Easy Oven-Baked Tri-Tip Recipe

Are you yearning for mouth-watering tri-tip without the need to fire up the grill? Good news is, you don’t have to! This lean, juicy cut of meat is absolutely perfect for roasting in the oven. So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want to enjoy a delightful meal with your family, below are some tips on how to make perfect tri-tip in the oven.

First and foremost, before you begin, take the meat out of the fridge and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least an hour. Doing so will prevent the meat from being tough as it comes to temperature more evenly. Preheat your oven to 425°F (or 220°C) and season your tri-tip with whatever dry rub, spices, or herbs you prefer. Place the meat in a roasting pan with the fat cap facing up, and pop it in the oven. After about 35-45 minutes, pull out the thermometer and check the internal temperature which should be 135°F (57°C) for rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 155°F (68°C) for well-done. Once done, allow the meat to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Congratulations, you now have a succulent, juicy tri-tip steak cooked to perfection that is sure to satisfy your palate.

Choosing the Right Tri Tip

Tri tip comes in different grades and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right one for your oven. Go for a well-marbled tri tip that has a rich, ruby-red color. You can also ask the butcher for the best cut of tri tip they have.

Preparing the Tri Tip

Before cooking, remove any excess fat or silver skin on the surface of the tri tip. Season the meat generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also marinate the tri tip overnight to infuse it with more flavor.

Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F to achieve a perfect crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender. Place the rack in the middle position and let it heat up for at least 15 minutes.

Creating the Perfect Seared Crust

Place your well-seasoned tri tip onto a baking rack with the fat side up. Place it in the oven and roast on high heat for about 15 minutes for a great crispy crust. This searing process will help to lock in all the juices inside the meat.

Lowering the Oven Temperature

After achieving a beautifully seared crust, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue to cook the tri tip for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for a perfect medium-rare result.

Resting the Meat

Remove the tri tip from the oven and carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This resting process will help to maintain the moisture content in the meat.

Slicing the Tri Tip

Place the tri tip onto a cutting board and slice it against the grain into thin pieces. Cutting it against the grain helps to break down the fibers, making it easier to chew and more flavorful.

Side Dishes

There are several side dishes that go well with tri tip, such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. These side dishes will balance out the rich flavor of the beef.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your tri tip with your favorite sauce or gravy. You can also slice it thinly and put it onto sandwiches or tacos. The possibilities are endless, and it can be enjoyed in different ways.

Clean-up Tips

After cooking, be sure to clean up the oven and all cooking utensils with dish soap and warm water. This will prevent the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful substances that could compromise the taste and quality of future meals.

Section 2: Preparation and Cooking Process

1. Choosing the Right Tri Tip Cut

When making tri tip in the oven, it is essential to choose the right cut of meat. Choose a 2-3 lbs tri tip roast with a nice marbling of fat, as it will aid in flavor and tenderness. Ensure that the meat is fresh and not past its expiry date.

2. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit before putting the tri tip in for baking. This will ensure an even and consistent cooking process. Position the oven rack slightly below the center of the oven for even cooking.

3. Marinating the Tri Tip

Marinating the tri tip before cooking can boost the flavor and tenderness. You can use your chosen marinade or create your blend. Create a marinade using oil, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and herbs. Place the tri tip in a sealed container or resealable bag, pour in the marinade, and place it in the fridge to marinate for 1-2 hours or overnight.

4. Removing the Tri Tip from the Marinade

When ready to cook the tri-tip, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly.

5. Seasoning the Tri Tip

Create a seasoning mix using salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other preferred spices. This enhances the flavor of the tri tip. Rub the mixture all over the tri tip, making sure to coat it evenly.

6. Preparing the Baking Sheet

While the tri tip is coming to room temperature, prepare the baking sheet for cooking. Coat the sheet with a thin layer of oil or cooking spray. This prevents the tri tip from sticking and makes clean up easier.

7. Placing the Tri Tip on the Baking Sheet

Place the tri tip on the baking sheet, fat side up, and gently tuck the thinner end underneath the roast for even cooking. Leaving the thinner end tucked underneath the tri tip prevents it from overcooking or drying out.

8. Roasting the Tri Tip

Place the tri tip in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the tri tip using a meat thermometer; it should read 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done.

9. Resting the Tri Tip

Once the tri tip is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for moist and tender meat.

10. Slicing and Serving the Tri Tip

After resting, slice the tri tip against the grain, which ensures tenderness and juiciness. Serve the tri tip as a main course with your preferred side dish and enjoy.

By following these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering and flavorful tri tip in the oven.

Choosing the Right Oven and Preparation for Baking Tri Tip

If you’re looking to make oven-baked tri tip, you’ll want to ensure that you have the right oven and preparations in place to ensure perfect cooking and a delicious meal. Here’s what you need to know:

Choosing the Right Oven

The type of oven you have can have an impact on the overall quality and taste of your tri tip, so it’s important to choose the right oven to achieve the best results. Electric and gas ovens are both good options for baking tri tip, but if you have a convection oven, this is even better. Convection ovens utilize a fan to circulate hot air, which can help to cook your tri tip more evenly and quickly.

Whatever type of oven you have, make sure to preheat it to the appropriate temperature before cooking your tri tip.

Preparing Your Tri Tip

Before baking your tri tip, there are a few important preparation steps to follow:

Baking Your Tri Tip

Now that you have the right oven and your tri tip is properly prepared, it’s time to bake it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F.

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature. For tri tip, this is generally 425°F.

Step 2: Place the tri tip on a baking sheet or roasting pan.

Make sure to line the baking sheet or roasting pan with aluminum foil to make clean-up easier.

Step 3: Bake for 20-30 minutes.

Bake the tri tip for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Let the tri tip rest.

Remove the tri tip from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.

Step 5: Slice and serve.

Use a sharp knife to slice the tri tip against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides and sauces.

Cheers to Cooking Tri Tip

That’s it tribe! You’ve made it through the entire tutorial on how to make tri tip in the oven. With these easy and simple steps, you can enjoy a succulent and juicy piece of meat in your kitchen. It’s been a pleasure cooking with you. If you have any questions or need more recipe ideas, don’t hesitate to visit us again. A friendly reminder: It’s always happy hour somewhere, so don’t forget to raise a toast for your exceptional culinary skills! Thanks for reading!