How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak? An Ultimate Guide For Tri-Tip Steak!

Tri-tip steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that’s gaining popularity among grillmasters and home cooks alike. In this guide, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to cook a tri-tip steak to perfection.

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak?

Cooking tri-tip steak offers various methods. On the grill, sear it for 5-7 mins on each side, then move to indirect heat for 15-20 mins. Stovetop cooking involves seasoning, searing for 3-4 mins per side, adding garlic and herbs, and resting. In the oven, sear, then roast at 425°F for 10-15 mins. Traeger grills provide a smoky flavour; smoke for 45 minutes to 1 hour, then sear. The Blackstone griddle sears for 2-3 mins per side, and the air fryer cooks at 400°F for 10-15 mins.

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak On The Grill?

This way to cook tri-tip steak is fantastic to savour its rich flavours and achieve a perfect sear. Follow these steps to grill tri-tip steaks:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tri-tip steak (approximately 2-2.5 pounds)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Your favourite seasoning or marinade (optional)

Instructions

 

Preheat the grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Ensure you have both direct and indirect heat zones set up.

Prepare the steak:

• Brush the tri-tip steak with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with searing.
• Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and other seasonings or marinades. Tri-tip pairs well with flavours like garlic, rosemary, or a simple steak rub.

Sear the steak:

• Place the seasoned tri-tip steak directly over the hottest part of the grill grates.
• Sear each side for 5-7 minutes or until you achieve a beautiful crust. Keep the grill lid open during this phase.
• Move to indirect heat:
• Once seared, move the steak to the grill's cooler, indirect heat zone. If your grill has multiple burners, turn off one side and leave the other side on for indirect heat.
• This indirect cooking method allows the steak to cook evenly without overcooking the exterior.

Continue grilling:

• Close the grill lid and continue grilling the tri-tip steak over indirect heat.
• Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches your desired level of doneness.

Use a meat thermometer:

• To ensure precise doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. This step will help you avoid overcooking and ensure your steak is cooked to your preferred level.

Rest, slice, and serve:

• Once the steak reaches your desired temperature, remove it from the grill.
• Tent the steak loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.
• After resting, slice against the grain into thin pieces. Serving it this way ensures tenderness and optimal flavour.

Notes

Here are some guidelines for internal temperatures:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
• Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) and above

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak On The Stove?

Cooking a tri-tip steak on the stovetop is a straightforward and delicious method. Follow these steps to cook tri tip steaks on the stove:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tri-tip steak (approximately 2-3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking oil
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional for added flavour)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme sprigs for additional flavour)

Instructions

 

Prep the tri-tip steak:

• Remove the tri-tip steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This allows for more cooking.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Season the steak:

• Mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the tri-tip steak. Ensure that the seasoning adheres well to the meat.

Heat the pan:

• Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan (preferably cast iron) on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
• Add the olive oil and heat it until it begins to shimmer. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking.

Sear the steak:

• Gently place the seasoned tri-tip steak in the hot pan. It should sizzle as it makes contact with the pan.
• Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use tongs to flip it. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
• If you like your steak medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, target 140-145°F (60-63°C).

Add garlic, butter, and herbs (optional):

• Add the minced garlic, butter, and fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme sprigs) to the pan during the last minute of cooking.
• Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter and garlic.

Check doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the steak's internal temperature for precision. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak.
• Remove the steak from the heat when it's about 5-10 degrees below your desired level of doneness.

Rest the steak:

• Transfer the cooked tri-tip steak to a cutting board.
• Tent it loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.

Slice and serve:

• After resting, slice the tri-tip steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
• Serve the steak slices with your favourite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Here are some guidelines for internal temperatures:

• Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
• Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) and above

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak In The Oven?

You can also use your oven to cook a tri-tip steak. It is a convenient and delicious option. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tri-tip steak (approximately 2-3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking oil
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional for added flavour)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme sprigs for additional flavour)

Instructions

 

Prepare the tri-tip steak:

• Remove the tri-tip steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
• Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Season the steak:

• In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the tri-tip steak, ensuring it adheres well.

Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Heat an ovenproof pan:

• Place an ovenproof skillet or roasting pan (preferably cast iron) on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
• Add the olive oil and heat until it begins to shimmer.

Sear the steak:

• Carefully place the seasoned tri-tip steak in the hot pan. It should sizzle upon contact.
• Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a nice crust.

Add garlic and herbs (optional):

• Add the minced garlic and fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme sprigs) to the pan during the last minute of searing.
• Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the aromatic garlic and herbs.

Transfer to the oven:

• Place the ovenproof pan with the seared tri-tip steak into the oven.

Roast in the oven:

• Roast the steak in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57°C) to achieve medium-rare.

Check doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the steak's internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak.
• Remove the steak from the oven when it's about 5-10 degrees below your desired level of doneness.

Rest the steak:

• Transfer the cooked tri-tip steak to a cutting board.
• Tent it loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes.

Slice and serve:

• After resting, slice the tri-tip steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• Serve the steak slices with your favourite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak For A Traeger?

This method combines the fantastic smoky flavour from the Traeger grill with the tenderness of a perfectly cooked tri-tip steak. Adjust the cooking times and temperatures based on your desired level of doneness and the grill's performance. Here's a guide on how to cook a tri-tip steak using a Traeger pellet grill:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tri-tip steak (approximately 2-3 pounds)
• Traeger hardwood pellets (choose your favourite flavor like hickory, oak, or mesquite)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional for added flavour)
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs (for added flavour)

Instructions

 

Prep the tri-tip steak:

• Take the tri-tip steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
• Use paper towels to pat the steak dry, removing any excess moisture.

Season the steak:

• Mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Rub this seasoning blend evenly onto both sides of the tri-tip steak, ensuring it adheres well.

Preheat your Traeger grill:

• Fill the hopper of your Traeger pellet grill with your choice of hardwood pellets, and then turn the grill on.
• Preheat the grill to a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C). You can use a meat probe to monitor the grill's internal temperature.

Set up for indirect grilling:

• If your Traeger grill has multiple grill grates, place a drip pan beneath the grill grates where you'll cook the tri-tip steak. This will catch any drippings and prevent flare-ups.

Place the steak on the grill:

• Once the grill reaches the desired temperature, place the seasoned tri-tip steak directly on the grill grates.
• If your grill has a meat probe, insert it into the thickest part of the steak to monitor its internal temperature throughout the cook.

Smoke the steak:

• Close the grill lid and allow the tri-tip steak to smoke at a low temperature for approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Increase temperature for searing:

• After the initial smoking period, increase the grill temperature to around 450-500°F (232-260°C) for the searing phase.

Sear the steak:

• Sear the steak for approximately 2-3 minutes per side on high heat to achieve a beautiful crust. You can add minced garlic and fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) for extra flavour during this phase.

Check for doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tri-tip steak.
• Aim for an internal temperature of approximately 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.

Rest the steak:

• Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
• Loosely tender the steak with aluminium foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy steak.

Slice and serve:

• After resting, thinly slice the tri-tip steak against the grain for optional tenderness.
• Serve your Traeger-grilled tri-tip steak with your favourite sides, and enjoy!

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak On A Blackstone Griddle?

A tri-tip steak on a Blackstone griddle is ideal for a flavorful sear and tender meat. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tri-tip steak (approximately 2-3 pounds)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• Olive oil or cooking oil of your choice
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

 

Prep the tri-tip steak:

• Take the tri-tip steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
• Use paper towels to pat the steak dry, removing any excess moisture.

Season the steak:

• Mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
• Rub this seasoning blend evenly onto both sides of the tri-tip steak, ensuring it adheres well.
• Add minced garlic and fresh herbs to the steak for extra flavour.

Preheat your Blackstone griddle:

• Preheat your Blackstone griddle to high heat. You want it to be as hot as possible for a good sear.

Oil the griddle:

• Use a brush or a paper towel to evenly coat the griddle's surface with olive or your preferred cooking oil. This prevents sticking and promotes a nice sear.

Sear the steak:

• Place the seasoned tri-tip steak directly onto the hot griddle.
• Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a beautiful crust.
• If you add garlic and herbs, you can scatter them around the steak during this phase for extra flavour.

Lower the heat:

• Lower the griddle's heat to medium-high after achieving a good sear on both sides. This is to ensure the steak cooks evenly without burning the exterior.

Continue cooking:

• Continue cooking the tri-tip steak, flipping it occasionally until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of approximately 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.

Rest the steak:

• Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the griddle and transfer it to a cutting board.
• Loosely tender the steak with aluminium foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy steak.

Slice and serve:

• After resting, thinly slice the tri-tip steak against the grain for optimal tenderness.
• Serve your Blackstone-griddled tri-tip steak with your favourite sides, and enjoy!

How To Cook A Tri Tip Steak In An Air Fryer?

Here's a detailed recipe for cooking a tri-tip steak in an air fryer:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 tri-tip steak, approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds (680 to 907 grams)
• Olive oil (for coating)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Your choice of steak seasoning or marinade (optional)

Instructions

 

Preheat the air fryer:

• Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the cooking chamber is hot and ready.

Prepare the steak:

• While the air fryer is preheating, take the tri-tip steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps with even cooking.
• If you like, you can season the steak with salt, pepper, and a choice of steak seasoning or marinade. Be sure to coat it evenly on both sides.

Prep the air fryer basket:

• Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place the steak:

• Carefully place the seasoned tri-tip steak into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure it's not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.

Cook the steak:

• Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the steak for 10-15 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. 
• Remember that these times can vary based on the thickness of your steak and the specific model of your air fryer.

Flip the steak:

• Halfway through the cooking time, flip the steak using tongs to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Check the temperature:

• To ensure your steak reaches the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak.

Rest:

• Once the steak reaches your desired temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a clean cutting board.
• Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.

Slice and serve:

• Slice the cooked tri-tip steak against the grain into thin, tender pieces.
• Plate your beautifully air-fried steak and serve it with your favourite sides, sauces, or salads.

Notes

Here’s a rough guideline for cooking time in the air fryer for steak:

• Rare: 10-11 minutes
• Medium-rare: 12-13 minutes
• Medium: 14-15 minutes
• Medium-well: 16-17 minutes
• Well-done: 18-20 minutes

Tips And Tricks For Cooking A Tri Tip Steak

Few cuts of meat are as versatile and delicious as the tri-tip steak. Its rich flavour and tender texture make it a favourite among steak enthusiasts. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or using other cooking methods, here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of perfectly cooking a tri-tip steak.

• Choose the right cut: When selecting a tri-tip steak, opt for one that has good marbling and is around 2-3 pounds in weight. The marbling ensures a juicy and flavorful steak, while the size allows even cooking.
• Season generously: Tri-tip steaks benefit from bold seasoning. A simple combination of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is a classic choice. You can also experiment with steak rubs or marinades to add depth to the flavour.
• Preheat your cooking surface: Whether you’re using a grill, griddle, or skillet, make sure it’s properly preheated. For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat. On a stovetop, heat your pan until it’s hot but not smoking. Proper preheating ensures a good sear.
• Sear for flavour: Searing a steak at the beginning of the cooking process locks in juices and imparts a flavorful crust. For grill cooking, sear the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side over direct heat. On a stovetop, sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
• Experiment with flavourings: While the classic seasoning of salt and pepper is a winner, don’t be afraid to experiment. Tri-tip pairs well with flavours like garlic, rosemary, thyme, and smoky paprika. You can also baste your steak for added tenderness and flavour.
• Try different cooking methods: Tri-tip steaks are incredibly versatile. Besides grilling and pan-searing, you can cook tri-tip in the oven, on a Traeger grill, or in an air fryer. Each method offers a unique flavour profile and texture.
• Don’t forget the drippings: Capture the flavorful drippings and juices while cooking. These can be used to make a delicious pan sauce or drizzled over the sliced steak for added flavour.

FAQs

References:

• Wikipedia – Doneness – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doneness