How Long to Cook a Tri Tip in the Oven? – Easy Recipe

If you love a juicy, tender cut of meat but don’t have the time or space to spare for grilling, then cooking tri-tip in your oven is definitely the way to go. This lean yet flavorful cut of beef can be perfected with minimal effort and is sure to please any steak enthusiast! Tri-tip cuts are thick and take some extra care to cook just right – too long, and it will be dry; not enough and it won’t be cooked through. In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly how long to cook a tri tip in the oven so that you get succulent results every single time. So if you’re ready to tantalize your taste buds with an amazing home-cooked meal without breaking a sweat, read on.

What is Tri-tip?

Tri-tip is a triangular cut of beef located in the lower part of the sirloin. It’s typically triangular in shape and usually weighs between one to three pounds. This lean, yet flavorful cut of meat is often mistaken for flank steak because of its shape and marbling, but it has a slightly more intense flavor profile.

Understanding untrimmed vs Trimmed Tri-tip

Untrimmed tri-tip refers to a cut of meat that still has a layer of fat called the fat cap intact. This fat cap helps retain moisture and adds flavor during the cooking process. On the other hand, trimmed tri-tip has had most of the fat removed, resulting in a leaner but potentially drier cut of meat. The advantage of trimming the fat is that it creates more surface area for seasonings or a dry rub.

Why Tri-Tip is the perfect dish?

Tri-tip is the perfect dish for several reasons. Firstly, it is an ideal choice when hosting a BBQ for a large crowd, as it is universally loved. Additionally, the versatility of tri-tip allows for different levels of doneness, catering to individual preferences. Despite being more affordable compared to other premium cuts like ribeye or strip, tri-tip remains tender and boasts a delightful beefy flavor. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked by many, making it something of a hidden gem. Since there are only two tri-tips per cow, it might be necessary to seek out a reputable butcher shop to procure this delectable cut. Don’t hesitate to inquire if it can be ordered in advance from your local butcher.

Why you’ll love this Tri-tip recipe?

– Juicy, tender beef.

– Easy-to-make dry rub bursting with flavor.

– Delightfully charred exterior crust.

– Utilizes simple pantry ingredients.

– Ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Tri tip temperature chart in oven

Here is a professional tri-tip temperature chart for cooking in the oven:

• Rare: The ideal internal tri-tip temperature is 120 °F (48 °C).
• Medium rare: The ideal internal tri-tip temperature is 130 °F (54 °C).
• Medium: The ideal internal tri-tip temperature is 140 °F (60 °C).

Ingredients needed to cook Tri-Tip

• 2 lb tri-tip roast (preferably organic and grass-fed/pasture-raised)
• 1 Tbsp fine sea salt
• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried minced onion
• 1 tsp dried lemon peel
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• Avocado oil

What kind of grill can I use to cook tri-tip?

You can use different kinds of grills to cook tri-tip roast. One option is a ceramic grill, like the Big Green Egg, which is excellent for grilling and smoking. Another option is a regular charcoal grill, such as a Weber, where you can create two zones for direct and indirect heat. Alternatively, a gas grill can also be used by grilling over direct heat and then finishing the cooking process in a zone without burners.

How To Cook Tri Tip In The Oven?

To cook tri-tip in the oven, follow these steps:

1. Make a steak rub by combining spices in a small bowl. Mix well.
2. Trim any silver skin off the tri-tip.
3. Coat the tri-tip with the dry rub on all sides. If the tri-tip has a fat cap, score it in a criss-cross pattern and work some rub into the grooves. If the fat cap is very thick, trim some of it off before seasoning.
4. Allow the tri-tip to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 250ºF.
6. Heat 1 Tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the tri-tip on all sides until well-browned (about 10 minutes total).
7. Transfer the seared tri-tip to a roasting pan with a rack.
8. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the tri-tip.
9. Place the roasting pan with the tri-tip on the center oven rack and roast until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 130ºF for medium-rare or 140ºF for medium doneness. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary, but it should be around 30 minutes.
10. Remove the tri-tip from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes on the roasting rack.

How Long To Cook A Tri Tip In The Oven?

How long to cook a tri tip in the oven? For optimal results, cook the tri-tip in the oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes per pound. After cooking, let the roast rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How to get the juiciest, most perfectly cooked tri-tip?

To achieve the juiciest and perfectly cooked tri-tip, follow these steps:

• Ensure the meat is tender by massaging oil onto it. This step is crucial and should not be skipped. You can choose to tenderize your roast now by massaging it with oil or leave it to the chewing process later.
• Optimal marinating time is 8 hours, but 3 days is also great (avoid marinating for longer periods). However, even with just an hour or 15 minutes of marinating time, you can still achieve a great roast as long as you massage the oil into the meat. Remember, longer marinating times enhance flavor and tenderness.
• Take the meat out of the refrigerator 30-40 minutes before cooking to ensure it reaches room temperature before cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Keep in mind that the temperature of the meat continues to rise for about 5 minutes after it’s off the grill. For medium-rare tri-tip, remove it from the heat when it reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit, or 5 degrees below your preferred level of doneness. Lastly, make sure to follow the slicing instructions to avoid toughness when cutting the meat.

Other ingredients/techniques can use to cook Tri Tip in Oven

To cook Tri Tip in the oven, you can consider using the following ingredients and techniques:

• Your favorite BBQ sauce – Gently heat it in a saucepan over medium heat while the meat is resting, ensuring it is warm and ready for serving with the meat. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Santa Maria rub – This can be found online or in a specialty grocery store. It is not limited to tri-tip and works well with various recipes. It adds a great flavor, especially when used on ribeyes.
• Chili powder
• Red wine
• Garlic salt
• Onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Aluminum foil can be used to tent the meat at the end if desired (optional)
• If you don’t have avocado oil on hand, a few tablespoons of olive oil can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that olive oil has a lower smoking point.

What other cuts of meat can use to cook Tri-Tip in oven?

Other cuts of meat that can be used to cook Tri-Tip in the oven include:

• Tri-Tip roast.
• Beef tenderloin.
• Sirloin tip roast.
• Brisket (requires longer cooking time).
• Top sirloin roast.
• Eye of round roast.

Notes when cooking a Tri Tip in the oven

Notes for cooking Tri Tip in the oven:

• If your tri-tip is untrimmed on both sides, leave the fat cap and trim the other side (refer to post for more details).
• This cooking method will still work with a trimmed tri-tip; the fat layer helps keep the roast moist.
• If you don’t have seasoning salt, combine 2 teaspoons each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Please note that the ingredient amounts mentioned are for a 2-pound roast. Adjust the seasonings accordingly if your tri tip is larger or smaller.

How to slice tri-tip steak?

When slicing tri-tip steak, it’s important to take note of the grain direction. There are TWO different directions of the grain within the tri-tip roast. To ensure tenderness, always cut against the grain. You have the option to cut the tri-tip joint down the center where the direction of the grain changes before or after cooking. Some tri-tips are even sold pre-cut. If you cut before cooking, you’ll have more surface area to season and brown, resulting in more flavorful slices. However, cutting in half after cooking is also acceptable. Just remember to check the direction of the grain before slicing for the most tender cuts.

How to serve perfectly juicy Tri-Tip?

There are a variety of ways to serve perfectly juicy Tri-Tip:

• Tostadas: Try my favorite recipe featured on Instagram, combining Tri-Tip with homemade guacamole for a crunchy and tangy delight.
• Chimichurri: Enhance the flavor by pairing Tri-Tip with my Easy Chimichurri Sauce for an irresistible combination.
• Salad: Use Tri-Tip in place of chicken to create a delicious and easy steak salad, such as a Healthy Caesar Salad.

FAQs: cook a tri tip in the oven

How long to cook a tri-tip in the oven at 375?

For a medium-well tri-tip, with a size and thickness dependent cooking time, I would suggest an estimate of approximately 55 minutes in a preheated oven at 375 degrees. It is advisable to use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your tri-tip is cooked to your liking.

How long does it take to cook a tri-tip at 300 degrees in the oven?

The tri-tip steak should be roasted in a 300°F oven for approximately 35-50 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F on an instant-read thermometer. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat, so using a meat thermometer is crucial for accurate results.

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

The tri-tip steak is best cooked using fast-cooking methods, resulting in less time spent in the kitchen and more time for indulging. However, some individuals prefer a slower cooking approach for this particular cut.

Can I cook tri-tip to 200 degrees in oven?

For optimal results, cook the tri-tip in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). This should take approximately 3 more hours. Once it reaches the desired temperature, use a Thermapen® ONE to verify doneness and tenderness. If there are no cold spots and the meat is tender, remove it from the heat. While it is a good idea to let it rest, around 15 minutes should suffice. Unwrap the tri-tip and slice it up.

How long does it take to cook a tri-tip at 250 degrees in oven?

For optimal tenderness and juiciness, cook a tri-tip at 250 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

Do you cook tri-tip fat side up or down in the oven?

When cooking tri-tip in the oven, it is recommended to cook it with the fat side up for optimal results.