Beef Tips And Rice
Ingredients
Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds beef tips maybe either sirloin or tenderloin, about 1 inch size cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking the meat sesame oil preferably or any neutral tasting
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons Spicy Chilli Sauce more or less to taste
- Salt and pepper optional
- Water for cooking as needed— about 1/3 cup-1/2 cup depends on the cooking method : 1/4 cup-1/3 cup for the IP, while the 1/2 cup is for stove top
Cornstarch Mix:
- Remaining sauce from the above about 1/4 cup
- OR: 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch packed
Serving:
- 2 cup cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 small cucumbers sliced
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 avocados sliced
Instructions
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Make sure your beef tips are defrosted and at room temperature.
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In a large bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients in a large bowl and add in the beef tips.
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Toss them well to coat in the sauce and you can use them right away or marinate them until you’re ready (overnight at most).
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Heat the pan over medium high heat or set the instant pot to sauté.
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Add the beef chunks only removing them from the sauce and reserve the excess sauce for later. You should have around 1/4 cup-1/3 cup of sauce left.
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Add the cornstarch to the remaining sauce you have left. Compliment it with cold water if you don’t have enough sauce left.
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Cook the meat for two minutes (stove or instant pot).
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For the IP : Add in 1/4 cup of water and switch to pressure cooking for 12 minutes (tenderloin cut) or 18 minutes (sirloin).
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Release the pressure and switch to soup function (do not close the lid). Now add in the sauce with cornstarch mixture and boil for 2 minutes. And it’s ready!
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Stove Top: After sautéing for 2 minutes, add in the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to low (the mixture should be still simmering) and cover the pan really well.
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Cook for 20 minutes (tenderloin) or 30-35 minutes (sirloin), remove the lid and add in the cornstarch mixture. Bring that to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. And it’s ready!
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Serve the beef tips over cooked white rice and add in your favorite veggies to the bowl.
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Sprinkle some cilantro and sesame seeds if you like.
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Serve right away and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Beef Tips and Rice Recipe Tips
- Make sure you know if the beef tips you’re buying are sirloin tips or tenderloin, because that will dictate the cooking time.
- The Asian sauce I’m using is super flavorful so you don’t need to plan for marinade time. You can however prepare it in advance and take advantage of marination.
- When you start cooking the beef tips, make sure you remove the beef from the sauce and keep the remaining sauce for use later.
- Instant Pot: Start with the Sauté function for two min. Add the water, switch to the pressure cook for 12 minutes (tenderloin) or 20 min (sirloin). Release the pressure and switch to soup function (do not close the lid). Now add in the sauce with cornstarch mixture and boil for 2 minutes. And it’s ready!
- Stove Top: heat a Dutch oven or heavy duty pot over medium high heat and sauté the beef for 2 minutes. Add in the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to low (the mixture should be still simmering) and cover the pan really well. Cook for 20 minutes (tenderloin) or 30-35 minutes (sirloin), remove the lid and add in the cornstarch mixture. Bring that to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. And it’s ready!
- The beef tips will be super tender and melt in your mouth, however you can control how chewy or tender you prefer your meat to be by decreasing cooking times by 5 minutes or so.
- The cooking times above are based on an inch size cube of beef tips. You may need to adjust time depending on the size of meat you buy, likewise you can cut out the meat to make sure they’re about an inch cube.
- Leftovers beef tips and rice are great within the next 3 days!
How do you make beef tips tender?
Tender beef tips depend on two key factors: Your cut of meat and the cooking method. Choose a tender cut (sirloin) or use low heat methods for tougher cuts (chuck).
Should you marinate beef tips, and for how long?
Also depending on the cut of beef, but overall marinating is especially beneficial when using lean or slightly tougher cuts. Marinate for 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
What seasoning goes well with beef tips?
Your best seasoning like garlic, onions, paprika, thyme, rosemary or oregano . For the Asian flavors here we love ginger, garlic and soy sauce for umami.
How long does it take to cook beef tips on the stovetop?
On average these are the cooking times for a sirloin. Remember a tenderloin will cook faster, while a chuck will require longer.
- Sear first: 2–4 minutes per side (for tender cuts)
- Simmer with sauce: 20–40 minutes (for stewing)
- Slow cook: 4–8 hours (low heat, for very tender results)
Can beef tips be cooked in a slow cooker?
Yes! Actually slow cooking yields very tender, succulent beef tips. You can either use the Low function for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
What rice goes best with beef tips?
Almost any rice works, but popular options include:
- White long grain rice. For a flavored one try Cilantro Lime Rice
- Basmati or jasmine rice. We love using it to make Coconut Rice
- Brown rice or Wild rice blend
Can you freeze beef tips once cooked?
Yes! you can store cooled beef tips and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. In the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently with some water to hydrate the beef tips.
Are beef tips healthy?
Beef is high in protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins. So yes it's good for you! For healthier versions use leaner cuts, limit added fats, and portion sauce wisely. Pair with whole grains and vegetables to balance meals.
What is the difference between beef tips and steak cubes / Steak bites?
Beef tips generally refer to small pieces of beef cut from specific tender areas like sirloin or tenderloin and are often used in saucy meals.
Steak cubes may come from various cuts and are often used for kebabs, stews, or soups — not always inherently tender.
Air Fryer Steak Bites are absolutely tender, quick to cook and super satisfying.
Why are my beef tips tough?
Tough beef tips often result from:
- Using too lean or tough cuts without proper cooking method
- Cooking too fast over high heat
- Not enough liquid or slow cook time
- Not slicing against the grain
Can you make beef tips gluten-free?
Yes! Our recipe is FULLY gluten free. You need to ensure the broth/stock is gluten-free. Use Worcestershire or soy sauce that is gluten-free. And for any gravy thickener, use cornstarch.
What other sides pair well with beef tips?
- Rice (classic).
- Mashed potatoes
- Ramen.
- Crusty bread
- Vegetables or Steakhouse Mushrooms
- Cucumber salad
Can beef tips be cooked in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Follow our recipe instructions.
What is the best way to thicken beef tips sauce?
- Cornstarch slurry: Mix 1–2 tsp cornstarch with cold water then stir into simmering sauce
- Flour roux: Cook equal parts butter and flour, then add stock or broth.
- Reduction: Simmer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid
Can I grill beef tips?
Yes! When skewered or in bite sizes, beef tips can be grilled quickly medium high heat with short cooking time. However, grilled tips are not saucy, so best to serve with a side sauce.
Why is my beef tips sauce watery?
- Not reducing the liquid long enough
- Too much broth or liquid added upfront
- Lack of thickener (cornstarch or roux)