How to Cook Tri Tip Roast in Oven?

Tri tip is definitely one of my top picks for meat, because it’s full of flavor and incredibly tender. While cooking a tri tip roast might sound fancy, it’s actually pretty simple - just about 30 minutes in the oven, making it great for a casual weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast. However, they can be easily overcooked. Make sure you follow the temp time chart in the post to keeping the roast juicy and tender, and I’ll show you exactly how to cook tri tip in the oven.

Ingredients:

• Tri tip roast, 2-3 pounds, preferably organic or grass-fed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• Any fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Equipment:

• Wireless meat thermometer
• Cast iron pan
• A roasting pan or baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife

What is Tri Tip?

Tri-tip steak is a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin. It’s most commonly found in California, where it’s often referred to as California steak. You might also hear it called Santa Maria steak, Newport steak, or bottom sirloin in different regions. This cut is somewhere between lean and well-marbled, so it’s great for grilling, smoking, and baking. While it’s a budget-friendly option compared to pricier cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, it can be super flavorful and juicy when cooked properly. 

Should I Dry Rub or Marinate Tri Tip?

Both options work well! While some recipes say a marinade isn’t necessary, it does add a lot of flavor and moisture to your tri tip steak. If you’re short on time, a dry rub is a good choice. The spices will create a delicious crust during roasting and help lock in the natural juices of the beef. However, if you can spare a few hours or even overnight, marinating your tri tip will make it more tender. Just remember to pat the meat dry before roasting to get that crispy crust.

How to Roast Tri Tip in Oven?

I like a nice crispy crust, so this is a pan-frying and oven-roasting combo. Let’s see how:

1. Remove the tri tip from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Make a steak sauce by mixing kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Coat the roast with a layer of olive oil and spread the sauce evenly. For a dry rub, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. For a marinade, refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, then bring to room temperature before cooking.

3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) for a crispy crust.

4. Heat a cast iron pan on high and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Sear the tri tip for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

5. Insert a wireless meat thermometer, such as the INKBIRD INT-21-B, into the thickest part of the tri tip to help you monitor the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. Set it to 140°F (60°C) for medium rare with a little pink in the center. If you prefer a different doneness, refer to the tri tip temp chart below.

6. Transfer the roast to a baking sheet and place it into the preheated oven. Alternatively, if you are using an oven-safe cast iron pan, you can put it in the oven directly.

7. When the temperature reaches your setting, you will receive a notification from your phone. Or, after 30 minutes in the oven, take the tri tip roast out of the oven right away.

8. Immediately add 2 teaspoons of butter, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 sprigs of herbs to the baking sheet.

9. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak multiple times.

10. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tri Tip Steak Temp Time Chart

If you wonder how long to cook tri tip in oven, here’s a convenient temperature and time chart:

All temperatures were measured with an internal thermometer in the thickest part of the steak before taking it out of the oven. The internal temperature will continue to rise about 5°F while it rests. Also, the cooking times are just rough estimates, so it’s the best to use a thermometer to get it just right.

How to Cut Tri Tip?

Tri tip has two different grain directions, so it’s important to slice it correctly. For those who don’t know, grain refers to how the muscle fibers are aligned. Before you start cutting, make sure to identify the grain direction, and then use a sharp knife to slice each piece of the steak AGAINST the grain. If you cut it in the wrong direction, the meat can be very tough and chewy.