How Long to Grill Steak Tips for Perfect Juicy Results

Grilling steak tips perfectly can turn an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience. But knowing exactly how long to grill them is key to getting that ideal balance of juicy and tender without overcooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned griller, timing makes all the difference.

You’ll want to consider factors like the thickness of your steak tips and your preferred level of doneness. With the right grilling time, you can achieve a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the inside just right. Let’s dive into the best grilling times and tips to help you master steak tips every time you fire up the grill.

Factors Affecting How Long to Grill Steak Tips

Grilling steak tips requires attention to several factors that influence cooking time and final texture. Understanding these variables helps you achieve consistent and delicious results.

Thickness and Size of Steak Tips

Thickness directly impacts grilling time. Thicker steak tips, such as 1 to 1.5 inches, require more time, ranging from 8 to 12 minutes total, while thinner cuts around ½ inch cook in 4 to 6 minutes. Larger pieces retain heat longer and take more time to reach the desired internal temperature. Cut sizes also affect heat penetration, with smaller, uniformly sized pieces cooking evenly and faster than irregular or oversized tips.

Type of Grill and Heat Level

Grill type affects heat distribution and intensity. Gas grills provide steady, controllable heat, letting you maintain medium-high temperatures around 400°F to 450°F for balanced cooking. Charcoal grills generate higher, fluctuating heat, requiring vigilant temperature management to avoid flare-ups that can char steak tips prematurely. Direct heat cooks faster but risks burning; indirect heat slows cooking and is suitable for thicker cuts. Adjust heat levels based on grill performance and steak thickness for optimal results.

Desired Doneness

Target doneness changes grilling times significantly. For medium-rare, maintain an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F, grilling steak tips 6 to 8 minutes total depending on thickness. Medium doneness reaches 140°F to 145°F, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes. Well-done steak tips hit 160°F or higher, demanding longer cooking times up to 12 minutes or more. Use a meat thermometer to gauge internal temperature accurately, avoiding overcooking or undercooking.

Recommended Grilling Times for Steak Tips

Grilling times for steak tips depend on thickness and doneness preference. The following guidelines match common thicknesses of 1 to 1.5 inches.

Rare to Medium-Rare Grilling Times

Aim for 2 to 3 minutes per side over high heat when cooking steak tips to rare or medium-rare. Expect an internal temperature of 125°F to 135°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness and prevent overcooking.

Medium to Medium-Well Grilling Times

Grill steak tips for 4 to 5 minutes per side to reach medium or medium-well doneness. The internal temperature range is 140°F to 150°F. Turn steak tips only once during grilling for even cooking.

Well-Done Grilling Times

Cook steak tips for 6 to 7 minutes per side to achieve well-done doneness. The target internal temperature exceeds 160°F. Reduce grill heat slightly if steak tips risk charring before fully cooking inside.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Steak Tips

Grilling steak tips requires precise preparation, accurate temperature monitoring, and proper resting to achieve optimal flavor and texture. Use these tips to elevate your grilling technique and ensure juicy, tender results every time.

Preparing the Steak Tips Before Grilling

Trim excess fat and pat the steak tips dry to promote even searing. Marinate the steak tips for 30 minutes to 2 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness; use ingredients like olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, or Worcestershire sauce. Season steak tips generously with salt and pepper immediately before placing them on the grill to lock in natural juices.

Monitoring Temperature and Using a Meat Thermometer

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, roughly 400°F to 450°F, for consistent cooking. Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak tip to track internal temperature accurately. Remove the steak tips when they reach 125°F to 130°F for rare, 135°F to 145°F for medium, and 150°F to 160°F for well-done to avoid overcooking. Check temperature frequently during grilling to adjust placement or heat as needed.

Resting the Meat After Grilling

Rest steak tips for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute evenly. Cover loosely with foil during resting to retain warmth without causing sogginess. Slice steak tips against the grain post-resting to maximize tenderness and improve mouthfeel.

Conclusion

Grilling steak tips perfectly comes down to timing and attention to detail. By considering thickness, heat level, and your preferred doneness, you can easily achieve juicy and tender results every time. Using a meat thermometer and allowing your steak tips to rest will take your grilling game to the next level. With these strategies, you’re well-equipped to enjoy flavorful, restaurant-quality steak tips right at home.