Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (2024)

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Full of flavor and simple to make, this Easy Seasoned Tri-Tip Recipe cooks in no time and yields tender smokey seasoned beef that is great for entertaining!

Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (1)

This Easy Seasoned tri-tip recipe is a grilling staple in our house. Not only can you get it on the table quickly, but its made with an inexpensive cut of meat that makes it ideal for entertaining!

Grilling/Barbeque is really popular in our house. For the most part, it tends to be healthier and it uses a lot less dishes than cooking inside which makes it a winner in our house!

This triangle steak/roast is flavored with a few simple spices and grilled quickly so you have a crust of spices on a juicy slice of beef that when you cut it across the grain is really tender!

The seasoning on this tri-tip is rich and smoky from some coffee and chipotle chili powder.There is also dry mustard, salt, garlic and onion powder to balance it. It’s not spicy at all but full flavor. The seasoning also works really well on grilled shrimp and chicken.

What Is Tri-Tip?

Tri-tip is the triangle section of the sirloin where it meets the round and the flank. There is a photo here at Certified Angus beef showing you where it’s cut from.

There is very obvious marbling and some fat on the outside. I choose to trim the visible chunks of fat to avoid grilling flare ups. The cut looks like a brisket in marbling, but there is not a fat cap on the triangle shaped cap.

Santa Maria trip tip is what made the cut famous in California so it’s a very common cut out on the west coast can be found readily. If your butcher isn’t familiar with it he may know it as some other names listed but I have found it everywhere I’ve looked in the west and the Midwest.

Other names Tri-Tip is known as:

  • Triangle Steak
  • California Cut Sirloin
  • Santa Maria Cut Roast
  • Triangle Shaped Cap
  • Culotte Steak

Is Tri-tip tender?

Tri-tip, when cooked to no more than medium-rare and cut across the grain is very juicy and tender. If you prefer a more well-done steak, this is not the recipe for you. (although you can use this seasoning on anything!) This tri-tip steak recipe is seared on both sides, then cooked to rare/medium-rare. If you overcook it, it will be very tough.

Because the tri-tip is triangular in shape, there will be an end that is smaller and will be a little more done and still be tender… it tends to finish to medium and by letting the steak rest it will have plenty of juices.

Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (2)

Cooking Tri Tip Roast:

  1. Mix Seasoning, sprinkle over the top.
  2. Massage seasoning into both sides of the tri-tip roast.
  3. Let sit for 60 minutes to overnight, wrapped in foil in the fridge.
  4. On hot grill sear each side, then finish cooking on indirect heat until 5° before the desired doneness. (see chart below)
  5. Let rest for 10 minutes. (meat will continue to cook even off the grill)
  6. Slice meat against the grain about 1/4 -1/3″ thick.
  • Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (3)
  • Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (4)
  • Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (5)
  • Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (6)

PRO TIP: Cutting across the grain is critical in this triangle roast cut of meat. You can usually see the grain line on the top, but I usually make sure the fist cut is easily stretchable.

Can you cook a tri-tip roast in the oven? Yes! You’ll season as the grilled version but when ready to cook preheat the oven to 350°. On the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet, heat the skillet to high. Sear for 3 minutes on each side. Then place in the oven and cook until desired doneness(see the chart below.) About 10-20 minutes average on a 3-pound roast, but use a thermometer for exact doneness.

What internal temp is ideal for this tri-tip recipe?

  • Rare: Remove from heat at 115-120°, the meat will rise in resting to an internal temp of 125°
  • Medium Rare: Remove from heat at 125-130°, the meat will rise in resting to an internal temp of 135°
  • ****Medium:Remove from heat at 135°, the meat will rise in resting to an internal temp of 140°–see note below*****

**** Although I provide the temps from Medium….I highly recommend rare or medium-rare at the most for the internal temp to maintain tenderness and have it be juicy and not dried out. If you have people who prefer more well done, you can serve them the smaller tip of the triangle which will be a little more done.

Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (7)

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Yield: 6

Easy Seasoned Grilled Tri-Tip (0ven info too)

Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (8)

Full of flavor and simple to make, this Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe cooks in no time and yields tender smokey seasoned beef that is great for entertaining! #grilling #triptip #bbq #easymeal #entertainingfood

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Resting1 hour

Total Time1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from tri-tip.
  2. Into a small bowl mix all spices and blend well.
  3. Sprinkle spices on each side of tri-tip and using your fingers rub the spices into the meat.
  4. Place roast onto a sheet of foil and wrap tightly. Allow to set for 60 minutes minimum, up to overnight.
  5. One hour before grilling remove from fridge and allow to come to room temperature.
  6. Heat grill to high. Place roast on grill and sear for 5 minutes each side. Ideally on your gas grill you will have one area you can turn off the gas and allow meat to cook without being on the flames (indirect cooking it).If you dont have that option, place the meat on the cooler area with out as many flames. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes at a time coming back to check to make sure the flames are not burning the meat.
  7. Depending on the size and width of the roast will determine how long it takes to cook your roast. Use a thermometer to cook to 5° before desired doneness.
  8. For Rare, you want to remove at 120° (during rest time it will continue to cook to 125°‚. Medium rare 130° (rest temp finish 135). Medium 140° /145° rest temp finish). Any more done than medium the meat will be too dry.
  9. Once roast hits your desired temp, remove from grill and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Cut meat into slices against the grain to maximize tenderness.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

6 Servings

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 366Saturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 724mgCarbohydrates: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 47g

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Easy Seasoned Tri Tip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cooking method for tri-tip steak? ›

When it comes to cooking tri-tip in the oven, opt for broiling the meat instead of baking to keep with the fast-cooking methods that make tri-tip recipes most delicious. As with grilling, marinating 2 to 3 hours will help to keep the steaks tender and moist, but it it's not essential.

Is it better to marinade or dry rub a tri-tip? ›

Marinating Tri Tip steak is a good idea because it's one of the leaner cuts of meat that can get a little tough when cooked without extra moisture. It's particularly good for steaks that will be grilled or smoked. Try marinades with any strong flavor that will pair well with beef.

When should you season a tri-tip? ›

How To Grill Tri-Tip Steak. Follow these tips to get the best results when cooking your steak. Season it in advance to give the seasoning time to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor. Let it come to room temperature before cooking for more even doneness.

Should I sear my tri-tip before putting it in the oven? ›

Searing Tri Tip Steak

If you want a sear that your oven isn't achieving, consider searing the tri tip steak before putting it in the oven. Just heat up a skillet with a drizzle of oil and sear the steak on each side for 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, you can do the same after it comes out of the oven.

Is it better to sear a tri-tip before or after cooking? ›

Starting with low heat in the oven or grill allows the meat to cook evenly and retain its juiciness. Then, with a quick sear on a hot grill or skillet, you achieve a beautifully caramelized crust that locks in all the delicious flavors.

Is it better to cook tri-tip fast or slow? ›

If you need shredded or strips of beef for fajitas, tacos, salads, or sandwiches, a slow-cooked tri-tip steak meal might be the best choice. Not only is it convenient to make when you want something ready to go after a long day, but it also makes for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Should you poke holes in tri-tip before marinating? ›

Soaking your meat in marinades helps add flavor while making your meat tender. However, depending on how thin you have cut your pieces of meat, the marinade may fail to penetrate all that deep. In such cases, poking holes in your meat will help all the ingredients fully absorb and not remain on the surface.

Does tri-tip need to be marinated? ›

A good tri tip can be delicious all on its own. But giving the meat a few hours to marinate in a delicious blend of herbs, spices, vinegar, oil, and more will infuse every bite with flavor and make the meat extra tender.

What is the best way to tenderize tri-tip? ›

Tri-tip doesn't need to be tenderized because it's already a naturally tender cut. If you want to enhance its flavor, you can marinate it for two to three hours before cooking it. Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar to the marinade will help break down the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender.

Should you season a tri-tip overnight? ›

Using a seasoned salt rub (Lawry's), coat your tri tip roast with the salt, creating a seal on the entire surface. Allow this to rest, refrigerated, for 3-4 hours (don't exceed this time by letting it go overnight, for example). Remove about an hour before grilling.

Should I flip my tri-tip? ›

Grill on medium heat (300-400°F). Grill for 20 to 40 minutes until internal temp is 135°F. Flip tri-tip every few minutes. Rotate around on grill if grill cooks unevenly.

What temp is tri-tip most tender? ›

Some folks prefer it tri-tip medium rare temp, which means it's cooked to an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57°C). It's tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Here's the deal for that ideal medium rare tri-tip: slow-cook it at about 200°F (104°C). This is the key temperature for the tri-tip.

Should tri-tip be cooked low and slow? ›

Over the past 20 years, I've cooked tri-tip roasts both low & slow and hot & fast in the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. In recent years, I've advocated cooking tri-tip hot & fast because it's quick, easy, and tastes great.

Does tri-tip get tender the longer you cook it? ›

The longer you cook tri-tip the more tender it will become, so you can choose your time according to what you are trying to accomplish. For a more traditional texture you can cook it until it is just heated through, usually 3 to 4 hours.

How do you make tough tri-tip tender? ›

My tri tip marinade starts with a base of olive oil plus red wine and balsamic vinegar. The oil adds a little extra fat and helps tenderize the meat. The acid in the vinegar does its part, too, breaking down the steak's tough fibers.

Is tri tip steak tender or tough? ›

It's rich in meaty flavor and lower in fat than other cuts. Though the cut is lean and boneless, it's still very tender and full of flavor. Tri-tip is either sold as a small roast (the entire triangular cut from the tip of the sirloin), or it's sliced into tri-tip steaks.

Should tri-tip be medium or medium-rare? ›

This distinctive cut is gaining attention across the nation for its hearty roasted flavor and juicy, tender texture. While generally well-marbled, Tri-Tip roast is still considered a lean cut and can become dry if not cooked to the proper temperature. This roast is best served medium-rare to medium.

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