Tri tip steak is a flavorful cut of beef that can be cooked to perfection in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a delicious steak, learning how to cook tri tip in the oven is a valuable skill to have.
But what exactly is tri tip steak? Tri tip is a triangular-shaped cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin, which is known for its rich flavor. It is a popular choice for grilling, but it can also be cooked in the oven for a tender and juicy result.
So how do you cook tri tip steak in the oven? The process is surprisingly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. By following a few key steps, you can achieve a mouthwatering tri tip steak that will impress your family and friends.
First, you’ll want to season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and create a delicious crust when cooked. For best results, let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
Tri Tip Steak: A Mouthwatering Oven Recipe
Are you craving a tender and juicy tri tip steak but don’t want to fire up the grill? No problem! With this simple oven recipe, you can enjoy a mouthwatering tri tip steak cooked to perfection, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 tri tip steak, approximately 2 to 3 pounds
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Prepare the Steak
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, pat the tri tip steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Next, rub the steak with olive oil, ensuring that both sides are coated evenly. This will help seal in the juices and give the steak a nice crust.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over both sides of the steak, pressing it gently into the meat.
Cooking in the Oven
Place the seasoned tri tip steak on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the steak and ensure that it cooks evenly.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone if there is any. This will help you monitor the internal temperature of the steak and ensure that it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and cook the tri tip steak for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for medium. Remember, the steak will continue to cook and rise in temperature slightly after you remove it from the oven, so keep that in mind when determining your desired doneness.
Once the steak has reached your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more tender and flavorful steak.
Slice the tri tip steak against the grain into thin strips and serve it hot. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this oven-cooked tri tip steak.
So next time you’re in the mood for a delicious tri tip steak but don’t feel like grilling, give this oven recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Preparing the Tri Tip Steak
Before cooking the tri tip steak in the oven, it is important to properly prepare it to enhance the flavors and ensure a delicious result.
1. Seasoning the Steak
Start by seasoning the tri tip steak with your favorite blend of spices. A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works well. Make sure to coat both sides of the steak evenly.
2. Marinating the Steak (optional)
For an extra burst of flavor, you can marinate the tri tip steak. Prepare a marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs. Place the steak in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor infusion.
Note: If you choose to marinate the tri tip steak, make sure to remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows for even cooking.
3. Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the steak cooks evenly. A hot oven helps to sear the outside and lock in the juices, resulting in a flavorful and tender tri tip steak.
4. Preparing the Baking Dish
Place a wire rack inside a baking dish to elevate the tri tip steak. This allows the heat to circulate around the steak, cooking it more evenly. The wire rack also prevents the steak from sitting in its own juices, ensuring a crispy exterior.
Follow these steps to properly prepare the tri tip steak before cooking it in the oven. The next section will guide you through the cooking process.
Marinating the Tri Tip Steak
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of your tri tip steak, marinating is an essential step. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a marinade: You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. Popular marinade options include a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, olive oil, and various spices. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Marinate the steak: Place the tri tip steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is fully coated. Massage the marinade into the meat to ensure all sides are covered.
- Seal and refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight, if possible. The longer the steak marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
- Occasionally flip the steak: While marinating, occasionally flip the steak in the bag or turn it in the dish to evenly distribute the flavors.
Marinating your tri tip steak will infuse it with delicious flavors and help to tenderize the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a well-marinated and flavorful dish.
Preheating the Oven
Before you start cooking your tri-tip steak in the oven, it’s essential to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This step ensures proper and even cooking of the meat.
Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 15 minutes. This temperature is perfect for achieving a crispy sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
While the oven is preheating, take the tri-tip steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature ensures even cooking throughout and prevents the meat from becoming tough.
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature and the steak has come to room temperature, you are ready to move on to the next step of the cooking process.
Roasting the Tri Tip Steak
Roasting is a great way to cook tri tip steak in the oven. It allows the meat to cook evenly and develops a delicious outer crust. Here’s how you can roast your tri tip steak:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the tri tip steak with your preferred spices and seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative and experiment with different flavors.
- Place the tri tip steak on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. This will elevate the steak and allow the hot air to circulate around it, resulting in even cooking.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone if the steak has one. This will help you monitor the internal temperature and ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook the tri tip steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for medium. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes, but cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak.
- Once the tri tip steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Allow the steak to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- Slice the tri tip steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers. Look for the lines running through the meat and slice perpendicular to them.
- Serve the roasted tri tip steak hot and enjoy!
Roasting tri tip steak in the oven is a simple and delicious way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. The oven temperature and cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the steak, so make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect results every time. Happy cooking!
Checking for Doneness
Before removing your tri tip steak from the oven, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are a few methods to determine if your tri tip steak is cooked to perfection:
- Internal Temperature: The most accurate way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read around 135°F (57°C), while medium doneness is achieved at around 145°F (63°C). Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the steak rests.
- Touch Test: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the touch test to gauge doneness. Gently press the center of the steak with your finger. If it feels soft and squishy, it is likely rare. If it feels firm and bounces back slightly, it is medium-rare. For a well-done steak, it should feel firm with no give.
- Visual Cues: Another method is to visually inspect the steak. A well-done tri tip steak will have very little to no pink in the center, while a medium-rare steak will have a warm pink center. Remember that the color may vary slightly depending on the seasoning or marinade you used.
Once you have determined the desired level of doneness, remove the tri tip steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Q&A
What is a tri tip steak?
Tri tip steak is a cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin primal cut. It is a triangular-shaped muscle that is flavorful and tender.
Can I cook tri tip steak in the oven?
Yes, you can cook tri tip steak in the oven. It is a popular method of cooking this cut of beef. It is recommended to sear the steak first on the stovetop and then finish cooking it in the oven.
How do I season tri tip steak before cooking?
Before cooking tri tip steak, you can season it with a dry rub or a marinade. Some popular seasonings for tri tip steak include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder. Let the steak sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
What temperature should I set the oven to cook tri tip steak?
To cook tri tip steak in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps to sear the steak and lock in the juices. Cook the steak for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
How do I know when tri tip steak is cooked to the desired level?
The best way to determine the doneness of tri tip steak is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C), for medium it should be 145°F (63°C), and for medium-well it should be 160°F (71°C).