Tri Tip Two Ways Delicious Steak Recipes

Tri tip is a cut of beef that’s truly a hidden gem, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite for so many. Its beautiful marbling lends itself to incredible tenderness and a rich, beefy flavor that’s simply irresistible. What makes tri tip so special? It’s surprisingly versatile, affordable, and can be prepared in so many delicious ways. Whether you’re craving a classic grilled masterpiece or something with a bit more flair, this cut delivers. Today, we’re diving into the world of tri tip by showing you not just one, but two incredible ways to cook it. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone at your next gathering with this fantastic beef cut.

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Tri Tip (2 Ways)

Tri tip is a wonderfully flavorful and tender cut of beef, often overlooked but incredibly rewarding to cook. Its triangular shape gives it a unique grain direction that, when cooked properly, results in a steak-like experience with a satisfying chew. Today, we’re exploring two delicious ways to prepare this fantastic roast, giving you options for different occasions and flavor profiles. Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or prefer the convenience of your oven, you’ll find a method here to love.

Ingredients:

Method 1: The Classic Grilled Tri Tip

This method focuses on achieving a beautiful crust and perfectly medium-rare interior. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that complements the beef beautifully.

Step 1: Preparation and Seasoning

Begin extract by patting your tri tip roast completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear. In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, Lawry’s seasoning salt, kosher salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and parsley. This blend creates a savory and slightly sweet rub that adheres beautifully to the meat. For the best flavor, I like to coat the tri tip generously with the olive oil first. This helps the rub stick and also contributes to a more even browning during the grilling process. Once coated in oil, liberally apply the seasoning rub all over the tri tip, making sure to get every surface. Let the seasoned roast sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (and up to an hour) while you preheat your grill. This allows the meat to cook more evenly.

Step 2: Grilling – The Sear

Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for a temperature of around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. You want a screaming hot grill to get that perfect char. Place the seasoned tri tip directly on the hot grill grates. Sear for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, until a beautiful dark crust has formed. Resist the urge to move the roast too much during this initial searing phase; let the heat work its magic to create those coveted grill marks and a flavorful crust.

Step 3: Grilling – Indirect Heat and Temperature Monitoring

After searing all sides, move the tri tip to a cooler part of the grill, or if you have a two-zone setup, to the indirect heat zone. Close the lid and continue to cook, monitoring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The goal for a medium-rare tri tip is an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. This will likely take another 15-25 minutes, depending on your grill and the thickness of the roast. For medium, aim for 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit. I always recommend using a reliable instant-read thermometer; it’s the best way to ensure perfect doneness.

Step 4: Resting is Key

Once the tri tip reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and place it on a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period is absolutely vital. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and moist roast. If you cut into it too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto the board.

Step 5: Slicing and Serving

After resting, identify the grain of the meat. Tri tip has a distinctive grain that changes direction across its surface. You will need to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction the muscle fibers are running. Slice the tri tip thinly for the best eating experience. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Method 2: The Oven-Roasted Tri Tip with Garlic Herb Butter

This method is a fantastic alternative when grilling isn’t an option, or if you prefer a more hands-off approach. The garlic herb butter adds an incredible layer of flavor and moisture.

Step 1: Preparation and Flavor Infusion

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the tri tip dry as you would for grilling. In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, Lawry’s seasoning salt, kosher salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and parsley. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the tri tip, ensuring even coverage. In another small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 clove of minced garlic (optional, but highly recommended for extra garlic flavor) and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme. Brush this garlic herb butter generously over the seasoned tri tip. This will create a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful crust as it roasts.

Step 2: Initial High-Heat Sear in the Oven

Place the seasoned and buttered tri tip in a cast-iron skillet or a sturdy oven-safe baking dish. Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven. Roast for 10-15 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial blast of high heat helps to create a nice sear on the exterior of the roast, similar to the grilling method.

Step 3: Lower Heat Roasting and Temperature Check

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue roasting the tri tip, allowing about 20-25 minutes per pound. Again, use your meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium, aim for 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit. The garlic herb butter will continue to baste the roast as it cooks, creating a luscious finish.

Step 4: The Essential Rest

Once the tri tip reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Transfer it to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil, just as you would with the grilled version. Allow it to rest for a minimum of 10-15 minutes. This step cannot be skipped, as it’s crucial for a tender and juicy result.

Step 5: Slicing and Enjoying

After resting, carefully examine the tri tip to identify the grain. Slice against the grain, just as you would with the grilled version, to ensure maximum tenderness. The oven-roasted tri tip, infused with garlic and herbs, is incredibly delicious and satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Both of these methods offer fantastic ways to enjoy the exceptional flavor of a tri tip roast. Experiment with both and discover your favorite!

Conclusion:

There you have it! Two fantastic ways to prepare a truly impressive Tri Tip that are both achievable for home cooks and deliver exceptional flavor. Whether you opt for the smoky allure of the grill or the savory depth of oven roasting, this versatile cut of beef is a winner every time. I absolutely love the simplicity of these recipes, allowing the natural deliciousness of the Tri Tip to shine. The resulting tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned meat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a celebratory backyard barbecue. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these methods; they’re designed to be forgiving and consistently delicious.

For serving, consider classic pairings like roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or grilled asparagus. We also love serving thinly sliced Tri Tip in sandwiches with a tangy barbecue sauce or atop a vibrant chimichurri for an extra punch of flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, so feel free to explore your own favorite accompaniments. I truly encourage you to give these Tri Tip preparations a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to slice Tri Tip?

For maximum tenderness, always slice your Tri Tip against the grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. This breaks down the connective tissues, making each bite incredibly tender.

Can I marinate the Tri Tip?

Absolutely! While these recipes focus on simple seasoning to highlight the beef’s natural flavor, a marinade can add another layer of complexity. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and red grape juice vinegar works wonderfully for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight, before cooking.

What if I don’t have a grill or oven?

While grilling and oven roasting are ideal for achieving that perfect crust and internal temperature, you can also pan-sear your Tri Tip. Start with a hot, oiled cast-iron skillet to get a good sear on all sides, then finish it in a preheated oven at the same temperature specified in the oven recipe until it reaches your desired doneness.

Tri Tip (2 Ways)

A versatile tri tip roast prepared with two distinct flavor profiles.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 & 1/2 pound tri tip roast
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon Lawry’s seasoning salt
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried or fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Pat the tri tip roast dry with paper towels. This helps create a better sear.
2. Step 2
   In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, Lawry’s seasoning salt, kosher salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and parsley. This will be your rub.
3. Step 3
   For ‘Way 1’ (Classic Seasoning): Evenly coat half of the tri tip roast with the prepared rub. For ‘Way 2’ (Herb & Garlic Marinade): In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil and remaining rub ingredients. Coat the other half of the tri tip with this mixture. Ensure both sides of the roast are coated.
4. Step 4
   Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, prepare for direct and indirect heat zones. If using the oven, place the roast on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
5. Step 5
   Sear the tri tip roast over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side on the grill, or place it in the preheated oven. Continue cooking for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound, or until an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare is reached. Use a meat thermometer.
6. Step 6
   Remove the tri tip from the heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain for optimal tenderness.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.