Steak tips are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that can be easily cooked in the oven. Marinated steak tips are even more flavorful and tender, making them a perfect choice for a special meal or a gathering with friends and family. By marinating the steak tips before cooking them in the oven, you can infuse them with a variety of delicious flavors and enhance their natural juiciness.
To start, you will need to prepare the marinade. You can use a pre-made marinade or make your own by combining ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs. Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Place the steak tips in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag, and pour the marinade over the meat. Make sure the steak tips are fully coated in the marinade, and then cover the dish or seal the bag. Allow the steak tips to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
When you are ready to cook the steak tips, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). Remove the steak tips from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Place the steak tips on a baking sheet lined with foil or a greased baking dish. Spread the steak tips out in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. This will allow them to cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
Put the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven and cook the steak tips for about 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare steak tips, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), while medium steak tips should reach 145°F (63°C). Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak tips, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Once the steak tips are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak tips to become even more tender. You can serve the marinated steak tips as they are, or pair them with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Preparing the steak tips
Before cooking the marinated steak tips in the oven, it’s important to properly prepare them to enhance their flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
1. Start by removing the steak tips from the packaging and patting them dry with a paper towel. This will help remove any excess moisture and allow the marinade to better adhere to the meat.
2. Place the steak tips in a shallow dish or ziplock bag, making sure they are in a single layer. This will help ensure that each piece of meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak tips, making sure they are fully submerged. You can use a commercially-prepared marinade or make your own using your preferred combination of herbs, spices, and liquids such as soy sauce or vinegar.
4. Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate the steak tips for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor. During this time, the meat will absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more delicious and tender end product.
5. Remove the steak tips from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before cooking. This will help ensure more even cooking and prevent the steak tips from becoming tough.
Now that the steak tips are properly prepared, you’re ready to move on to the cooking process!
Trimming the fat
Before cooking marinated steak tips in the oven, it’s important to trim any excess fat from the meat. Trimming the fat not only helps to reduce the calorie content of the dish but also allows the marinade to penetrate the meat better, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Why trim the fat?
Trimming the fat from the steak not only improves the taste and texture of the final dish but also makes it more heart-healthy. Fat, especially saturated fat, can contribute to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. By removing the excess fat, you can make a healthier and leaner version of marinated steak tips.
Here are some tips on how to trim the fat from your steak:
- Start by using a sharp knife to remove any visible layers of fat from the surface of the steak. Cut away the thicker sections of fat, but be careful not to remove too much meat.
- Next, look for any thick strips of fat running through the steak. Use the tip of your knife to carefully remove these strips, being cautious not to cut into the meat.
- Finally, trim any excess fat from the edges of the steak. You want to leave a thin layer of fat to add flavor, but remove any larger portions that may not render properly during cooking.
Remember, trim the fat just before cooking to keep the meat moist and tender. Exposing the trimmed meat to air for an extended period can cause it to dry out.
By trimming the fat from the steak, you can create a healthier and more delicious version of marinated steak tips that will impress your friends and family.
Marinating the steak tips
Marinating the steak tips is an essential step to infuse them with flavor and make them tender. Follow these steps to marinate the steak tips for the best results:
1. Choose the marinade
Select a marinade that complements the flavors you want to enhance in the steak tips. Popular options include a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the marinade to your taste.
2. Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients until well combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Make sure the marinade is enough to fully coat the steak tips.
3. Marinade the steak tips
Place the steak tips in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over them, covering them completely. Use your hands or a spoon to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring every piece is coated.
4. Refrigerate and marinate
Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate the steak tips for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Marinating the steak tips for a longer period will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
5. Turn and baste
If marinating overnight, turn the steak tips occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade. You can also baste the steak tips with the marinade to intensify the flavor.
By following these steps, you will ensure that your steak tips are well-marinated, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat when cooked in the oven.
Cooking the steak tips
Once the steak tips have finished marinating, it’s time to cook them. Follow these steps to cook your steak tips to perfection:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the steak tips from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and wait for it to get hot.
- Place the steak tips in the skillet and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side, until they develop a nice brown crust.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Cook the steak tips in the oven for about 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak tips rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the steak tips hot and enjoy!
Preheating the oven
Before starting the cooking process, it’s important to preheat your oven. Preheating helps to ensure that the steak tips cook evenly and beautifully.
Step 1: Set the temperature
Begin by setting your oven to the desired temperature for cooking the marinated steak tips. Typically, a temperature of 425°F (218°C) works well for baking steak tips in the oven.
Step 2: Allow time to preheat
Once you have set the temperature, allow the oven to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the oven reaches the desired temperature and is fully heated before placing the steak tips inside.
It’s important to note that preheating the oven is a crucial step in the cooking process. It helps to promote even cooking and ensures that the steak tips achieve that desired delicious caramelized crust.
Placing the steak tips in the oven
After marinating the steak tips for at least 2 hours, it’s time to cook them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position. Take a baking dish or a cast iron skillet and line it with aluminum foil. This will help with easy cleanup later.
Place the marinated steak tips in a single layer on the baking dish or skillet. Make sure to leave some space between each piece to promote even cooking. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of one of the steak tips. This will help you determine the doneness later.
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, carefully place the baking dish or skillet in the oven. Let the steak tips cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remember to flip the steak tips halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Steak Doneness | Internal Temperature |
---|---|
Medium Rare | 135°F (57°C) |
Medium | 145°F (63°C) |
Medium Well | 150°F (66°C) |
Well Done | 160°F (71°C) |
Once the steak tips have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak tips to become more tender and flavorful.
Now, your marinated steak tips are ready to be served. Enjoy them as is, or pair them with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQ
What are steak tips?
Steak tips are small pieces of meat that are cut from a larger cut of steak, such as sirloin or tri-tip. They are often marinated to add flavor and juiciness before cooking.
How long should I marinate steak tips?
The marinating time for steak tips can vary depending on personal preference, but a minimum of 30 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For more intense flavor, marinate for several hours or even overnight.
What ingredients can I use to marinate steak tips?
There are many different marinade recipes you can use for steak tips. Some popular ingredients include soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and various herbs and spices. You can experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor.
Can I cook marinated steak tips in the oven?
Yes, you can cook marinated steak tips in the oven. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature (usually around 400°F or 200°C), place the marinated steak tips on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Remember to flip the steak tips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
What sides go well with marinated steak tips?
There are many delicious side dishes that can complement marinated steak tips. Some popular options include roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with crusty bread or a creamy sauce for dipping.
What are marinated steak tips?
Marinated steak tips are small pieces of steak that have been marinated in a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. This process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors.
Can I marinate the steak tips overnight?
Yes, marinating the steak tips overnight will help to enhance the flavor. The longer you marinate the meat, the more flavorful it will be. Just make sure to refrigerate it while marinating.