The tri tip is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is perfect for grilling or cooking in a cast iron skillet. It is a triangular shaped muscle located on the bottom sirloin of the cow and is known for its rich marbling and robust taste.

Cooking tri tip in a cast iron skillet is a great option for those who don’t have access to a grill or want to enjoy this delicious cut of meat all year round. The cast iron skillet provides even heat distribution and helps to lock in the juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful tri tip.

If you’re wondering how long to cook tri tip in a cast iron skillet, the answer depends on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare tri tip, you’ll want to cook it for about 4-5 minutes per side on medium-high heat.

For a medium tri tip, increase the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per side. And if you prefer a well-done tri tip, cook it for about 8-10 minutes per side.

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It’s important to note that these cooking times are just guidelines, as the exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the tri tip and the heat of your skillet. To ensure that your tri tip is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare tri tip, the temperature should be around 130°F (54°C).

Pro tip: Let your tri tip rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Whether you’re cooking tri tip for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal, using a cast iron skillet is a great choice. With the right cooking time and a few simple techniques, you can achieve a perfectly cooked tri tip that is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.

Tri tip recipe: perfect cooking time in a cast iron skillet

If you love tender and juicy tri tip steak, then cooking it in a cast iron skillet is a great option. The cast iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution, ensuring that your tri tip steak cooks evenly and retains all its delicious flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tri tip steak, around 2-3 pounds
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Season the tri tip steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  3. Place the tri tip steak in the skillet and sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the tri tip steak for another 8-10 minutes, flipping it occasionally.
  5. Check the internal temperature of the steak using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, it should read around 135°F (57°C).
  6. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the tri tip steak from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your tri tip steak and your desired level of doneness. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to your liking.

Serve your perfectly cooked tri tip steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Preparing the tri tip

Before cooking the tri tip in a cast iron skillet, it is important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender tri tip:

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1. Season the tri tip

Start by generously seasoning the tri tip with your favorite dry rub or seasonings. This will help enhance the flavors of the meat. Some popular seasonings for tri tip include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

2. Let it rest

After seasoning, allow the tri tip to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the meat come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.

3. Preheat the cast iron skillet

While the tri tip is resting, preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. It is important to properly preheat the skillet to ensure an even cooking surface and a nice sear on the meat.

4. Add oil to the skillet

Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil to the pan. Swirl the oil around to evenly coat the bottom of the skillet. This will help prevent the tri tip from sticking to the pan while cooking.

5. Sear the tri tip

Place the seasoned tri tip in the preheated cast iron skillet. Sear the tri tip for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown crust forms. This will help seal in the juices and add delicious flavor to the meat.

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6. Finish cooking

Once the tri tip is seared, you can finish cooking it to your desired doneness. You can do this by transferring the skillet to a preheated oven and roasting the tri tip at 375°F (190°C) until it reaches your preferred internal temperature.

Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the tri tip is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The recommended internal temperature for medium-rare tri tip is around 135°F (57°C).

Once the tri tip is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful tri tip.

Enjoy your deliciously cooked tri tip from the cast iron skillet!

Preheating the cast iron skillet

Before cooking your tri tip in a cast iron skillet, it is important to properly preheat the skillet. This allows for even heat distribution and ensures a flavorful and well-cooked tri tip.

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Step 1: Choose the right skillet

First, choose a cast iron skillet that is large enough to comfortably fit the tri tip. A skillet with a diameter of 10-12 inches should work well for most cuts of tri tip.

Step 2: Preheat the skillet on the stovetop

Place the cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to heat up for about 5-7 minutes or until it is hot to the touch.

Step 3: Add a cooking oil

Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of cooking oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Spread the oil evenly across the surface of the skillet.

Note: Preheating the skillet and adding oil helps to prevent the tri tip from sticking to the surface of the skillet.

Step 4: Heat the skillet until smoking

Continue heating the skillet with the oil until it begins to smoke slightly. This indicates that the skillet is hot enough to sear the tri tip properly.

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Caution: When the skillet is smoking, be careful to avoid touching the hot surface or allowing any oil to splatter.

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Once the skillet is properly preheated, it is ready for you to sear and cook your tri tip to perfection.

Searing the tri tip

Before cooking the tri tip in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to properly sear the meat. Searing helps to develop a delicious crust on the outside of the tri tip while locking in the flavorful juices inside.

Here’s how to sear the tri tip:

1. Prepare the tri tip

Start by patting the tri tip dry with paper towels. This will help the meat brown better when searing. Additionally, trim any excess fat from the tri tip if desired.

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2. Preheat the skillet

Place the cast iron skillet on medium-high heat and allow it to heat up for a few minutes. It’s important to preheat the skillet to ensure a proper sear on the tri tip.

3. Season the tri tip

Season the tri tip generously with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. This will add flavor to the meat while searing.

4. Sear the tri tip

Carefully place the tri tip in the hot cast iron skillet. Allow it to sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown crust forms. Use tongs to flip the tri tip and sear the other side.

Note: Searing times may vary depending on the thickness of the tri tip and desired level of doneness. It’s important to keep an eye on the meat and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Once the tri tip is properly seared, it can be finished cooking in the skillet or transferred to the oven to reach the desired internal temperature.

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Adjusting the cooking time

When cooking tri tip in a cast iron skillet, it is important to adjust the cooking time depending on the desired level of doneness. The general rule of thumb is to cook the meat for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. However, if you prefer your tri tip to be cooked to medium or medium-well, you will need to increase the cooking time.

For a medium tri tip, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. This will result in a slightly pink center with a more well-cooked outer layer. If you prefer a medium-well tri tip, you will need to cook it for an extra 4-6 minutes per side. This will result in a mostly cooked-through piece of meat with a slightly pink center.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the tri tip and the heat of your skillet. To ensure accuracy, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read around 135-140°F (57-60°C). If you prefer a higher level of doneness, the temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium or 160°F (71°C) for medium-well.

Remember to let the tri tip rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and flavorful result. After resting, slice the tri tip against the grain to ensure tender and perfectly cooked slices.

Checking the internal temperature

When cooking tri tip in a cast iron skillet, it is essential to check the internal temperature to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature will give you a reliable indication of how cooked the meat is and if it needs further cooking or is ready to be served.

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Using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the tri tip, making sure not to touch any bones or the cast iron skillet. The thermometer should be inserted into the meat horizontally, not from the top down.

For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read around 130°F (54°C). If you prefer a medium doneness, aim for 135°F (57°C), while well-done should have an internal temperature of around 145°F (63°C).

Remember that the tri tip will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat source. Therefore, it is best to take it off the heat a few degrees before reaching your desired temperature to prevent overcooking.

Tip: To ensure an accurate reading, it is recommended to check the internal temperature in a few different spots to account for any potential inconsistencies in the meat’s thickness or uneven cooking. Also, make sure to clean the thermometer before and after every use to prevent cross-contamination.

By checking the internal temperature, you can confidently determine when your tri tip is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed!

Q&A

What temperature should I cook the tri tip in the cast iron skillet?

You should preheat your cast iron skillet to medium-high heat.

How long does it take to cook a tri tip in a cast iron skillet?

It takes about 3-4 minutes per side to cook a tri tip steak in a cast iron skillet.

Can I cook a tri tip in a cast iron skillet without seasoning?

While it’s not necessary, seasoning your tri tip steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices will enhance its flavor.

Should I marinate the tri tip before cooking it in a cast iron skillet?

Marinating the tri tip before cooking it in a cast iron skillet is a personal preference. It can add extra flavor and tenderness to the meat.

What is the best way to cook a tri tip in a cast iron skillet?

The best way to cook a tri tip in a cast iron skillet is to sear it for a few minutes on each side, then finish cooking it in the oven at a low temperature to ensure it’s cooked evenly and remains juicy.

How long should I cook tri tip in a cast iron skillet?

The cooking time for tri tip in a cast iron skillet can vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired doneness. As a general guideline, you can cook a 1-inch thick tri tip for about 10-12 minutes per side for medium-rare. However, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check for the desired internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium.

Can I marinate the tri tip before cooking it in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! Marinating the tri tip before cooking it in a cast iron skillet can add a lot of flavor to the meat. You can marinate the tri tip for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Some popular marinade options for tri tip include a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and various herbs and spices. Just make sure to pat the tri tip dry before cooking it in the skillet to ensure a nice sear.