Grilling steak tips to perfection starts with knowing exactly how long to grill steak tips—because timing makes all the difference between a juicy, tender bite and an overcooked one.
From our experience at DDR BBQ Supply, we've found that most steak tips take about 8 to 10 minutes on a hot grill, depending on thickness and desired doneness. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know to get it right every time.
You'll learn about the best grill temperature, how to prep your meat, when to flip, and how to finish strong. Whether you're new to grilling or just looking to improve your technique, we've got you covered.
What this article covers:
How Long Should You Grill Steak Tips?
From our experience (and trust us, we've grilled thousands), steak tips generally need about 8 to 10 minutes total on a preheated grill set to high—around 500°F.
You'll want to aim for 4 to 5 minutes per side depending on the thickness of your steak tips and your desired level of doneness. Here's a quick breakdown, backed by our research:
- Medium-Rare: Grill 4 minutes per side, internal temp of 130–135°F
- Medium: Grill 5 minutes per side, internal temp of 135–145°F
- Medium-Well: About 6 minutes per side, internal temp of 145–155°F
Keep in mind that thicker cuts may need a little more time. Thinner? A little less. And yes—you absolutely should use a meat thermometer. It's not cheating; it's smart grilling.
How to Grill Steak Tips
Steak tips are incredibly versatile, and when grilled the right way, they're juicy, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy. Whether it's a weekend cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, this DDR-approved method makes it easy to get amazing results every single time.
Ingredients
Forget the long shopping list. You only need a few essentials to get started:
- 2 lbs sirloin steak tips
- Marinade
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
That's it! No need to mess with a bunch of ingredients when we've already crafted marinades that deliver rich, balanced flavor in every bite. They're ready to go right out of the bottle, and they've been tested by our crew and loyal customers across thousands of grills.
Step 1: Use The Right The Marinade
Instead of making a marinade from scratch, grab a bottle of marinade from DDR BBQ Supply. Our blends are crafted to enhance the natural flavor of beef while keeping things simple and consistent.
We recommend the SuckleBusters Beef Marinade, designed specifically for beef. Simply use the provided spices along with some red wine. From our experience, this step is a game changer for both flavor and tenderness. No measuring, no stress—just real flavor, fast.
Step 2: Marinate The Steak Tips
First, pat the steak tips dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better. Then, place the tips in a large zip-top bag or a glass container. Pour in enough marinade to coat them generously—about half a cup per pound is a good rule of thumb.
Seal it up and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you've got more time, go for 3 to 4 hours. Want to go all in? Marinate them overnight for deep, bold flavor. We've tested all the timeframes, and they all work—the longer the better.
Step 3: Bring To Room Temp
Before you hit the grill, let the steak tips rest on the counter for 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly and reduces the risk of a cold center with an overdone exterior. It's a small step that makes a noticeable difference. Trust us, we've put it to the test many times.
Step 4: Fire Up The Grill
Now it's time to bring the heat. Make sure you know how to preheat a grill to high—right around 500°F. That high heat is what gives you that beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Don't forget to clean your grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. A properly prepped grill means less hassle and better results.
Step 5: Grill The Steak Tips
Once your grill is hot, lay the steak tips directly on the grates. Grill them for 4 to 5 minutes per side. That's usually the sweet spot for medium-rare to medium, depending on the thickness.
Don't move them around too much—let the grill do its thing and form that flavorful crust. We always recommend using a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for:
- 130–135°F for medium-rare
- 135–145°F for medium
- 145–155°F for medium-well
Internal temperature is key. It's how we ensure steak tips turn out exactly how you like them, every time.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Once the steak tips are off the grill, resist the urge to cut into them right away. Let them rest, uncovered or loosely tented with foil, for 5 full minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so you're not losing flavor to the cutting board. It's a simple step, but one of the most important in our book.
Step 7: Serve And Devour
Plate up those steak tips and get ready to dig in. They're fantastic on their own, but we love pairing them with sides like grilled corn, seasoned rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.
Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle or dip them in one of our BBQ sauces. Whether you like it tangy, sweet, or spicy, we've got a bottle for that.
Conclusion
Grilling steak tips doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require a little know-how to get them just right. From choosing quality sirloin tips and using a flavorful DDR BBQ Supply marinade to nailing the grill time and letting the meat rest, every step matters.
Timing is everything, and now you know exactly how long to grill steak tips for the best flavor and texture. With these tips and a little practice, you'll be turning out steakhouse-quality results from your backyard in no time.
Ready to take your grilling game up a notch? Grab your marinades, sauces, and all the gear you need from DDR BBQ Supply today.
How Long to Grill Steak Tips (FAQs)
How do I make my steak tips tender?
From our experience, marinating is the key, whether you're making steak tips or wondering how to grill a juicy steak. Use a balanced marinade with acid (like vinegar), oil, and some seasoning. Let it soak in for at least an hour—overnight if possible.
Should I let the steak tips rest after grilling?
Absolutely. Always rest your steak tips for 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices settle back into the meat so every bite is juicy.
How should I serve steak tips?
Steak tips are versatile! Serve them with mashed potatoes, over rice, in a salad, or even on skewers with grilled veggies. They also make killer steak-tip tacos.
Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find these guides helpful:
- What is Wagyu tallow and why use it?
- How long to preheat a grill
- What temperature to grill a steak
- Buy the Best You Can Afford: Meat, Fuel, Smoker or Grill
- Perfect Fajitas: Expert Tips for Flavorful, Sizzling Fajitas at Home
- The Best Way to Keep Your Grill Clean (And Why It Matters)
- Weeknight Meal Ideas on the Grill
- Must-Have 4th of July Grilling Supplies
- Father's Day Gift Ideas for Grill Masters
- Bundle & Save: Myron Mixon Meat Injections
- Perfect Pairings: Top 9 Sides to Bring Out the Best in Your Brisket
- BEEF RIBS VS. PORK RIBS
- 3-2-1 Rib Method for Fall-Off-the-Bone Magic
- Master Your Grill: 12 Essential Tips and Tricks
- Dispelling the Myth: The Truth About Soaking Wood Chips
- How to Clean and Season Your Flat-Top Griddle: A Sizzling Guide
Steak Tip Grilling Time by Thickness
Steak tips are not always cut to a uniform size, which is why a fixed “four minutes per side” rule can be misleading. Preheat the grill, use a hotter zone for browning and move larger pieces to gentler heat if they need additional cooking. The times below are rough starting points for pieces cooked over a hot grill; check the thickest part with a thermometer rather than relying on the clock.
| Approximate thickness | Initial planning range | Best approach |
|---|---|---|
| About 3/4 inch | 4–7 minutes total | Turn frequently and check early |
| About 1 inch | 6–10 minutes total | Sear and monitor the center |
| About 1 1/2 inches | 10–15 minutes total | Sear, then finish over gentler heat as needed |
These ranges are approximate and depend on the actual grill and cut. For food safety, USDA guidance for whole beef steaks is 145°F with a three-minute rest. Some cooks choose lower temperatures for preference, but those are below that recommended minimum. If your steak tips are mechanically tenderized or otherwise processed, follow the package's specific cooking instructions.
How to Marinate Steak Tips Without Making Them Mushy
A marinade can add flavor, but more time is not always better. Strongly acidic mixtures can affect the surface texture if the meat sits too long. Follow the marinade maker's directions, keep the meat refrigerated while marinating, and discard marinade that has contacted raw beef unless it is boiled appropriately before reuse. For a simple approach, season just before grilling and serve with a sauce on the side.
When you are choosing between a marinade and a dry rub, think about the meal. A savory beef rub is convenient for quick skewers, while a marinade can work well when you have time to plan. You can explore BBQ sauces for finishing and serving.
Pro Tips from DDR BBQ Supply
- Sort pieces by size. Put thick tips in one group and smaller pieces in another so you can pull each batch at the right time.
- Dry the surface before searing. Excess liquid creates steam and can slow browning.
- Don't crowd skewers. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate and rotate skewers for even cooking.
- Use two heat zones. If the outside gets dark too quickly, finish the tips on the cooler side of the grill.
- Probe the thickest piece. A good instant-read thermometer makes mixed-size pieces much easier to manage.
- Slice against the grain. Especially with flap or sirloin cuts, the direction of the muscle fibers makes a noticeable difference to tenderness.
- Rest briefly before serving. Give the meat a few minutes off the heat before slicing or plating.
Gas, Charcoal and Pellet Grill Steak Tips
On a gas grill, preheat well and reserve a cooler burner zone for finishing. With charcoal, build a two-zone fire and watch for flare-ups from dripping marinade. On a pellet grill, verify that your model supports the high-heat browning you want; otherwise, use the manufacturer's recommended finishing method. In every case, temperature and tenderness matter more than copying someone else's exact timing.
More Steak Tip Questions
Do steak tips need to be marinated?
No. A dry rub and a good sear can be enough. Marinades add flavor but are not mandatory.
Can I grill steak tips on skewers?
Yes. Cut pieces to a similar size and leave a little space between them. If using wooden skewers, follow safe handling practices and keep exposed ends away from direct flame.
How do I know steak tips are done?
Check the center of the thickest piece with an instant-read thermometer. USDA guidance for whole beef steaks is 145°F followed by a three-minute rest.
Steak-tip flavor picks: For a marinated cook, consider Myron Mixon Steak Marinade, following its package instructions. Prefer a dry seasoning? Try Double Dun Ranch BBQ Steak Seasoning, Myron Mixon Steak Seasoning, or Double Dun Ranch BBQ Beef Rub. All four were confirmed active in Shopify at the time of this update.
Steak Tip Grilling Shopping List
- Sirloin or other steak tips cut into similarly sized pieces
- Your preferred beef marinade or dry seasoning
- Instant-read thermometer for checking doneness
- Long-handled tongs or sturdy skewers
- BBQ sauce for dipping or glazing
- Vegetables, rice or potatoes to complete the meal
For more grilling guidance, read What Temperature to Grill Steak and How Long to Preheat a Grill.
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
