How to Cook Tri-Tip Steak
Want to wow friends at your next backyard gathering? Serve them a type of steak they’ve probably never heard of: tri-tip steak. This lean, tender steak is usually more affordable than other steaks, but it has a full-flavored characteristic that’s missing from other cuts. It tastes great even if you don’t use a fancy dry rub or marinade!
It’s easy to learn how to cook tri-tip steak, too, because it tastes best when cooked over high heat. That means it was basically made for the grill!
What Is a Tri-Tip Steak?
Tri-tip steak is steak from a tri-tip roast, a triangular-shaped cut from the bottom sirloin. It may be called bottom sirloin steak or Santa Maria steak because it was popularized in California. The boneless roast is usually cut into one-inch-thick steaks, a perfect size for grilling or searing in a cast-iron pan.
Like other sirloin cuts, tri-tip steak is lean, so you won’t find the same fat cap that’s on a ribeye or New York strip. Tri-tip is well-marbled, though, so it should have plenty of white flecks of intramuscular fat. Put it all together and the result is a steak with a rich, beef-forward flavor you won’t find in other cuts.
If you can’t find tri-tip steak at the grocery store, use the opportunity to visit your local butcher. They can usually special-order cuts like tri-tip upon request.
How to Grill Tri-Tip Steak
The grill’s high heat is ideal for cooking tri-tip steak. Tri-tip doesn’t have as much fat as other beef steaks, so there’s nothing to render out with low cooking temperatures. The grill flash-cooks the meat, creating a nice sear on the outside while preserving the juices inside.
Start by preheating the grill to high heat. A charcoal grill will impart the most flavor into the meat, but a gas grill works just fine. Add the steaks and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes. Flip the steaks and cook for another five to six minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. If your steaks are thinner than one inch thick, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
How to Broil Tri-Tip Steak
If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, cook your tri-tip steak inside under the broiler. The broiler works the same way as the grill except the heat comes from above.
Preheat the broiler using the High setting on your oven. Position an oven rack three to four inches below the heat. Place the steak on a broiler pan and slide it onto the oven rack. Cook for four to five minutes per side, reducing the cooking time if your steaks are thinner than one inch thick.
How to Pan Sear Tri-Tip Steak
One of the most convenient ways to cook a tri-tip steak is in a cast-iron skillet or carbon-steel pan. You’ll want to be sure the pan is large enough to hold the steaks without overcrowding, which can cause the steak to steam instead of getting a nice sear.
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of neutral oil until it’s shimmering and almost smoking. Add the steak, reducing the heat to medium. Cook for five to six minutes per side for one-inch-thick steaks. If the steaks become too charred on the outside before they reach a medium-rare temperature, transfer the pan to a 350° oven. Continue cooking until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 135°.
How to Oven Roast Tri-Tip Steak
We don’t recommend oven-roasting tri-tip steaks. Home ovens don’t get hot enough, so this cooking method just isn’t quick enough to cook the steak properly. The steak will become dry on the inside without a proper sear on the outside, so we suggest looking to other cooking methods.
If you find yourself with a whole tri-tip roast, that’s another story. The whole roast tastes fantastic when it’s cooked in a 400° oven for about 35 to 45 minutes. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to determine when the roast reaches 135°.
Tips for Cooking Tri-Tip Steak
What temperature should tri-tip be cooked to?
Tri-tip steak is well-marbled, but it’s leaner than most steaks. We suggest cooking it to medium-rare (135°F) and letting it rest for five minutes before slicing. If you like your steak more well done, you can take it as far as medium (145°), but cooking it further can cause it to become dry and tough.
How do you keep tri-tip from drying out?
To ensure your tri-tip turns out juicy and delicious, be sure to cook it over very high heat but be careful to prevent the meat from overcooking. It’s really best to probe it with an instant-read meat thermometer and pull it from the grill when it reaches 135°. If you want to cook your tri-tip steak further, we suggest marinating it first. The marinade will infuse the meat with extra flavor, building in a little overcooking protection.
Finally, do not skip the resting step. That’s one of the mistakes most people make that turns a perfect steak into a dry steak! Let your steak rest for five to ten minutes before slicing it to allow the juices a chance to redistribute within the meat.
How do you 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.
Instead of trying to tenderize tri-tip, the best way to ensure your steak tastes tender is to slice it against the grain before serving. Slicing meat against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew.
How to Serve Tri-Tip Steak
Tri-tip steak takes on seasonings, rubs and marinades exceptionally well, so you have your choice when serving it. It tastes incredible when seasoned simply with salt and pepper and served with your favorite steakhouse side dishes. You can also fancy it up by using Southwest spices, slicing the cooked steak into long strips and serving it on a bed of lettuce with corn, tomatoes and avocado for a filling salad. You can’t go wrong by marinating it in beer and lime juice, either, using the medium-rare steak to make grilled onion and steak tacos.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy tri-tip steak is to turn it into sandwiches. The lean, flavor-forward beef tastes fantastic on a crusty ciabatta roll with mushrooms, peppers and onions.
Menu Inspiration for Your Tri-Tip Steak
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Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Beef Filets with Portobello Sauce
These tasty steaks seem special but they are fast enough for everyday dinners. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Flank Steak with Cilantro & Blue Cheese Butter
I love the combination of the sweet citrus marinade and the strong tang of the blue cheese butter. And my kids just love flank steak. —Gwen Wedel, Augusta, Michigan
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. My grandparents came from Mexico, and these skirt steak tacos marinated in beer and lime juice honor their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto
Unique and simple to prepare, this delicious pasta dish is filled with fresh flavors, and it’s as healthy as it is hearty. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to set this meal on the table. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Garlic Grilled Steaks
Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Flank Steak with Couscous
It takes just minutes to broil this nicely seasoned flank steak. Slice the meat on an angle across the grain for the most tender results. You can substitute a pound of sirloin steak for the flank steak if you prefer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summer Steak Kabobs
These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It's terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas
Stuffed Flank Steak
I like to make this on special occasions. The tender steak cuts easily into appetizing spirals for serving, and extra stuffing cooks conveniently in a foil packet on top of the steak. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese
My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side.—Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce
Just a skillet, a couple juicy steaks, fresh mushrooms and a few simple ingredients prove it doesn't take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Teriyaki Steak Skewers
When these flavorful skewered steaks are sizzling on the grill, the aroma makes everyone around stop what they're doing and come see what's cooking. The tasty marinade is easy to make, and these little steaks are quick to cook and fun to eat. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota
Southwest Steak & Potatoes
Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder. —Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio
Maple & Blue Cheese Steak
This is a wonderful, cheesy recipe that melts in your mouth. I love this traditional Canadian meal. It certainly has a special feel; the sauce is a fantastic complement to steak. —Susan Jerrott, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Grilled Steaks with Greek Relish
My ribeye steak showcases the flavors of Greece my husband and I were introduced to while on a cruise. We like it with pita bread and hummus. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Smoky Espresso Steak
This juicy steak rubbed with espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice is one of my husband’s favorites. Broiling is a good year-round method, but we love making it on the grill, too. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Grilled Steaks with Marinated Tomatoes
The flavor of the tomatoes improves after they marinate overnight. I could eat them all by themselves! Our family likes these steaks best served with cheesy potatoes or glazed green beans.—Anna Davis, Half Way, Missouri
Balsamic-Seasoned Steak
This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can’t go wrong with melty Swiss on top.
Tenderloin Steak Diane
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Blue Cheese Flat Iron Steak
This is one of my favorite flat iron steak recipes. If you haven't already enjoyed the rich, creamy pairing of blue cheese with your favorite steak, stop reading and get cooking! I take it a step further by folding in a little butter to make the dish even more drool-worthy. —Amanda Martin, Monson, Massachusetts
Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad
We love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh. — Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Grilled Ribeyes with Herb Butter
I make this recipe for special occasions. The tantalizing fragrance of the herbs de Provence is unforgettable. The seasoning and herb butter goes well with filet mignon, T-bone and steak strips, too. —John Baranski, Baldwin City, Kansas
Tenderloin Steaks with Cherry Sauce
This recipe stars a delectable sauce made with wine, plump cherries, and steak portioned just right. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks
My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it’s the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota
Chipotle-Honey Grilled T-Bones
If you like to kick things up on the grill, this is the steak for you. My husband even makes this in a Dutch oven, and the meat just sizzles. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
Glazed Beef Tournedos
I found this wonderful, quick recipe in a book years ago. It’s been a favorite for special occasions ever since! I like to serve it with twice-baked potatoes and a spinach salad. —Janet Singleton, Bellevue, Ohio
Peppered Filets with Horseradish Cream Sauce
This beef tenderloin recipe is a family favorite that's quick and always satisfying. The creamy sauce has the perfect blend of horseradish and mustard. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Steak au Poivre for 2
With the punch of peppercorns and a smooth, beefy sauce, this steak is delicious. You'll love the hint of sweetness the bittersweet chocolate adds to the savory meat. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Steak Diane
When I want to provide a memorable dinner but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe I rely on. I've used it many times on holidays or other occasions for a quick, impressive main dish. We relish the savory steak Diane sauce. —Pheobe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Grilled Steak Pinwheels
I've been serving this recipe to family and friends for 20 years and very seldom do I have any leftovers. We try to keep the house cool, so we grill out often. —Mary Hills, Scottsdale, Arizona
Easy Marinated Flank Steak
I got this recipe from a friend's collection many years ago. It's how my family makes steak on the grill and a must when we're having company. —Debbie Bonczek, Tariffville, Connecticut
Surf & Turf
For an intimate dinner with close friends, serve this stunning dinner of tenderloin steaks and lobster tail. Your guests will think they are dining at a fine restaurant when you serve them this surf and turf dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Saucy Skillet Steaks
These juicy ribeye steaks couldn't be easier. I prefer steak, but I’ve also used the seasonings on chicken breasts, fish, veal and hamburgers, so use whatever meat or fish you have. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched Mushrooms
I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Merlot Filet Mignon
Although this is a simple recipe, the filet is rich and elegant enough for a special occasion. Add a salad and rolls, and dinner is done! —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin Steak
Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy 5-ingredient rub. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak with Citrus Salsa
A lime juice marinade really perks up these grilled steaks, and the snappy, light citrus salsa is a super change from the usual heavy steak sauce. I brighten up winter meals by broiling the meat and serving it this way. —Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Skillet Steak Supper
With all the ingredients cooked in one skillet, this steak dish couldn't be quicker to prepare—or to clean up! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Missoula, Montana
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