Steak tips: These versatile cuts are usually small, irregularly shaped pieces of beef, often trimmed from flavorful sections like sirloin, tenderloin, or even round steak. Their smaller size makes them ideal for quick cooking methods like oven baking, ensuring they become wonderfully tender and absorb flavors effectively. When choosing, look for a vibrant red color and minimal connective tissue for the best results.

Olive oil: A cornerstone of many delicious recipes, olive oil serves multiple purposes here. It coats the steak tips, preventing them from sticking to the baking sheet and helping them cook evenly. Beyond its functional role, good quality extra virgin olive oil imparts a delicate, fruity flavor that complements the richness of the beef beautifully. You can also opt for a lighter olive oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.

Salt: This fundamental seasoning is more than just a flavor enhancer; it draws out the natural moisture and concentrates the savory notes of the steak. Using a good quality coarse sea salt or kosher salt can provide a better texture and more controlled seasoning compared to fine table salt. Be mindful not to under-season, as salt is key to bringing out the full taste of the beef.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent warmth and a subtle kick that perfectly balances the rich meat. Its aromatic qualities are released during the baking process, contributing to a more complex flavor profile. For the best flavor, always use freshly cracked black pepper instead of pre-ground varieties.

Garlic powder: This ingredient is a convenient way to infuse a consistent, mellow garlic flavor throughout the steak tips without the risk of burning fresh garlic during baking. It provides an aromatic depth that is universally loved and pairs exceptionally well with beef. For a stronger garlic punch, you could also combine it with a small amount of finely minced fresh garlic.

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful steak tips starts with a crucial step: marination. To ensure your steak tips are not only evenly cooked but also bursting with flavor, it’s highly recommended to marinate them for at least 30 minutes prior to baking. This allows the olive oil and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) to deeply penetrate the meat fibers, tenderizing them and enhancing their taste profile from the inside out.

For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the steak tips for several hours, or even overnight, in the refrigerator. If marinating for an extended period, remember to bring the meat to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This ensures a more even cook and prevents the exterior from overcooking while the interior remains cold. Before placing them on the baking sheet, lightly pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. This step is essential for promoting a beautiful sear and preventing the meat from steaming in the oven, which can lead to a less desirable texture. A good sear means better flavor and a more appealing appearance.

• Steak tips – Substitute with sirloin steak: If you can’t find pre-cut steak tips, a good quality sirloin steak is an excellent alternative. It’s a naturally tender cut with a similar beefy flavor profile that can be easily sliced into bite-sized pieces before marinating and baking. This substitution maintains the rich, savory core of the dish.

• Steak tips – Substitute with chicken breast: For a lighter or poultry-based meal, boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces works wonderfully. While the texture will differ from beef, chicken breast readily absorbs the marinade flavors, creating a delicious and lean alternative. Adjust baking time slightly as chicken cooks faster.

• Olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an alternative with a higher smoke point, which can be beneficial for roasting at higher temperatures. It boasts a mild, buttery flavor that won’t overpower the steak tips and offers a similar health benefit profile to olive oil.

• Olive oil – Substitute with grapeseed oil: Another neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, grapeseed oil is a reliable alternative to olive oil. It’s less expensive than avocado oil and won’t impart any distinct flavor to your steak tips, allowing the beef and seasonings to shine.

• Salt – Substitute with soy sauce: To introduce an umami depth along with saltiness, soy sauce is an excellent substitute for traditional salt. Use a low-sodium version if preferred and consider balancing its savory notes with a hint of sweetness (e.g., a tiny dash of brown sugar or honey) for a more complex marinade. This substitution also adds a distinct Asian-inspired flavor.

• Salt – Substitute with kosher salt: If you typically use fine table salt, switching to kosher salt can improve seasoning control. Its larger, coarser grains are easier to sprinkle evenly and dissolve nicely, preventing over-salting and enhancing the overall texture of the seasoning on the meat.

• Black pepper – Substitute with white pepper: While similar in heat, white pepper offers a slightly different, more earthy flavor profile. It’s often favored in lighter-colored dishes for aesthetic reasons but works perfectly well as a substitute in this recipe, providing a gentle peppery kick.

• Black pepper – Substitute with cayenne pepper: For those who crave a bit more heat and a spicier dish, cayenne pepper is a vibrant alternative. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference, as it packs a considerably stronger punch than black pepper. This will transform the flavor profile from mildly peppery to noticeably spicy.

• Garlic powder – Substitute with fresh garlic: For an intensified and more pungent garlic aroma and flavor, substitute garlic powder with finely minced fresh garlic. Approximately 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic will provide a robust flavor equivalent to a teaspoon of powder. Be mindful not to mince it too coarsely, as larger pieces can burn during baking.

• Garlic powder – Substitute with onion powder: While it provides a different flavor, onion powder can still add a pleasant depth and savory undertone to the dish if you’re out of garlic powder. It offers a milder, sweeter allium flavor that complements beef well and can stand in as an aromatic seasoning.

• Allow the steak tips to cool completely before storing. This crucial step helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to soggy meat and promote bacterial growth.
• Once cooled, transfer the steak tips to an airtight container or a high-quality resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, gently press out as much air as possible before sealing to minimize oxidation and maintain peak freshness.
• Always label the container or bag with the current date. This practice is essential for keeping track of how long the steak tips have been stored and ensuring they are consumed within their safe window.
• For short-term storage, keep the steak tips in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 3-4 days when properly stored.
• For longer-term preservation, place them in the freezer. To prevent the individual pieces from sticking together and making it easier to portion later, arrange the steak tips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. This flash-freezing technique ensures quality and convenience.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen steak tips, the best way to thaw them is overnight in the refrigerator. For a quicker thawing method, place the sealed bag of steak tips in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing at room temperature for food safety reasons.
• To reheat thawed steak tips, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through to your satisfaction. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• To maintain the optimal texture and flavor, it’s generally best to avoid microwaving steak tips. Microwaving can often lead to uneven heating and can make the meat tough and chewy.

Bringing leftover steak tips back to life without sacrificing their tender texture and delicious flavor is an art. Here are several methods to ensure your reheated steak tips are just as enjoyable as they were fresh:

• Oven Method: This is often the best method for even heating and maintaining tenderness.

  1. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C). This gentle heat helps to warm the meat through without drying it out.
  2. Place the leftover steak tips on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  3. To retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying, cover the steak tips loosely with another piece of aluminum foil.
  4. Heat in the preheated oven for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the steak tips are thoroughly warmed to your liking.

• Stovetop Method: Quick and effective, especially for smaller batches, this method can also help achieve a slight re-sear.

  1. Heat a skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter. The fat will help prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the leftover steak tips to the skillet.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the steak tips are heated through and slightly caramelized on the edges.

• Microwave Method: While generally not recommended for best texture, it’s the fastest option for convenience.

  1. Place the steak tips in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of beef broth or water to the dish. This added moisture will help keep the steak tips from drying out and becoming tough.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

• Sous Vide Method: For the most precise and tender reheating, sous vide is an excellent choice.

  1. Place the steak tips in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag (using the water displacement method to remove air).
  2. Set your sous vide machine to your desired internal temperature for steak (e.g., 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare or 140°F (60°C) for medium).
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30-45 minutes, or until the steak tips are gently warmed through. You can quickly sear them in a hot pan afterward for a crust if desired.

• Air Fryer Method: Achieve a crispy exterior while warming the interior with an air fryer.

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the steak tips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it, which can lead to uneven cooking.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides are evenly exposed to the hot air.

• Oven: The star of this recipe, your oven provides the consistent, dry heat necessary to bake the steak tips evenly to your desired level of doneness, typically preheated to 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is crucial for tossing the steak tips with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.

• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet with a rim is essential for containing the steak tips and any juices during cooking. It allows the meat to spread out in a single layer, promoting even cooking and some browning.

• Aluminum foil: Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil serves two great purposes: it prevents the steak tips from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup incredibly quick and easy.

• Tongs: A pair of reliable tongs is indispensable for mixing the steak tips with the seasonings in the bowl and for safely handling and turning the hot steak tips as you place them on and remove them from the baking sheet.

• Meat thermometer: For precise cooking and to guarantee your steak tips reach your desired level of doneness, a reliable meat thermometer is invaluable. Insert it into the thickest part of a steak tip to check the internal temperature accurately.

• Oven mitts: Safety first! A good pair of oven mitts is necessary to protect your hands from the intense heat when placing the baking sheet into and removing it from the preheated oven.

• Cutting board: A clean cutting board provides a stable and sanitary surface for resting the steak tips after they come out of the oven, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

• Knife: A sharp knife is helpful for cutting any larger steak tips into smaller, more manageable, bite-sized pieces if needed, particularly before serving or for younger diners.

Pre-marinating: A true game-changer for busy schedules! Marinate your steak tips the night before, or even earlier in the morning. This not only saves precious preparation time when dinner rolls around but also significantly enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat, making your meal even more delicious.

Use a broiler: If you’re really pressed for time and want to get dinner on the table in a flash, consider utilizing your oven‘s broiler setting. Broiling cooks steak tips much faster by exposing them to direct, intense heat, resulting in a quick sear and juicy interior. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Preheat the oven: This might seem obvious, but ensuring your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before placing the steak tips inside is vital. A properly preheated oven ensures immediate and even cooking, preventing a sluggish start that can prolong overall cooking time and affect the meat’s texture.

Batch cooking: Maximize your effort by cooking a larger batch of steak tips than you need for one meal. The leftovers can be easily stored and repurposed for quick lunches, salads, or other creative meals later in the week, saving you time on future meal preparations.

Sheet pan meals: Turn your steak tips into a complete, one-pan wonder. Simply add your favorite chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, or asparagus) to the same baking sheet alongside the steak tips. Everything cooks at once, simplifying both the cooking process and, more importantly, the cleanup time.