Beef Tips Zip Recipe

Marinate beef

Place the 1-inch cubed beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate at room temperature for 15–30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

Preheat pan

Heat a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3–4 minutes). Add a thin film of oil if your pan is dry.

Sear beef in batches

Working in a single layer and in batches to avoid overcrowding, add half the beef to the hot pan. Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, flip and brown the second side 1–2 minutes. Transfer seared beef to a plate and repeat with remaining beef. Do not fully cook through; aim for a good brown crust. Keep all seared beef aside.

Sweat onion and garlic

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. When butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Build the sauce

Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize slightly and remove raw flavor. Add 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 cup beef stock, 1/4 cup red wine (if using), 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Thicken the sauce

Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more sugar or vinegar to reach a balanced sweet-tangy-savory profile typical of Detroit Zip Sauce.

Combine beef and sauce

Return all seared beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the simmering sauce. Stir to coat the beef. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, until beef reaches desired doneness (internal temp ~130–140°F for medium-rare to medium) and the sauce clings to the beef.

Stir in 1 tbsp butter to finish the sauce, which will add sheen and richness. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Transfer Beef Tips Zip to a serving dish or spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional green onions over the top for color and freshness.

Serve immediately. Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of stock to loosen the sauce.