Allow the steaks to marinate for at least 30 minutes—15 minutes is the bare minimum, but a little extra time lets those flavors soak in deeply, resulting in more tender and richly flavored bites.
Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear the Steak
Heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If grilling, arrange the steak tips on skewers or directly on the grill grates. Cook the steak tips for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to develop a beautiful caramelized crust. This quick cook time keeps the meat tender and juicy. If using a pan, make sure it’s hot enough to sear the steak tips well without steaming them.
Step 3: Brush with Extra BBQ Sauce
Just before serving, brush the steak tips generously with additional BBQ sauce. This final touch amplifies the tangy, smoky profile and adds a glossy, appetizing finish to the dish. It’s this step that really makes the recipe shine with classic barbecue allure.
How to Serve Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or cilantro to brighten the dish with a fresh pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or chili flakes for some heat and extra smoky notes that layer nicely with the barbecue sauce.
Side Dishes
This Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe pairs perfectly with classic barbecue sides such as grilled corn on the cob, tangy coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy potato wedges. Lighter sides like a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables also complement the rich steak without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak tips on top of a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They’re also excellent when threaded onto skewers alongside veggies for colorful kabobs, or tossed into a robust salad with mixed greens, avocado, and crunchy nuts for a protein-packed lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for an excellent next-day lunch or a quick dinner that just needs reheating.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe on-hand for longer, freeze the cooked steak tips in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to separate portions with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain juiciness without drying out the steak. You can add a little extra BBQ sauce or a splash of water to keep things moist as you warm them up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or steak tips are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or ribeye. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking tougher cuts.
Is soy sauce necessary in the marinade?
While soy sauce is not mandatory, it adds a wonderful depth of umami that enhances the BBQ sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute with Worcestershire sauce or simply omit it for a lighter flavor.
How long can I marinate the steak tips?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but you can refrigerate the steak tips for up to 12 hours for an even more flavorful and tender result. Just be careful not to marinate longer than 24 hours as the acidity can break down the meat too much.
Can I cook these steak tips indoors?
Definitely! Pan-searing in a hot skillet works beautifully if you don’t have access to a grill. Just ensure your pan is well-heated and do not overcrowd the pan to get a good sear.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Classic smoky or sweet BBQ sauces complement this recipe wonderfully. If you like a bit of heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce. The sauce you choose sets the overall flavor tone, so pick one that matches your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend trying this Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe enough. It’s effortless to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight treat. Whether grilled outdoors or seared on the stove, these steak tips promise to deliver bold barbecue flavor that keeps you coming back for more. So fire up your grill or heat that pan and get ready to enjoy one of the easiest and tastiest steak recipes you’ll ever make!
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Simple Barbecue Steak Tips Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy, marinated steak tips grilled or pan-seared to perfection and tossed in tangy BBQ sauce — a simple and delicious backyard favorite that’s quick to prepare and full of smoky, savory flavor.
Ingredients
Steak Tips
- 1½ lb sirloin or steak tips, cut into cubes
Marinade & Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak Tips: Add the cubed sirloin or steak tips to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, ideally 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Steak Tips: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steak tips for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, achieving a nice sear and cooked through but still juicy.
- Apply Extra BBQ Sauce: Just before removing the steak tips from the heat, brush extra BBQ sauce on them to enhance the flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a satisfying main dish, perfect for pairing with grilled vegetables, salads, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Great for making skewers by threading steak tips onto skewers before grilling.
- Ideal for adding cooked steak tips to salads for a hearty meal.
- Using a smoky BBQ sauce can add extra depth and richness to the flavor.
- Marinate longer for a more intense flavor, up to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American BBQ
