How to Cook Succulent Beef Tips Without Gravy

Beef tips make for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. While many recipes call for simmering the meat in gravy you can cook beef tips to juicy perfection without it. Follow this guide to learn tips for choosing quality beef, proper seasoning and cook times, flavor boosting techniques and how to serve up fork-tender beef tips no gravy required.

Picking the Best Beef for Dry Cooking

Selecting the right cut is key when cooking beef tips without the benefit of braising liquid, Opt for

• Shoulder or round cuts: Look for tips from the beef shoulder or round for good marbling.

• 1-inch pieces: Cubed pieces around 1-inch thick work well for pan frying or grilling.

• Marbled with fat: Choose tips with streaks of white fat running through the meat to prevent drying out.

• Bright red color: Beef tips should have a vibrant red hue without brown or gray spots.

Well-marbled shoulder and round tips cooked over high heat will caramelize on the outside while staying moist inside.

Seasoning is Crucial

When cooking beef tips without gravy, seasoning is what provides the flavor. Be generous with:

• Kosher salt and black pepper: Heavily season both sides of the tips with coarse salt and cracked pepper.

• Garlic powder and onion powder: These spices enhance the beefy flavor.

• Paprika or chili powder (optional): Smoky paprika or chili powder kicks up the taste a notch.

• Fresh herbs (optional): Chopped rosemary, thyme and oregano add aromatic notes.

Properly seasoned beef tips won’t miss the gravy at all.

Quick Stovetop Cooking Methods

Cooking without braising liquid requires hot and fast cooking. Use these stovetop methods:

• Pan frying: Cook tips over medium-high heat in an oiled skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

• Stir frying: Constant tossing in a very hot oiled wok or skillet ensures even browning.

• Grilling: Cook over direct high heat on a pre-oiled grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Check for doneness by nicking a tip with a knife. Clear juices indicate medium rare. Adjust heat so the exterior browns without overcooking the interior.

Oven Roasting for Low and Slow Cooking

For a hands off approach, oven roast seasoned beef tips:

• High heat: Roast at 475°F to sear the exterior before the inside overcooks.

• Moderate heat: Cook at 350°F for more even cooking if your oven runs hot.

• Flip halfway: Turn tips over halfway through roasting for browned all over.

• Check often: Monitor every 5-10 minutes and remove immediately at desired doneness.

The dry environment of the oven produces browned, caramelized exterior and tender, juicy meat.

Estimated Cook Times

Beef tip cook times vary based on preferred doneness:

• Rare: 1-2 minutes per side for pan frying or grilling, 10-15 minutes for oven roasting

• Medium rare: 2-3 minutes per side, 15-20 minutes in oven

• Medium: 3-4 minutes per side, 20-25 minutes in oven

• Medium well: 4-5 minutes per side, 25-30 minutes in oven

Use these cook times as a starting point and always verify doneness with a thermometer or slice test.

Flavor Boosting Tricks

Don’t be afraid to embellish those beef tips with extra flavor:

• Butter baste: Add tablespoons of butter to the hot pan and baste the tips while cooking.

• Fresh garlic and herbs: Saute minced garlic and herbs like thyme in the pan juices after cooking.

• Specialty oils: Drizzle truffle oil, sesame oil or chili oil over plated tips.

• Spiced rubs: Coat tips in bold rubs featuring flavors like coffee, chili powder, or five spice.

• Marinades: Soak tips 1-2 hours in a marinade of wine, vinegar, garlic, and savory spices.

Serving Suggestions

Beef tips pair nicely with all kinds of flavors. Serve them with:

• Sautéed mushrooms or onions: Cook aromatics right in the pan juices.

• Simple salad: Crisp lettuce, tomato and onion make a light pairing.

• Roasted or grilled veggies: Charred broccoli, peppers, or potatoes complement the meat.

• Rice pilaf or roasted potatoes: Starch soaks up the pan sauces.

• Eggs: Top a salad with fried egg for added protein.

A quick pan sauce of garlic, shallots and beef broth poured over the tips finishes them beautifully.

Sample Recipe: Chili Lime Beef Tips

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef tips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp chipotle powder
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine chili powder, chipotle, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss beef tips to coat. Let marinate 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.

2. Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet over high heat. Shake excess marinade from beef tips. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.

3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and serve.

The tangy chili lime marinade perks up the beef tips for a quick, flavor packed dinner off the stovetop.

Troubleshooting Tips

Having issues getting fork-tender results without gravy? Try these fixes:

• Overcooked and dry: Don’t cook as long, slice to check interior, and tent with foil before serving.

• Undercooked: Increase heat, cook a bit longer, and use thermometer to check for doneness.

• Bland flavor: Double up on aromatics like garlic and herbs and let marinate longer next time.

• Tough and chewy: Select more tender shoulder or rib tips, slice across the grain, and marinate.

• Burnt exteriors: Use a lower pan temperature and turn heat down once browned.

With the right cut, cook technique, and seasoning, beef tips shine without gravy. Follow these tips for the best results.

Frequency of Entities:
tips: 16
cook: 12
beef: 11
gravy: 10
heat: 7
tender: 6
season: 6
browned: 5
flavor: 5
juicy: 4
pan: 4
garlic: 3
herb: 3
marinade: 3