Recipes For Beef Tips

Introduction

Recipes for beef tips are a culinary staple enjoyed around the world. These bite-sized morsels of beef offer a versatile and satisfying meal option. Their popularity stems from their relatively quick cooking time, tender texture, and adaptability to various flavors and sauces. From hearty stews to flavorful stir-fries, beef tips provide a delicious and economical way to enjoy beef. They are commonly cooked as a way to utilize less expensive cuts of beef, transforming them into a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

The core ingredients for beef tips include:

Beef Tips: Approximately 1.5-2 pounds, typically cut from sirloin, tenderloin trimmings, or round steak.
Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, olive oil, or canola oil for searing.
Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped, provides a flavorful base.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced, enhance the savory notes.
Beef Broth: 1-2 cups, adds depth and moisture during cooking.
Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and your preferred herbs and spices (such as paprika, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf).
Optional: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, red wine, or balsamic vinegar can be added to create a richer, more complex flavor profile. A thickening agent like cornstarch or flour can be used to create a gravy.

Substitutions: Chicken broth can be used in place of beef broth, though the flavor will be slightly different. Various vegetable combinations can be used with the onion for added flavor.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is crucial for tender and flavorful beef tips:

Trim the Beef: Remove any excess fat or tough connective tissue from the beef tips. This will prevent the tips from becoming chewy during cooking.
Wash and Dry: Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear when cooking.
Season Generously: In a bowl, toss the beef tips with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.).
Marinate (Optional): For enhanced flavor and tenderness, marinate the beef tips for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. A simple marinade could consist of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and herbs.
Prepare Vegetables: Chop the onion and mince the garlic (and any other vegetables to be used). Having everything ready to go before cooking begins ensures a smooth process.

Tip: Cutting the beef tips into uniform sizes helps ensure even cooking. Marinating, even for a short time, significantly improves the flavor and texture of the beef.

Cooking Instructions

There are several methods for cooking beef tips. The ideal method depends on personal preference and desired outcome. Here are a few popular options:

Searing and Braising (Recommended):
1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the beef tips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the seared beef tips and set aside.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Return the beef tips to the skillet. Add any desired herbs, spices, or Worcestershire sauce.
6. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef tips are tender.
7. If desired, thicken the sauce with a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Stir into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.
Slow Cooker:
1. Sear the beef tips as described above (optional, but recommended for better flavor).
2. Place the seared beef tips in a slow cooker. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and any desired seasonings.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef tips are tender.
4. Thicken the sauce, if desired, using the method described above.
Instant Pot:
1. Sear the beef tips using the saut function of the Instant Pot.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and any desired seasonings.
3. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes.
4. Thicken the sauce, if desired, using the method described above.

Recommended Temperatures and Timing: For braising, maintain a low simmer for 1.5-2 hours. For slow cooking, 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. For Instant Pot, 25-30 minutes on high pressure. Internal temperature is less critical as the goal is tenderness. Look for the beef to be easily pierced with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Beef tips are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

Classic Pairings: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or polenta.
Vegetable Sides: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, carrots, or asparagus.
Hearty Options: Serve alongside a baked potato, crusty bread, or a side salad.
Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
Creative Presentations: Use beef tips in wraps, tacos, or sandwiches.

Serving the beef tips with a generous amount of the sauce ensures a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To ensure perfect beef tips every time, avoid these common mistakes and follow these helpful tips:

Overcrowding the Pan: Searing the beef tips in batches prevents the pan from cooling down and ensures a proper sear. Overcrowding leads to steaming, resulting in less flavorful beef.
Undercooking: Beef tips can be tough if not cooked long enough. Braising, slow cooking, or pressure cooking are essential for tenderizing the meat.
Skipping the Sear: Searing the beef before braising or slow cooking adds a depth of flavor that is difficult to achieve otherwise.
Using Too Much Salt: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as some ingredients (like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce) already contain a significant amount of sodium.
Not Thickening the Sauce: A thickened sauce adds richness and body to the dish. Use a cornstarch slurry or flour to achieve the desired consistency.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 145F (63C) for medium-rare, although braising will make the meat well done. The primary goal is tenderness.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Recipes for beef tips offer a delightful culinary experience, transforming affordable cuts of beef into tender and flavorful meals. The adaptability of this dish makes it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Its ability to be paired with various sides and adapted to diverse tastes ensures a universally enjoyable dish. Now is the time to create this recipe at home and explore more cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.