These Garlic Butter Steak Tips are bite-size pieces of sirloin seared in a hot cast iron skillet, then tossed in butter with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. They're ready in 30 minutes and naturally gluten free.
The outside gets a dark, crusty sear, and the inside stays juicy.
I usually serve them as a main, but they also work as an appetizer with a dip or tucked into a wrap.
Add the butter, garlic, and herbs after the steak comes out of the pan, so they cook gently and don't burn.
Whether serving these with a dip to kick off a meal, as a main, or as a wrap/sandwich filler, you'll love this recipe. These little steak tip bites are super versatile and simple to pull off.
For more crave-worthy steak recipes, try my grilled steak taco recipe, this grilled skirt steak with watermelon salsa, or my herbed skirt steak.
Serve them as a main with my Roasted Mini Potatoes on the side.
Ingredients
Round up the pantry staples plus your fresh steak tips to make this easy recipe:
- Sirloin steaks: A tender and flavorful cut of beef that's perfect for quick cooking. Look for well-marbled sirloin to ensure juicy, flavorful results.
- Salt and pepper: Season well!
- Vegetable oil: A high smoke-point oil ideal for searing the steak at high temperatures without burning. Canola or avocado oil, too.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the steak and is key for basting during cooking, creating a buttery crust.
- Garlic (smashed): Adds aromatic flavor during cooking and basting.
- Thyme and rosemary (sprigs): Fresh sprigs are best for maximum aroma.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Cook Steak Tips
It's crazy how this super simple recipe gives you restaurant-quality steak. Check out how to make it in minutes:
Step 1: Cut and season the steak
Cut the sirloin into 1 to 1½ inch pieces and season all over with salt and pepper. Keep the pieces close in size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Get the skillet hot
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of oil. Wait until it shimmers before adding the steak.
Substitutions
You can use this exact method with a few other cuts of steak and aromatics.
- Sirloin steaks: Swap with ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin for similar tenderness. For a budget-friendly option, use flank steak or skirt steak, but adjust the cooking time so you don't overcook it.
- Unsalted butter: Use salted butter, but adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Garlic (smashed): Use garlic powder or minced garlic. For a milder flavor, try shallots or onion slices.
- Herbs: Replace with dried thyme (use less, as it's more concentrated) or fresh oregano. Sage is delicious, too.
Variations
Add another set of ingredients to change the flavor direction:
- Cajun-style: Season the steak tips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
- Balsamic glazed: After searing, drizzle the steak with a balsamic reduction or glaze for a tangy, slightly sweet finish.
- Lemon and rosemary steak tips: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan while cooking. Use extra rosemary sprigs for a more intense flavor.
- Asian-inspired steak tips: Replace butter with sesame oil and add a splash of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of ginger. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Yum!
- Bacon-wrapped: Wrap the steak tips in bacon before searing to infuse the meat with smoky bacon flavor.
- Chimichurri steak tip recipe: Serve the steak tips with a fresh chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
Try my herbed skirt steak for another utterly delicious steak recipe!
Equipment
You'll need a well-seasoned skillet and a sharp knife. I always recommend a sharp knife to cut through the meat cleanly.
Storage
Store any leftover steak tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, let the steak tips cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For best results, freeze in individual portions for easier reheating.
Reheating your Steak Tips
Reheat steak tips in a pan over medium heat with a couple of tablespoons of butter. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Place steak tips in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the steak tips on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.
Top tips
- Bring to room temperature: For even cooking, let the steak tips sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat your pan: A hot pan is key for searing. It gives a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if you need to. Too many steak tips in the pan at once will lower the temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing. Yikes!
Top Tips for Cooking Steak Well
Just in general, there are a few steak cooking tips I like to stick to for best results:
- Choose the right cut of meat: Choose cuts with good marbling, like ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip.
- Season generously: Season your steak with salt and freshly cracked black pepper right before cooking.
- Use high heat: For a great sear, make sure your pan or grill is preheated to high heat. This helps to lock in juices and create a crispy crust.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This keeps the meat super juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to make sure your steak is cooked to your liking. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F; for medium, 140°F.
- Don't press the steak: Avoid pressing the steak down with a spatula while cooking. It squeezes out juices and can dry the steak.
- Let it cook uninterrupted: Resist the urge to flip the steak too often. Cook each side for a few minutes to develop a good sear.
Want them in the slow cooker instead? Try my copycat Texas Roadhouse beef tips.
FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen steak tips, but it's best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking so they cook evenly. If cooking from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
To get them more tender, avoid overcooking the steak tips. You can also tenderize them before cooking with a meat mallet or by marinating them in acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
Yes, you can cook the steak tips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with steak tips:
Garlic Butter Steak Tips
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds sirloin steaks
- 1-1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 tbs vegetable oil
- 4 tbs butter unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- 2-3 sprigs thyme
- 1-2 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
- Cut steaks into 1 to 1 ½ inch pieces, season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, heat until shimmering and ready to sear meat.
- Sear meat in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear steak on all sides, turning several times during cooking. Remove steak from pan, set aside, continue with next batch adding additional oil as needed.
- Reduce heat to medium, allow skillet time to lose some of the intense heat, 3-4 minutes. Add the butter, smashed garlic, thyme and rosemary, stirring until fragrant, for about 1 minute.
- Add the steak back to the pan, stirring to coat with garlic herb butter and meld the flavors, 2-3 minutes.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Tongs/Spatula
Notes
- Allow steak to set at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
- If preparing steak tips as a main dish, plan for 8-10 ounces of meat per person when selecting steaks.
- Salt and Pepper- Season steak generously with salt. Salt brings out the flavors of the meat and helps break down proteins in the meat for a more tender steak. Oil- Use a few tablespoons of oil to prevent the meat from sticking.
- Use oil with a high smoke point, avocado oil, peanut oil, ghee, or beef tallow can be used in place of vegetable oil if preferred.
- Butter- A few tablespoons of butter is used to baste the steak tips at the end of cooking for extra richness and flavor.
- Garlic- Garlic adds depth of flavor to the steak without overpowering it. Simply crushing the garlic still imparts the flavor without the risk of burning it.
- Thyme and Rosemary- Fresh herbs brighten the garlic butter sauce and complement the richness of the steak.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
Karen Kelly
Karen Kelly is a nationally syndicated food and travel writer, founder of Seasonal Cravings, and co-founder of The Roam Report. She develops approachable seasonal recipes and covers travel and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in numerous media outlets, including Yahoo, Taste of Home, Apple News, NBC, FOX, and other national and regional publications.
custom recipe book says
Absolutely love this recipe! The step-by-step instructions make it so easy to follow, and the garlic herb butter adds such incredible flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests. Thanks for sharing these amazing tips, Karen