Beef loin tri tip steak is a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or searing. This cut comes from the bottom part of the sirloin, and it is known for its triangular shape. The tri tip steak is tender and juicy, making it a popular choice for beef lovers.
Before cooking the tri tip steak, it is important to season it well to enhance the flavor. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or experiment with different seasonings and marinades to suit your taste. Rub the seasoning onto the steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
When it comes to cooking tri tip steak, grilling is a popular method that brings out the best flavors. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
Another option for cooking tri tip steak is searing it on the stovetop. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add oil. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the steak in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. This method creates a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Tip: Let the tri tip steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender and flavorful.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, with 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium, and 160°F (71°C) for medium-well.
Once the tri tip steak is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Slice the steak against the grain, and serve it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Prep your tri tip steak
Before you start cooking your beef loin tri tip steak, it’s important to properly prepare it:
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
- Trim any excess fat from the steak using a sharp knife. Leaving some fat on the steak can add flavor, but removing any thick or tough pieces can help improve the texture.
- Season the steak with your desired seasonings. Some popular options include a simple salt and pepper rub, or a more flavorful marinade. Make sure to season all sides of the steak evenly.
- If you’re using a marinade, place the seasoned steak in a resealable plastic bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat.
By properly prepping your tri tip steak, you’ll ensure that it’s ready for the cooking process and that it will be flavorful and tender when served.
Season the meat with your favorite rub
One of the most important steps in preparing a delicious beef loin tri tip steak is to season it properly. This is where your favorite rub comes into play. Whether you prefer a commercially available blend or a homemade mixture, the choice is yours.
Why use a rub?
A rub is a combination of herbs, spices, and other flavorings that help enhance the taste of the meat. It adds depth and complexity to your steak, making it even more enjoyable to eat. The rub also creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat while it cooks, giving it a mouthwatering appearance.
How to apply the rub?
Before seasoning the steak, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the rub adhere better to the meat. Next, generously sprinkle the rub all over the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides. Use your hands to massage the rub into the meat, making sure it penetrates the surface and gets into all the nooks and crannies. For an extra boost of flavor, you can also rub a small amount of olive oil or mustard onto the meat before applying the rub.
Let it rest
After seasoning the steak, it is important to let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the rub and ensures that it cooks evenly.
Experiment with different rubs
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your choice of rub. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find the flavor profile that you enjoy the most. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a classic taste, or try something more exotic like a spice rub with cumin, paprika, and coriander.
In conclusion
Seasoning the beef loin tri tip steak with your favorite rub is a simple yet crucial step in the cooking process. It adds flavor and texture to the meat, making it a truly delicious dish. So go ahead and get creative with your rub choices, and enjoy a perfectly seasoned steak every time you cook!
Preheat your grill or oven
To cook beef loin tri tip steak, the first step is to preheat your grill or oven. Preheating ensures that the cooking surface reaches the desired temperature, allowing for proper cooking of the steak.
If you are using a grill, turn it on and set it to medium-high heat. Close the lid and allow it to heat up for about 10 minutes. This will give you a hot surface to sear the steak, creating a delicious crust.
If you are using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and make sure the rack is in the center position. This temperature will provide a good balance between searing the steak and cooking it through evenly.
While the grill or oven is preheating, take the opportunity to season your beef loin tri tip steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. This will help enhance the flavor of the steak.
Once the grill or oven has reached the desired temperature and the steak has been seasoned, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking your beef loin tri tip steak.
Sear the tri tip steak
After marinating the tri tip steak, it’s time to sear it to achieve a delicious crust and seal in the flavors. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Preheat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Make sure the pan is thoroughly heated before adding the steak.
2. Remove the tri tip steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.
3. Add a small amount of oil to the hot pan to prevent sticking. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other high smoke point oil.
4. Carefully place the tri tip steak in the hot pan, making sure to lay it down away from you to avoid any hot oil splatters.
5. Cook the steak for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on the desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), while for medium, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Avoid flipping the steak too often to allow a nice crust to form. You can use tongs to gently flip the steak when it’s ready.
7. Once the tri tip steak reaches the desired doneness, carefully remove it from the hot pan and place it on a cutting board.
8. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Now that the tri tip steak is seared and rested, it’s ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as is or pair it with your favorite side dishes.
Cook the tri tip steak to your desired doneness
Once your tri tip steak is seasoned and ready to cook, you can start cooking it on a preheated grill or in a hot skillet.
Cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of doneness:
- Rare: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (51°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Medium rare: Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C).
- Medium: Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Medium well: Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Well done: Cook for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) or higher.
Remember to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Once your tri tip steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked tri tip steak!
Let the tri tip steak rest before slicing
Once your tri tip steak is cooked to perfection, it’s important to let it rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Remove the tri tip steak from the heat source and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the steak loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow the residual heat to continue cooking the steak to your desired level of doneness.
Why let the steak rest?
Resting the tri tip steak is important for several reasons:
- Retains juices: Resting allows the juices to settle back into the meat fibers, preventing them from running out when you cut into the steak.
- Improved tenderness: Resting helps to relax the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
- Enhanced flavor: As the steak rests, the flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a more delicious final product.
The ideal resting time for a tri tip steak is about 5-10 minutes. This gives the juices enough time to redistribute without the steak getting too cold.
How to slice the rested tri tip steak
After the resting period, it’s time to slice your tri tip steak. Follow these steps:
- Remove the foil tent and place the tri tip steak on a clean cutting board.
- Locate the grain of the meat. Tri tip steak has a distinct grain running through it.
- Slice against the grain: To ensure tender slices, cut against the grain of the meat. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the grain fibers.
- Slice the tri tip steak into thin slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
And there you have it! By allowing your tri tip steak to rest before slicing, you’ll be rewarded with a tender, juicy, and flavorful piece of meat. Enjoy!
Q&A
What is a beef loin tri tip steak?
A beef loin tri tip steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin area of the cow. It is a triangular-shaped muscle that is flavorful and tender when cooked properly.
How do I cook beef loin tri tip steak?
To cook beef loin tri tip steak, you can start by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, sear the steak on high heat in a hot skillet or grill for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Next, transfer the steak to a preheated oven and cook it to your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What temperature should I cook beef loin tri tip steak to?
The recommended temperature for cooking beef loin tri tip steak is medium-rare to medium, which is about 135-145°F (57-63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. This will result in a juicy and tender steak. However, you can cook it to your desired level of doneness if you prefer it more well-done.
Can I marinate beef loin tri tip steak?
Yes, you can marinate beef loin tri tip steak to add flavor and tenderize the meat. You can use marinades with ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, herbs, and citrus juices. Marinate the steak for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator before cooking it.
What are some serving suggestions for beef loin tri tip steak?
Beef loin tri tip steak can be served with various side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You can also slice it thinly and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Additionally, you can pair it with a flavorful sauce or gravy to enhance its taste.
What is beef loin tri-tip steak?
Beef loin tri-tip steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom part of the sirloin. It is triangular in shape and has a rich, beefy flavor.