Craving a steak that’s juicy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside? This seared sirloin tip recipe is your answer.
It’s simple, delicious, and brings out the best in this cut of beef. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Prepare the spice mix by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and Kosher salt in a small bowl.
- In a medium bowl, mix the beef sirloin tip steak cubes with vegetable oil and half of the spice mixture. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- While the beef is marinating, peel and cube the potatoes, then sprinkle them with salt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, stir gently, and continue microwaving for an additional 2-4 minutes until they are just fork-tender.
- Heat a large skillet on medium-high, add a bit of oil, and sear the steak tips for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them from the pan once browned.
- Stir the remaining spice mix into the par-cooked potatoes to coat them evenly. Return the pan to medium heat, add oil, potatoes, minced garlic, and half the butter, cooking for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Once the potatoes are tender, return the steak tips to the pan along with the remaining butter. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through, then serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef sirloin tip steak, cut into roughly 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt (preferably Diamond brand)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as canola)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Additional 1 teaspoon Kosher salt for potatoes
FAQ
- Can I substitute the beef sirloin tip steak with another cut?
- Yes, top sirloin is a great alternative. It is more tender than sirloin tip steak but also more expensive. It will still make for a delicious dish.
- Is it possible to modify the seasoning?
- Absolutely! The spice mix is robust, but if you prefer less salt, you can reduce the amount of Kosher salt by half. You could also try using an Italian or Mexican herb blend for a different flavor profile.
- Why is pre-cooking the potatoes in the microwave recommended?
- Microwaving the potatoes first helps achieve a soft, tender texture without requiring a long cooking time in the pan. This step ensures the potatoes are cooked through without becoming overly crispy on the outside. If you don’t have a microwave, you can also boil them briefly before pan-cooking.
- What type of salt should I use in this recipe?
- It’s best to use Kosher salt, specifically Diamond Crystal if available, as it contains less sodium by volume compared to table salt or other brands like Morton’s. If using Morton’s, consider reducing the amount to avoid a too-salty dish.
- How should I adjust the cooking time for the potatoes in the microwave?
- Microwave powers can vary, so start with 4 minutes and then check for tenderness. You may need an additional 2-4 minutes to reach the desired fork-tender state. Stir the potatoes gently between intervals to avoid them becoming sticky.
Tips
- Use Kosher Salt: Always opt for Kosher salt instead of table salt, as the larger crystals result in less salt by volume. If using a brand like Morton’s, which is saltier than Diamond Crystal, consider halving the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Tenderize the Meat: Sirloin tip steak can be tougher than top sirloin. To ensure it’s tender, coat the meat with the spice marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or longer if possible, while you prep other ingredients.
- Par-cook the Potatoes: To achieve perfectly soft and tender potatoes without overcooking them in the pan, pre-cook them in the microwave. Start with 4 minutes, stir gently, and continue for another 2-4 minutes until just fork-tender.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When searing the steak tips, work in batches if necessary to ensure each piece is evenly browned. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than searing.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Large Sauté Pan – Ideal for searing the beef and cooking the potatoes.
- Garlic Peeling Tool – Useful for quickly peeling fresh garlic.
- Kosher Salt (Diamond Crystal preferred) – If you don’t already have it, as the recipe specifies using this type of salt for the best results.
- Microwave Safe Shallow Bowl or Deep Plate – For par-cooking the potatoes in the microwave.
