Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips: A Quick, Restaurant-Style Dinner

Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips is a dish that embodies rustic elegance and profound, unadulterated flavor, transforming an affordable cut of beef into a quick, sensational meal that feels both hearty and luxurious. Imagine tender, bite-sized morsels of juicy sirloin steak, seared to a perfect, caramelized crust in a blistering hot pan, then simmered and bathed in a rich, pan-made sauce of golden, foaming butter, abundant fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and a splash of wine or broth that pulls all the glorious browned bits from the pan into the luscious gravy. This is steakhouse-quality dining distilled into a simple, one-pan wonder that is ready in under 30 minutes. The dish is a masterclass in maximizing texture and taste: the exterior of each steak tip boasts a savory, umami-rich sear, while the interior remains tender and pink, and the entire creation is enveloped in a sauce that is at once nutty from the browned butter, pungent and sweet from the softened garlic, bright from fresh herbs, and deeply savory from the beef’s own juices.

Why Is This Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips Recipe So Popular?

The soaring popularity of Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips is rooted in its brilliant combination of simplicity, speed, and spectacular flavor. First, it leverages the “steak tips” concept, which are flavorful, tender pieces of steak that cook quickly and are perfect for sharing, making a premium protein feel accessible and easy to prepare. Second, the garlic butter sauce is universally irresistible. The combination of browned butter and garlic is a culinary cornerstone that appeals to nearly every palate, creating a rich, aromatic, and deeply comforting sauce that elevates the simple steak to something extraordinary. Third, it is an incredibly fast and one-pan meal, fitting perfectly into the modern desire for “quick and delicious” dinners without compromising on quality or taste. Furthermore, its popularity is sustained by its versatility and visual appeal. The sizzling platter of glistening, saucy steak tips is incredibly inviting, and the dish can be endlessly adapted with different herbs, acids, or cream for variation. It is popular because it solves the perennial dinner dilemma, offering a meal that is impressively flavorful, quick to make, and satisfyingly hearty all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips:

• 30-Minute Gourmet Meal: Achieves deep, complex flavors in less time than it takes to get takeout.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor payoff.
• Perfectly Tender & Juicy: The quick sear and simmer method keeps the sirloin tender and prevents toughness.
• Sauce You’ll Want to Drink: The pan sauce made from butter, garlic, and steak drippings is so good you’ll want to sop up every last drop.
• Endlessly Adaptable: Easily adjust the herbs, add mushrooms or shallots, or make it creamy for a different twist.

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Steak & Marinade/Dry Rub:

• 1.5 – 2 lbs sirloin steak tips, or top sirloin steak cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (for umami)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick / 56g) unsalted butter, divided
• 8-10 large cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced (about ¼ cup)
• ⅓ cup (80ml) dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot), OR beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, or ½ tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or 2 tbsp heavy cream (for a richer, thicker sauce)

For Cooking & Serving:

• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil (for high-heat searing)
• To Serve: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, cauliflower mash, or roasted vegetables.

How to Make Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips:

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak
Pat the sirloin tips completely dry with paper towels. This is the single most important step for achieving a proper sear. In a medium bowl, toss the steak tips with the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Tips to Perfection
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel is ideal) over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the high-heat oil and swirl to coat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding (which steams the meat), add the steak tips in a single layer. Do not move them for 2-3 minutes, allowing a deep, brown crust to form. Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. The goal is a good sear, not cooking through. Transfer the seared tips to a clean plate. They will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the same skillet (do not wipe it out—those browned bits are flavor gold). Once melted, add the minced or sliced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 45-60 seconds until it becomes very fragrant and just begins to turn light golden. Do not let it burn, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the red wine (or ⅓ cup beef broth) to deglaze. Use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape up all the delicious browned fond from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half and the alcohol smell has cooked off.

Step 5: Create the Simmering Sauce
Add the remaining 1 cup of beef broth, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Finish Cooking the Steak in the Sauce
Return the seared steak tips and any accumulated juices on the plate back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the steak tips simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Avoid overcooking, as sirloin can become tough.

Step 7: Finish, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, swirling the pan to melt it into the sauce. This final addition (called “mounting” with butter) creates a glossy, rich, and slightly thickened sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice or vinegar and the chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, spooning the steak tips and plenty of the glorious garlic butter sauce over your chosen base. Garnish with extra fresh parsley.

Tips for Success:

• Dry the Meat Thoroughly: Any surface moisture will create steam and prevent the Maillard reaction (browning) that builds foundational flavor.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Searing in batches is essential. Overcrowding drops the pan temperature, causing the meat to boil in its own juices instead of searing.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Jarred minced garlic can have a bitter, harsh flavor when cooked this way. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for the best taste.
• Control the Garlic Cooking: Cook the garlic just until fragrant. Browning it too much will make the sauce bitter.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Sirloin tips are lean and best served medium-rare to medium. They cook quickly in the simmering sauce.
• Finish with Cold Butter: Adding the final butter off the heat emulsifies it into the sauce, creating a velvety texture and rich flavor without breaking.

Equipment Needed:

• Large, Heavy-Bottomed Skillet (Cast Iron or Stainless Steel)
• Tongs
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
• Measuring Spoons & Cups
• Instant-Read Thermometer (optional but helpful)

Variations of Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips:

• Creamy Garlic Mushroom: After sautéing garlic, add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Proceed with broth, then finish with ¼ cup of heavy cream or sour cream.
• Steak Tips with Peppercorn Sauce: Crack 1-2 tbsp of whole black peppercorns and add with the garlic. Use brandy or cognac instead of red wine, and finish with cream.
• Balsamic Herb: Add 2 tablespoons of good balsamic vinegar when deglazing, and use fresh oregano and basil.
• Spicy Cajun: Season the steak with Cajun seasoning instead of the listed spices. Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
• With Shallots: Sauté 2 finely chopped shallots with the garlic for added sweetness and depth.
• Slow Cooker/Crockpot Version: Sear the tips, then add everything (except final butter and parsley) to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Stir in butter and parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips:

• Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic and perfect pairing for soaking up the sauce.
• On Buttered Egg Noodles or Pasta: A simple bed for the steak and its rich gravy.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm baguette or crusty rolls for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
• As a Hearty Bowl: Over a bowl of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice with a side of steamed green beans or broccoli.
• For a Low-Carb Plate: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini noodles, or a crisp garden salad.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, sauce included)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: ~750mg
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 14g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

FAQs about Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips:

Q: What cut of meat is best for steak tips?
A: “Sirloin tips” from the butcher are ideal. Otherwise, top sirloin steak cut into cubes works perfectly. Avoid very tough cuts like round or chuck for this quick-cooking method.

Q: Can I make this without wine?
A: Absolutely. Use an equal amount of additional beef broth, or for acidity, use a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice mixed with the broth.

Q: How do I prevent the steak from being tough?
A: 1) Do not overcook. Aim for medium-rare to medium. 2) Cut against the grain when slicing a whole steak into tips. 3) Let the cooked meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: The steak is best served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients (cut steak, mince garlic, measure herbs) ahead. For leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak.

Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If you prefer a thicker gravy, after deglazing, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour over the garlic and cook for 1 minute before adding the broth. Or, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.

Q: Can I use steak seasoning instead?
A: Yes, you can use 1 ½ tablespoons of your favorite steak seasoning blend in place of the individual dry spices (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.).

Final Thoughts:

Garlic Butter Sirloin Tips is a quintessential recipe that proves you don’t need expensive cuts or hours in the kitchen to create a profoundly satisfying, flavor-packed meal. It is a celebration of fundamental cooking techniques—the perfect sear, the art of deglazing, and the magic of finishing a pan sauce with butter—that come together to create something truly special. This dish is the ultimate reliable recipe for when you need a surefire winner on the table fast, whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a casual dinner with friends. The process is quick and engaging, and the reward is a sizzling skillet full of tender, juicy steak swimming in a garlicky, buttery sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a testament to the timeless power of simple, quality ingredients treated with care. So, heat your heaviest skillet, grab your garlic press, and get ready to make a 30-minute meal that tastes like you fussed all day.

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