If you’ve ever wondered how to cook a tri-tip roast to juicy, tender perfection, you’re in the right place! Tri-tip is a flavorful, budget-friendly cut of beef that’s perfect for roasting or grilling. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this guide will walk you through easy steps to make a mouthwatering tri-tip roast that will impress your family and friends.
What Is Tri-Tip Roast?
Tri-tip is a triangular cut from the bottom sirloin, known for its rich beefy flavor and relatively tender texture when cooked properly. It usually weighs between 2 to 3 pounds, making it an ideal size for a small gathering or family dinner. The key to a great tri-tip roast lies in the seasoning and cooking method.
Preparing Your Tri-Tip Roast
Ingredients for a Flavorful Tri-Tip
– 2 to 2 ½ pounds tri-tip roast
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
– 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
You can customize your rub with additional spices like brown sugar, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a touch of sweetness and heat.
Seasoning the Meat
Start by mixing the salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Rub this spice blend all over the tri-tip, making sure every surface is coated. This dry rub creates a flavorful crust during cooking.
Let the seasoned tri-tip rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking. If you want to prep ahead, you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then bring it back to room temperature before roasting. This resting step helps the meat cook more evenly.
Cooking Methods for Tri-Tip Roast
Oven Roasting with a Reverse Sear
One of the easiest ways to cook tri-tip is roasting it in the oven and finishing with a quick sear in a hot skillet for a beautiful browned crust.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tri-tip on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet to allow air circulation.
- Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast and set it to about 120°F (49°C) if you want medium-rare.
- Roast the tri-tip in the oven until it reaches about 5 degrees shy of your target temperature, usually 40 to 55 minutes depending on thickness.
- While the roast is finishing, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Sear the tri-tip on all sides for 4 to 6 minutes until it develops a rich brown crust and reaches your desired doneness (around 130-135°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the roast and tent with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice thinly against the grain and serve.
This reverse sear method gives you a tender, juicy interior with a flavorful crust.
Grilling Tri-Tip
If you prefer grilling, tri-tip shines on the grill as well.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Sear the tri-tip on each side for 3 to 4 minutes to lock in juices.
- Move the roast to indirect heat (turn off half the burners or move to a cooler side) and cover.
- Cook for about 10 minutes per pound, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness.
- Remove from grill, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Tips for Perfect Tri-Tip Every Time
– Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your tri-tip is cooked perfectly to your liking without guessing.
– Rest your meat: Always let your tri-tip rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
– Slice against the grain: Tri-tip has distinct muscle fibers, so slicing against the grain ensures tenderness.
– Customize your rub: Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or even a splash of soy sauce in a marinade for different flavor profiles.
– Don’t skip the sear: Whether oven-roasted or grilled, a good sear adds texture and flavor that makes all the difference.
Serving Suggestions
Tri-tip roast pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also slice it thin for sandwiches or tacos, making it a versatile star for many meals.
Cooking a tri-tip roast is straightforward and rewarding. With simple seasoning, a bit of patience, and the right technique, you’ll have a delicious roast that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your next meal with this fantastic cut of beef!
Juicy, tender tri-tip roast is easier to cook than you think-just season well, roast or grill with care, and slice against the grain for the best results. Happy cooking!