Beef tips are a popular cut of meat used in many classic American dishes like stews, stroganoffs and kebabs. But what exactly are beef tips and what cut of meat do they come from? In this complete guide, we’ll demystify beef tips, covering everything from what part of the cow they originate from to how to cook them for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Defining Beef Tips
The term “beef tips” refers to small bite-sized cubes of beef usually around 1-2 inches in size. They are meant to be tender cuts that can quickly absorb flavors from seasonings, marinades, or braising liquids.
Beef tips are not an officially defined cut of meat. This means they can come from a variety of areas on the cow, depending on the specific butcher or meat producer. The most common cuts used for beef tips are:
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Sirloin tip/Flap meat (Bavette Steak) – This is considered the traditional, high-quality source for beef tips. It comes from the bottom sirloin near the rear leg.
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Tenderloin tips – The tapered ends of the tenderloin are sometimes trimmed off and cut into tips Very tender but low in fat
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Top sirloin – Leaner but slightly tougher meat from the upper hip region. May require marinating.
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Tri-tip – From the bottom sirloin near the rear leg. Has great beefy flavor but can be chewy.
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Round or chuck – Very tough cuts requiring long, slow braising to become tender.
Out of these options, sirloin tip (also called flap meat or bavette steak) remains the gold standard for high quality, tender beef tips with robust flavor.
Why Sirloin Tip Is the Best Cut for Beef Tips
There are several reasons discerning cooks seek out sirloin tip above other cuts when preparing beef tips:
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Contains minimal connective tissue so it stays tender during cooking.
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Cut thinly against the grain to enhance flavor.
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Has subtle marbling that keeps the meat moist without excess fat.
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More affordable than premium tenderloin tips.
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Easy to precisely cube into uniform 1-2 inch pieces.
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Abundant supply since it comes from a larger primal cut.
For these reasons, sirloin tip consistently produces the most tender, juicy, and flavorful beef tip experience. It’s the ideal starting point before seasoning and cooking.
How to Identify Sirloin Tip for Beef Tips
Since “beef tips” have no standard definition, you need to put on your butcher hat in the grocery store or butcher shop. Look for these characteristics to locate high quality sirloin tip for tender beef tips:
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Labeled as “flap meat”, “bavette steak”, or “sirloin tips”.
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Cut about 1 inch thick against the grain.
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Light marbling evenly distributed throughout.
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Deep red color with some external fat trim.
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Good amount of tenderness when raw.
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Uniform 1-2 inch cubes after portioning.
Pass on cuts that seem too lean, thick, or irregularly shaped. With practice, identifying the prized sirloin tip for beef tips becomes second nature.
Best Practices for Preparing Beef Tips
Armed with prime sirloin tip beef for tips, proper prep is vital for maximizing tenderness:
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Trim excess fat and silverskin for even cooking.
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Cut into 1-2 inch cubes across the grain for tenderness.
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Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
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Cook quickly over high heat, no more than medium doneness.
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Slice across the grain after cooking if serving as slices or chunks.
Following this simple checklist results in fork-tender beef tip perfection every time.
Cooking Methods to Make Beef Tips Shine
The adaptability of beef tips allows for an array of cooking methods from grilling to braising:
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Pan sear then braise in sauce for beef stroganoff.
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Skewer for flavorful grilled kebabs.
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Stir fry with bold Asian marinades and veggies.
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Braise in stews or chilis for ultra-tender texture.
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Grill over direct high heat just until medium rare.
Feel free to get creative with diverse flavors across cuisines to showcase tasty sirloin tip beef tips.
Satisfying Beef Tip Recipe Ideas
Prepared properly, beef tips sing in a variety of mouthwatering recipes:
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Beef tip fajitas with peppers and onions
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Easy beef tip skewers with chimichurri
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Hearty beef tip chili
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Mongolian beef tip stir fry
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Beef tip stroganoff over buttered egg noodles
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Beef tip and vegetable kebabs with ranch dip
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Beef tip taco salad with salsa and guacamole
Let your imagination run wild with versatile beef tips as the star ingredient.
Common Questions about Beef Tips
For those still seeking beef tip clarity, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s the difference between beef tips and stew meat?
Stew meat is less uniform in size and shape compared to precisely cut beef tips. But stew cubes can be used as a beef tip substitute.
Do I have to marinate beef tips?
Marinating is recommended but not required, especially if using sirloin tip. It enhances flavor and tenderness.
What cut of beef is best for kebabs?
Sirloin tip is ideal. Tenderloin tips also work well. Both absorb marinades and cook quickly over high heat.
Can I use beef tips in stir fries?
Yes! Quick cooking on high heat is perfect for keeping them tender while absorbing stir fry flavors.
What’s the leanest cut for beef tips?
Tenderloin tips are the leanest but can become dry. Sirloin tip has a bit more fat for moisture.
Beef Tips Are a Meat Lover’s Dream
Beef tips may seem ambiguous at first, but now you know precisely what cut provides the most succulence and flavor – sirloin tip, or flap meat. Look for this unsung hero cut the next time beef tips are needed. Follow proper preparation and cooking methods for a tender, juicy outcome. Then get creative with diverse seasonings and cuisines to make sirloin tip beef tips shine. Say goodbye to mystery meat and hello to amazing beef tip possibilities!