IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips Recipe – Easy Copycat

One of the most popular dishes at IHOP is the Sirloin Steak Tips. It has small pieces of tender, juicy beef cooked in a tasty sauce.

Many people love it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The mix of savory beef and a slightly sweet sauce makes this meal very satisfying and easy to enjoy.

One day, after running errands, I was really hungry and wanted something filling but not expensive. When the plate of steak tips arrived, the smell made me excited to eat.

The beef was soft and cooked perfectly, and the sauce was smooth and flavorful. Every bite felt like comfort food.

That moment made me want to make this dish at home. I learned that it doesn’t take hard steps or special ingredients to get the same taste.

Today, I am sharing this copycat IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips Recipe so you can enjoy it anytime in your own kitchen.

What Kind of Steak Does IHOP Use for Steak Tips?

IHOP uses marinated sirloin tips that are cut into bite-size pieces. These are seasoned, cooked until tender, and served with grilled onions and mushrooms.

The marinade is slightly sweet and savory, giving the steak tips a bold, rich flavor.

This copycat recipe captures that same taste so you can enjoy it at home without missing out on the restaurant experience.

Sirloin Tip Steak vs Sirloin Steak

It’s easy to confuse sirloin tip steak with sirloin steak, but they are two different cuts of beef.

Sirloin tip steak comes from the round part of the cow, which is near the back leg. This cut is lean and can be a little tougher, but when marinated and cooked the right way, it becomes tender and flavorful. That’s why it works so well for dishes like steak tips.

On the other hand, sirloin steak comes from the sirloin section, located closer to the middle of the cow. This cut usually has more marbling, meaning it has fat running through the meat. That extra fat adds flavor and makes it naturally more tender than the sirloin tip.

For IHOP sirloin steak tips, the lean sirloin tip is the cut of choice. With the right marinade and slow cooking, the beef turns juicy and rich in flavor without being overly fatty.

IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips Ingredients

• 2 pounds sirloin tip steak or beef stew meat: This is the main protein for your dish. Cut into 2-inch pieces for best results. You can substitute with chuck roast cut into chunks, but cooking time may need adjustment.
• 1 tablespoon meat tenderizer: This powder helps break down tough fibers in the meat. You can use fresh pineapple juice as a natural alternative, about 2 tablespoons.
• 1 tablespoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives the best flavor. Pre-ground pepper works too, but the taste won’t be as strong.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Regular table salt works fine. Sea salt or kosher salt can be used for a cleaner taste.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with browning. You can use brown sugar for deeper flavor or honey as a liquid substitute.
• 1 cup ketchup: Acts as the base for your sauce. Tomato sauce mixed with a little vinegar works as backup option.
• 1/2 cup A1 steak sauce: Gives that tangy, rich flavor. Other steak sauces work, but A1 gives the closest taste to IHOP’s version.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep, savory notes to the marinade. Soy sauce can substitute in a pinch, though the flavor changes slightly.
• 1 can Coca-Cola (12 oz): The acids help tenderize meat while adding subtle sweetness. Any cola works, but Coke gives the authentic taste.
• 3 medium onions, chopped: Yellow onions work best for cooking. Sweet onions make the dish milder, while white onions add more bite.
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional): Gives a grilled flavor without using a grill. You can skip this if you prefer a cleaner taste.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Pressure cooker or slow cooker – For tender, fall-apart meat
2. Large mixing bowl – To marinate the beef properly
3. Sharp knife – For cutting meat and onions
4. Cutting board – Keep separate for raw meat
5. Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts
6. Wooden spoon – For mixing marinade safely

How To Make IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips at Home

Step 1 | Prepare the Steak

Start by cutting your steak into 1-inch pieces. Try to make them all the same size. This helps them cook evenly.

Step 2 | Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix together the Coca-Cola, ketchup, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir it until everything is combined.

Step 3 | Marinate the Meat

Place the steak pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon to make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in your refrigerator for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.

Step 4 | Pressure Cook

Add the marinated steak and all the marinade sauce into the pressure cooker with the onions. Put the lid on. Set the cooker to high pressure for 25 minutes.

Once the time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.

Step 5 | Serve and Enjoy

Open the lid carefully. The steak will be very tender and the sauce will be thick. Give it a good stir. IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips now ready to serve!

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

• Pat the Meat Dry: Before you put the steak in the marinade, use a paper towel to pat the pieces dry. This helps the marinade stick to the meat better.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When you cook the steak tips, make sure they are in a single layer in the skillet. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of getting a nice brown color. You can cook them in two batches if your pan is small.
• Check for Doneness: The best way to know if your steak is cooked how you like it is to use a meat thermometer. Put the thermometer into the biggest piece of meat. For medium, it should read 145°F.
• Thicken the Gravy: If you want your gravy even thicker, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into your gravy while it is simmering. It will get thick very fast!

Ways to Enjoy This Dish

IHOP serves their sirloin steak tips with sautéed onions and mushrooms, along with a side of mashed potatoes or pancakes.

At home, this dish pairs well with buttered rice, roasted vegetables, or even over egg noodles for a comforting meal.

You can also use the leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Different Ways to Cook

While pressure cooking gives you the fastest and most tender results, you can make this recipe using other cooking methods too.

Slow Cooker Method: A slow cooker works great for this dish. Just put all the ingredients in your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meat will be just as tender, and the flavors will be amazing.

Stovetop Method: You can also make this recipe in a regular pot on the stovetop. Brown the marinated meat first in a little oil, then add the onions and all the liquid ingredients. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed to prevent sticking.

Oven Method: For oven cooking, put everything in a covered Dutch oven and cook at 325°F for about 2.5-3 hours. Check every hour and add liquid if the sauce gets too thick. Each method gives slightly different results, but all will produce tender, flavorful steak tips that taste great.

Make-Ahead and Storage

How to Store: After cooking, let the steak tips cool down to room temperature. Then, put them in an airtight container. They will stay good in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

How to Reheat: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Put the steak tips and sauce in a pan over medium-low heat. Stir it now and then until it is heated all the way through.

You can also use a microwave. Heat it in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stir, and heat for another minute.

Freezing Instructions: Let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips Recipe FAQs

1. My gravy is too thin. How can I fix it?

This is a common question and an easy fix! Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until it’s smooth.

Then, while your gravy is simmering on the stove, slowly add this cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring. The gravy will start to get thicker within a minute.

2. How do I make the meat more tender if it’s tough?

Extend marinating to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper penetration. The acids from Coke and Worcestershire break down fibers naturally. Adding tenderizer helps too. After cooking, let it rest before serving.

If still chewy, slice against the grain thinly. These steps ensure soft bites every time.

3. How do I know when the meat is done?

The meat is done when you can easily break a piece apart with a fork. It should be very tender and not tough at all. The pressure cooker method makes this very easy to achieve.

4. What makes the IHOP sirloin steak tips taste so good?

The secret lies in the marinade that combines Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices. This mix tenderizes the meat and adds rich, savory flavors.

Cooking the steak quickly in a hot pan seals the juices, giving every bite a moist and flavorful taste.

The IHOP Sirloin Steak Tips Recipe is a comfort dish that brings hearty flavor right to the table.

With a simple marinade, slow cooking, and easy ingredients, it creates a meal that feels satisfying any time of the day.