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Natalia’s Marinated Steak Tips: A Family Favorite

I remember the first time I tasted these steak tips. I was at Natalia’s house for a summer barbecue, and the aroma alone was intoxicating – a sweet and savory blend of smoky char and tangy spices. Then came the taste: tender, juicy steak with a rich, complex sauce that lingered on the palate. From that moment, I was hooked, and Natalia’s recipe became a staple in my own kitchen, a constant reminder of good friends and delicious food.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 24 hours, 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours, 20 minutes
Servings: 5-6
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
Dietary Type: Not Specified

Ingredients

3 lbs sirloin steaks, loin strips (good quality)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup steak sauce (1/2 Emeril’s steak sauce and 1/2 A1 preferred)
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon hot sauce, to taste (refer to Note # 2)
2 tablespoons garlic powder

Equipment Needed

Large bowl
Very large ziplock plastic bag
Small saucepan
Grill (coal or gas) OR Cast iron pan with grill grades (for indoor cooking)

Instructions

Begin by preparing the steak. Cut any excess outer fat from the sirloin steaks or loin strips, then cut the steak into your desired sized tips. Aim for roughly 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: ketchup, barbecue sauce, steak sauce (preferably a 50/50 blend of Emeril’s and A1), brown sugar, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Whisk until well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
Place the steak tips in a very large ziplock plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the tips, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the meat, moving the tips around in the bag until every piece is thoroughly saturated.
Seal the ziplock bag tightly, removing as much air as possible to ensure maximum contact between the marinade and the steak. Place the bag in a bowl – this is a crucial step to prevent any potential marinade leakage in your refrigerator.
Place the bowl containing the marinating steak tips in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight. For maximum flavor penetration, you can marinate for up to 48 hours. The longer the marinating time, the more tender and flavorful the steak tips will become.
When ready to cook, remove the steak tips from the marinade. Reserve the remaining marinade; this will be used to create a delicious sauce.
If grilling outdoors, preheat your coal or gas grill to medium-high heat. If cooking indoors, place a cast iron pan with grill grades over medium-high heat.
Grill the steak tips on the preheated grill or cast iron pan to your desired level of doneness. This will typically take about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the tips and the heat of your grill or pan.
While the steak tips are cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring the marinade to a full boil over medium heat, then cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
Once the steak tips have reached your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill or pan. Serve them hot, drizzled with the cooked marinade sauce. These steak tips pair wonderfully with a baked potato, rice, or your favorite side dishes.

Note 1: Indoor Cooking on Cast Iron:

When cooking indoors on a cast iron pan, be mindful that the marinade can burn easily. To prevent this, add a few drops of water to the pan, keeping the marinade saucy. Be careful not to add too much water, as you want to grill the steak tips, not steam them. Cover the pan with a lid after browning evenly to help cook the steak tips through without burning.

Note 2: Hot Sauce:

If using Tabasco sauce, use it sparingly (less than 1 tablespoon), as it can overpower the flavor of the marinade. For a milder heat with more depth, consider using a Portuguese “pimenta moida” (found in Portuguese markets or well-stocked supermarkets) or Frank’s hot sauce as a substitute.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra tender steak tips, consider using a meat tenderizer before marinating.
To prevent the steak tips from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grates before cooking.
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking indoors to allow for even browning.
Allow the steak tips to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Natalia’s Marinated Steak Tips hot off the grill or pan, drizzled generously with the cooked marinade sauce. They are fantastic served with classic sides like baked potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad.

Leftover steak tips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the steak.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	662.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	313 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	34.8 g	53%
Saturated Fat	14 g	69%
Cholesterol	204.1 mg	68%
Sodium	700.6 mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate	28.8 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	22.8 g	N/A
Protein	56.3 g	112%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the marinade for extra heat.
Sweet & Tangy: Substitute pineapple juice for a portion of the ketchup for a tropical twist.
Herby Goodness: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for an aromatic flavor.
Balsamic Glaze: Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the marinade for a rich, tangy flavor.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium ketchup and barbecue sauce and reduce or omit the steak sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
A: While sirloin or loin strips are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts like flank steak or skirt steak, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long can I marinate the steak tips?
A: You can marinate the steak tips for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times result in more flavorful and tender steak.

Q: Can I use this marinade for other meats?
A: Yes, this marinade is also delicious with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Adjust the cooking time as needed for the specific protein.

Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
A: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Natalia’s Marinated Steak Tips are more than just a recipe; they are a taste of summer barbecues, shared laughter, and the joy of good food. This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize to your liking, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your creations with friends and family. Pair it with a crisp salad and a cold drink for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Natalia’s Marinated Steak Tips Recipe