To cook a tri-tip steak, follow these steps for a flavorful and juicy result:
- Season: Create a seasoning rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs or use a marinade. Rub or marinate the tri-tip steak for at least 10 minutes, ideally several hours.
- Sear: Heat oil (such as olive or avocado oil) in a heavy skillet or grill on high. Sear the tri-tip steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side until well browned.
- Cook: Transfer the tri-tip to an oven or grill at medium heat (around 250°F to 400°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches desired doneness: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium. This usually takes about 15-40 minutes depending on method and steak size.
- Rest: Let the steak rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice: Cut against the grain in thin slices for maximum tenderness.
This method can be done on a grill with two-zone setup (indirect and direct heat), or using a skillet and oven combination. Marinating beforehand adds great flavor, and always slice against the grain for tenderness.
