How To Cook Tri Tip In Oven?

Creating a culinary masterpiece requires mastering cooking tri-tip in the oven. It’s a skill that elevates your kitchen prowess. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to achieve a perfectly cooked tri-tip. It will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. In this article we will find How To Cook Tri Tip In Oven?

Tri-tip: what is it?

The tri-tip is a triangular, boomerang-shaped cut of beef. It is located very close to the flank steak at the sirloin. It is ideal for grilling, smoking, and roasting because of its high marbling. It yields tender, flavorful beef slices. They’re ideal for chopping up and stuffing into tacos or serving as steak slices!

The majority of US butchers will be able to identify and cut this triangular roast for you if you ask them. But, it is most commonly found in California. This traditional California cut has been making waves lately. It’s growing in popularity nationwide!

This juicy cut of meat gets so little credit. This juicy, incredibly flavorful meat is less expensive than steaks or beef tenderloin. If you’re feeding a large group. Serving tri-tip has another benefit. It comes in slices with different levels of doneness. Each person can choose whether they prefer medium-rare, medium, or well-done ends!

The tri-tip steak is also known as the Santa Maria steak, triangle steak, and tri-tip. In cities like New York City, you might also encounter a “Newport steak” or “apartment steak.” A whole tri-tip can feed a large gathering. This particular cut of steak is just the right amount for one or two people.

How to prepare tri-tip?

You can cook this flavorful meat in the Oven, grill, or smoker! Both approaches are delicious! Oven roasting is a fantastic substitute for grilling. But, grilling is undoubtedly the best (and my favourite) method!

Grilled/Smoked: I love this method because it has the best flavour. I save this for the weekends because I only do a little grilling or smoking during the week. Season the meat, sear it on high heat, and then finish the cooking and smoking by switching to indirect heat. In total, it takes about 1.5 hours.

Read More: Can You Put Tin Foil In The Oven?

Roasted in the Oven: This cooking technique is ideal for weeknight dinners! It’s the most straightforward, nearly foolproof method for cooking tri-tip. The meat must be seasoned, seared, and oven-roasted to perfection. This is a lot like roasting a tenderloin of beef or prime rib. And it turns out to be somewhat roast and somewhat steak! Likewise, it is akin to tenderloin or prime rib. Oven roasting will take approximately one hour in total.

How to cook a tri-tip so that it is juicy and cooked to perfection?

It would help if you used a meat thermometer to ensure that the tri-tip roast is cooked to perfection. I know this is news to you. Your tri-tip will always be cooked to perfection if you use a meat thermometer. There’s no need to overcook or undercook. It is not based on speculation! Only the finest outcomes. Both the first time and every time. I adore that!

When serving guests, this is such a wonderful thing! Assuring that the meat you serve is cooked to perfection will relieve you of some stress.

I’ve had this meat thermometer for years, and I love it! It’s inexpensive and easy to use. It’s good to have an instant-read thermometer. I like using one that lets you check the temperature without opening the oven or grill. This is crucial if you grill in the winter. You don’t want the heat to escape too much by constantly opening the grill to check the temperature.

How should I cook tri-tip on a grill?

Any grill can be used to prepare a tri-tip roast. I use a Big Green Egg ceramic grill because it’s excellent for smoking and grilling. I’ve been using mine for a long time and highly suggest it! But, you can make a tasty tri-tip on a standard charcoal grill, such as a Weber or a gas grill!

After cooking for a while on direct heat, adjust a ceramic grill, such as the Big Green Egg, for indirect heat. Use a heat deflector. This cast iron heat deflector is fantastic!

Read More: How To Toast Bread In Oven?

If you’re using a standard charcoal grill, such as a Weber, you should only cover one side of the grill with coals. Leave the other side empty. This enables you to switch the meat from direct heat to indirect heat.

When using a gas grill, please turn on the burners on one side of the grill. Cook the meat over direct heat for a while. Then, move it to a zone where the burners are off to finish cooking.

Ingredients required to make this recipe for tri-tip:

Two-pound tri-tip roast, ideally raised on pasture or grass (preferably organic)
One tablespoon of acceptable sea salt
Two tsp of freshly ground pepper
Two teaspoons of garlic powder
Two teaspoons of dried minced onion
One tsp of dried lemon peel
One teaspoon of paprika
A half-tsp of paprika smoked
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne
avocado oil

Please remember that the amounts listed for the ingredients are for a 2-pound roast. You will need to change the seasonings slightly, depending on how big or small your tri-tip is.

Read More: How To Cook Sausage In Oven?

How to bake tri-tip (recipe card that can be printed out below)?

In a small bowl, combine spices to make steak rub. Blend thoroughly. Cut off any silver skin. Apply a dry rub to the tri-tip from all sides. Work some rubs into the grooves and score the fat cap in a crisscross pattern if the tri-tip still has it on it. Trim thick fat caps before you cut and season so you have a thin layer of fat instead of a thick one. Let it sit at room temperature for approximately one hour to relieve the chill.
Set oven temperature to 250ºF.
Sear the tri-tip in a pan. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with one tablespoon of avocado oil. This could be a metal or cast iron skillet. My favourite cast-iron skillet for this is the 12-inch model. When the meat is hot, sear it for about ten minutes on each side or until it is well browned. Transfer the tri-tip to a rack-equipped roasting pan. This roasting pan is excellent. Another option is to use a metal rack with a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake in a roasting pan. Place a meat thermometer on the centre rack of the preheated Oven and insert it into the thickest part of the meat. Roast the meat until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for medium doneness or 130°F for medium rare. Roast the tri-tip with the fat side up if the fat cap is still on it. A 2-pound tri-tip should take 30 to 40 minutes, though cooking times may vary. I suggest a medium-rare steak, as usual.
Take out and relax. After taking the tri-tip out of the Oven, rest on the roasting rack for ten minutes.
Cut. Move to a cutting board and slice against the grain in thin slices with a very sharp knife. Leave in whole slices if serving as a main course or for sandwiches. Cut slices against the grain into strips for tacos.
Go with with your preferred sauce. Slices with my creamy peppercorn herb sauce are my favourite. It can also be stuffed into tacos with lots of fresh salsa and avocado slices. Add other toppings. Or, pile it high on a sandwich with barbecue sauce.
Any leftovers can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. When stored in an airtight container, they can last in the refrigerator for up to four days. Will there be enough leftovers to freeze, though? Let’s be honest. This succulent cut of meat is simply irresistible! Ours vanishes rather quickly!

How to grill tri-tip (printable recipe card available here)?

In a small bowl, combine spices to make steak rub. Blend thoroughly. Cut off any silver skin. Apply dry rub to the tri-tip on all sides. Let it sit at room temperature for approximately one hour to relieve the chill. I prefer to remove most of the fat cap from the tri-tip before grilling it.
Warm up the grill to 450ºF or medium-high heat. Cook the tri-tip over direct heat first to achieve a nice sear at a higher temperature. Then, switch to indirect heat to finish cooking. After the first cooking with direct heat, adjust the ceramic grill for indirect heat. Use a heat deflector. If you’re using a standard charcoal grill, set up two zones. Fill one side with coals and leave the other side empty. This will allow you to switch the meat from direct to indirect heat. Using a gas grill, use one side’s burners to cook the meat over direct heat before moving it to a zone without burners.
Cook tri-tip directly on the grill. Grates should be gently oiled once the grill is hot. Exercise caution, as oil can shoot flames through the grates. After placing the roast on the grill, cover it and let it cook for six minutes. After flipping, cover and cook for an more 7 minutes or until the outside is nicely browned. During this cooking stage, a slight variation in grill temperature is acceptable. Ideally, the temperature should remain between 450 and 500ºF.
Cook or smoke over low heat. Place the tri-tip over indirect heat and insert a meat thermometer. When the meat reaches an internal temperature of 130°F for medium rare or 140°F for medium, close the lid. Lower the grill’s temperature to about 250°F. This step should only take ten to fifteen minutes over indirect heat. Although cooking times will vary. A medium-rare roast should be 130 degrees Fahrenheit when taken off the grill. It should be 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit when rested.
Take out and relax. After taking the tri-tip off the grill, let it rest on a cutting board for ten minutes.
Using a very sharp knife, cut thin slices against the grain. Leave in whole slices if serving as a main course or for sandwiches. Cut the tri-tip meat slices into strips against the grain for the tacos.
Go with with your preferred sauce. Slices with my creamy peppercorn herb sauce are my favourite. It can also be stuffed into tacos with lots of fresh salsa and avocado slices. It can also be piled high on a sandwich with barbecue sauce.

How to cut a tri-tip steak—this is crucial!

The tri-tip roast has TWO distinct grain directions, so keep that in mind. Make sure to cut the triangle roast against the grain in each part. The muscle fibres run along their grain.

You can cut down the middle of the tri-tip joint. Do this before or after cooking, where the grain direction changes. As seen in the pictures, some tri-tips are even offered for sale already sliced.

Read More: Can You Put Cardboard In The Oven?

If you cut before cooking, you’ll have more surface area to season and brown. This should make the slices more flavorful all around. But, halving after cooking is also acceptable! Check how the grain goes before slicing to get the most tender slices.

Conclusion About How To Cook Tri Tip In Oven:

Mastering the art of cooking tri-tip in the Oven is a culinary journey worth undertaking. Each step contributes to a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. It starts with selecting the perfect cut and ends with savouring the final slice. Elevate your kitchen skills. Treat your taste buds to a symphony of flavors with this foolproof guide.

FAQs About How to Cook Tri Tip in Oven:

Q: What is Tri Tip?

Ans: Tri-tip is a flavorful and triangular cut of beef sourced from the bottom sirloin. Its unique shape and marbling make it a favourite among culinary enthusiasts.

Q: How do you select the perfect tri-tip?

Ans: When choosing a tri-tip, look for well-marbled cuts with vibrant red colour. Opt for a thickness of around 1.5 to 2 inches for optimal juiciness.

Q: Should I Marinate Tri Tip Before Cooking?

Ans: Yes, marinating tri-tip enhances its flavour. For an irresistible marinade, consider blending olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce.

Q: What Oven Temperature is Ideal?

Ans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature achieves a perfect balance. It sears the exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

Read More: How To Cook Mahi Mahi In Oven?

Q: How Long Should I Cook Tri Tip in the Oven?

Ans: For medium-rare, aim for 25 minutes per pound. To achieve the desired level of doneness, adjust as necessary.

Q: Is It Necessary to Sear Tri Tip Before Baking?

Ans: Searing adds a delightful crust. Heat a cast-iron skillet and sear each side for about 2 minutes before transferring to the Oven.

Q: Should I Use a Meat Thermometer?

Ans: For precision, invest in a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.

Q: How do you achieve a perfect crust?

Ans: Pat the tri-tip dry before seasoning to ensure a flawless crust. A blend of salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs will do wonders.

Q: Can I Cook Tri Tip from Frozen?

Ans: While it’s possible, thawing before cooking allows for better seasoning penetration. Plan for a more flavorful experience.

Q: What Oven Rack Position Works Best?

Ans: To ensure even cooking, place the rack in the centre. This prevents the meat from getting too close to the heating element.

Q: What’s the Resting Time for Tri Tip?

Ans: Allow your tri-tip to rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking. This redistributes the juices for a more succulent result.

Q: Can I Cook Tri Tip in a Convection Oven?

Ans: Absolutely. Adjust the cooking time slightly. The convection oven will enhance the browning of the exterior.

Q: Tri-Tip Cooking Times for Different Doneness Levels?

Ans: For rare, aim for 20 minutes per pound. For medium, go with 30 minutes per pound; for well done, extend it to 35 minutes per pound.

Q: Should I Cover Tri Tip with Foil During Cooking?

Ans: Covering the tri-tip with foil for the initial cooking stage helps keep moisture. It’s optional.

Q: How to Carve Tri Tip?

Ans: Carve against the grain in thin slices to ensure tenderness. A sharp knife is critical to achieving clean cuts.

Q: What Side Dishes Pair Well with Tri Tip?

Ans: Complement the richness of tri-tip with sides like roasted vegetables. Also consider garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Q: Can I Cook Tri Tip in a Roasting Pan?

Ans: Yes, a roasting pan works well. Elevate the tri-tip on a rack to allow even heat circulation.

Q: How do you store the leftover tri-tip?

Ans: Wrap leftover tri-tip in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. For best freshness, consume within 3–4 days of buy.

Q: Can I Freeze Cooked Tri Tip?

Ans: Yes, the tri-tip freezes well. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and enjoy it within 2-3 months.

Q: Any Tips for Reheating Tri Tip?

Ans: To maintain moisture, reheat the tip in the Oven at a low temperature, around 250°F (121°C), until warmed through.