There’s something super satisfying about tender melt in your mouth beef tips, especially beef tips and rice. Try this tasty, easy and delicious Asian inspired beef tips recipe for a gourmet weeknight dinner! Video included, instant pot or and stove top instructions too!
When you’re looking for a seriously TASTY dinner and have zero time, the best thing you can pull off is beef tips and rice! And you can serve it with potatoes, vegetables, basmati rice or whatever side dish. It’s all abut the beef tips 🙂
We noticed that Asian inspired recipes are a HIT with friends, my kids and their friends. Another QUICK and popular must try is Chili Lime Shrimp, Sweet Chili Salmon, Miso Cod. Of course seafood cooks even faster, so that makes them super appealing.
If you’re looking for a chicken option, you must try our Orange Chicken and Korean Fried Chicken Strips. Some amazing salads are Asian Cucumber Salad and Papaya Salad. SO GOOD! Make sure to try our Coconut Rice with those recipes!
What are Beef Tips?
Beef tips are small, bite sized pieces of beef cut from various tender parts of the cow. Often known as stew meat, but not necessarily. They’re ideal for quick searing, stewing, or slow cooking and are prized for their rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly.
What cut of meat is best for beef tips?
- Sirloin or top sirloin — tender and flavorful
- Beef tenderloin — very tender, milder flavor
- Chuck — rich flavor, great for slow cooking
- Round — leaner option for stews or marinating
Choosing the right cut affects texture and cooking method; sirloin is best for quick searing, while chuck or round works well for braising and slow cooking. Let’s talk about why and how to work with beef tips so you can make the most out of this delicious cut of beef!
Why You’ll Love Beef Tips and Rice
- SO TASTY! Between the browned beef, slow simmered gravy, and perfectly cooked rice, every bite is rich and satisfying. The sauce soaks into the rice, creating a dish that tastes like it took hours, even when it didn’t.
- Comfort Food at Its Best! This is the kind of meal that feels warm and hearty. It’s cozy enough for cold nights and familiar enough to please picky eaters.
- Flexible Recipe. You can use different cuts of beef, and cook it differently. Stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot
- Rice can be any type you prefer. Make your favorite rice recipe or use good old white rice, brown rice, Coconut Rice or even cauliflower rice
- Budget Friendly! While beef tips can be made with premium cuts, they’re also excellent with sirloin, chuck, or stew meat, especially when cooked low and slow in a crockpot or in an instant pot.
- Perfect for Meal Prep! Beef tips and rice store well, reheat beautifully, and taste even better the next day. So they are ideal for leftovers or make ahead meals.
Ingredients for Beef Tips and Rice
- Beef Tips. Quality beef tips of your choice, we used tenderloin for the fastest more tender beef tips recipe!
- Rice vinegar. Seasoning.
- Ketchup and Brown Sugar. essential sweetness and enriching taste.
- Soy Sauce. Umami
- Fresh ginger and Fresh garlic. Aromatics for the beef tips, if you don’t have fresh use garlic pwder and dried ginger. But fresh is recommended.
- Spicy Chilli Paste. optional for a spice kick
- Spices. Salt and pepper essentially , and also feel free to add onion flakes, chilli flakes.
- Stock. You can also use a beef bouillon cube to season the cooking liquid, or beef broth.
How to Cook Beef Tips
The best way to cook beef tips is either in a sauce (like we’ve done today) or to make them into steak bites. Check out my steak bites post and video or even Air Fryer Steak Bites for everything you need to make delicious steak bites!
If you’re cooking a saucy beef tips recipe, you can follow Braised Lamb Shanks guide substituting the beef tips. However, I love an Asian beef tips and rice meal over the classic gravy! It’s our family favorite!
Marinade
- Depending on the cut of beef tips you bought, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Details on the cooking times are in the TIPS section below.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients above with the beef tips until well coated. At this point you leave it to marinade for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge.
- You can also cook it right away since the sauce is super flavorful and you won’t miss out on hours of marinade.
Cook
- Start with preheating your instant pot on the Sauté function. Do the same for stove top, make sure to start with medium high heat and get your pot really hot.
- Add in sesame oil (or any neutral tasting oil) and add in the beef tips right away.
- Make sure you don’t add all the remaining sauce with it. Just remove the beef chunks and keep the extra sauce in the same bowl.
- Allow the meat to sear and bubble on high heat for two minutes.
- Now you’ll reduce the heat on stove top and add in some water to tenderize the meat. You’ll need to cook the meat on low (simmering) heat for 20 minutes (tenderloin) or 30 minutes (sirloin) for super tender tips.
- For the instant pot, you’ll set the pressure cook for 12 minutes (tenderloin) and 20 minutes (sirloin) after adding water as well.
Build the Sauce/Gravy
- To finish off the sauce. You’ll need the remaining marinade sauce you have in the bowl, and to that, you’ll add in a teaspoon of cornstarch. We prefer it over flour as it thickens Asian sauces best!
- A whisk is probably the best tool to make sure your cornstarch has completely dissolved.
- If you don’t have enough sauce (for example you’ve added it by accident to the pan), it’s ok! You’ll still however need to make the cornstarch sauce with a quarter cup of really cold water.
- The cornstarch creates a thick satisfying sauce or gravy with the beef tips recipe. The trick however to make sure the cornstarch dissolves fully is to whisk into a cold liquid.
- Now add the cornstarch mixture to the pot and bring to a boil for two minutes until the beef tips recipe is done. This is for the stove top.
- To continue with the instant pot, you’ll release the pressure when the time is up. And then switch to soup mode. Don’t place the lid back on, just allow the mixture to boil.
- At that point add in the cornstarch mixture and boil it for a couple of minutes until the sauce is ready.
Finish the Beef tips and Rice Recipe
- Now you’re ready to serve the beef tips and rice!
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over the plate, and add in your favorite veggies such as cucumber, avocados and peppers.
How to Cook Beef Tips on the Stove
You can make this recipe on the stove. Use a heavy duty pot and you’ll find detailed cooking times for the different cuts of beef tips and cooking method you select below.
The bottom line for stove top cooking is simply adjusting cooking time. Also you’ll need to bring the meat to a rigorous boil at first, and then covering your pan really well while dropping the heat to low.
Crock Pot:
Make the beef tips and rice in the crockpot or slow cooker by preparing the steps above and then setting the cooking tie to 4 hours on high.
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)
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
-
Make sure your beef tips are defrosted and at room temperature.
-
In a large bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients in a large bowl and add in the beef tips.
-
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).
-
Heat the pan over medium high heat or set the instant pot to sauté.
-
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.
-
Add the cornstarch to the remaining sauce you have left. Compliment it with cold water if you don’t have enough sauce left.
-
Cook the meat for two minutes (stove or instant pot).
-
For the IP : Add in 1/4 cup of water and switch to pressure cooking for 12 minutes (tenderloin cut) or 18 minutes (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: 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.
-
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!
-
Serve the beef tips over cooked white rice and add in your favorite veggies to the bowl.
-
Sprinkle some cilantro and sesame seeds if you like.
-
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)
I just happened to have all of the ingredients on hand plus I added some onions, trumpet mushrooms and cooked my peppers as they were green bells and not red (stronger flavor) and it turned out great! Nice and spicy. The family raved about it – thanks for sharing. This is definately a keeper!
I don’t usually leave reviews but I took a bite of this and full stop was blown away because it was beyond my expectations! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner for two teachers. We added chopped sautéed bok choi, carrots and garlic as the vegetables.
Thank you Meghan, so happy you enjoyed it! I love the veggies you added in too!
am i missing the measurements for ingredients?
Could I do the sauce and throw the beef tips in a slow cooker with the sauce.
Yes absolutely! But be careful not to over cook the meat (it depends on the cut of meat you have).
I accidentally put the sauce in the instant when I cooked the meat, and it still came out great lol.
This was a fabulous recipe. I love trying all sort of sacues for my stir frys. And since hubby and the baby approved, it’s definitely a keeper.
Oh that’s so good to hear!! So happy you enjoyed it too!!!
Gorgeous photos and don’t the sesame seeds finish it off beautifully.
That sauce is yummilicious. We are a huge fan of Asian rice bowl with salad and Instant Pot rocks at cooking it super fast.
Thank you Sandhya!
That sauce looks to die for!! Yum. This would be so good any night of the week. I love that you have shown an Instant Pot AND stove top method – very handy! Thanks
The sauce is so good with the beef tips!!
Beef tips are SO good and it’s great using every part of what you’re cooking. Asian flavors go so well with them too! Melt-in-your-mouth goodness 😀
Thanks Jeannette!
The way you serve the meal is so delicious that there is no question that I am going to give it a try! It sounds amazingly delicious!!!
Hope you enjoy it Irina!
This looks delicious, I like that you can make it really fast in the Instant Pot!
Yes!!