Using Steak Tips for Souvlakia?

[paharo45]

I was at the grocery store recently and noticed that steak tips were on sale, which got me thinking about souvlaki. Usually when I make souvlaki at home I use pork or chicken, but it occurred to me that steak tips might actually work really well too.

They’re already cut into chunks, and they seem like they would take a marinade nicely. I was imagining tossing them in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and maybe a little salt and pepper before grilling them on skewers.

I know souvlaki is traditionally made with certain cuts of meat, but sometimes it’s fun to experiment with what’s available or on sale.

Has anyone here tried making souvlaki with steak tips before? Did the texture work well on the grill? I’m curious whether it comes out tender and flavorful or if there’s a better cut of beef to use.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I’ve actually tried this, and steak tips can work really well for souvlaki, especially if they’re a good quality cut. The biggest thing is how you handle the marinade and cooking time.

Your marinade idea is right on, olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper is all you need. I’d just avoid over-marinating with too much lemon, since the acid can start to toughen the meat if it sits too long. A couple of hours is usually perfect.

On the grill, high heat and a quick cook seem to give the best result. You want a nice char on the outside without overcooking the inside.
If the steak tips are from something like sirloin, they tend to stay pretty tender. I’ve found they hold up better than some other beef cuts when skewered.