Introduction
If you’re not familiar with tri tip, it’s a triangular cut of beef from the bottom sirloin, and it’s a delicious, versatile, and affordable cut that is perfect for grilling, smoking, roasting, and more. But many people avoid cooking tri tip because they are intimidated by the cut and unsure of how to cook it properly. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions for cooking tri tip using various methods, as well as grilling tips, oven roasting tips, smoking techniques, sous vide, and Instant Pot recipes. With this guide, you’ll be able to cook perfect tri tip every time.
Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation:
Before you begin cooking tri tip, it’s important to trim the fat and silver skin from the meat. You can also season the meat with your favorite rub or marinade. Let the tri tip sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and then preheat your grill, broiler, or oven.
Gas grill:
To cook tri tip on a gas grill, heat one side of the grill to high heat and the other side to low or medium heat. Sear the meat on the hot side of the grill for 2-3 minutes per side, then move it to the cooler side of the grill and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, flipping the meat occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the tri tip rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Broiling:
To broil tri tip in the oven, set the oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler. Broil the meat for 6-7 minutes per side, until it is nicely browned. Then, reduce the heat to 350°F and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the tri tip rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Roasting:
To oven-roast tri tip, preheat your oven to 425°F. Season the meat, place it on a roasting rack, and cook it for 15 minutes to sear the outside. Then, reduce the heat to 325°F and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the tri tip rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Grilling Tips
Fire prep:
Before you start grilling, make sure the fire is hot and ready. Use a chimney starter to light your charcoal, or turn on all the burners of your gas grill and close the lid to let the temperature rise. Don’t start cooking until the grill grates are hot.
Grill setup:
To cook tri tip, you want to use both direct and indirect heat. Sear the meat over high heat for a few minutes on each side, then move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.
Seasoning:
There are many ways to season tri tip, and you can use your favorite rub, marinade, or seasoning blend. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and paprika. Apply the seasoning generously to the meat and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking time:
The cooking time for tri tip depends on the thickness of the meat as well as the temperature of your grill. A good rule of thumb is to grill the meat for about 30-45 minutes, flipping it occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. medium-rare is about 135°F, medium is about 145°F, and well done is about 160°F.
Skewer:
To cook tri tip on skewers, cut the meat into bite-sized chunks and skewer them. Brush the meat with oil and season it before grilling. Cook the skewers over direct heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the meat is browned and slightly charred. Let the skewers rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Oven Roasting
Stuffed tri-tip:
To prepare stuffed tri-tip roast, you can create a pocket in the meat by slicing it horizontally about three-quarters of the way through. You can stuff the pocket with anything from vegetables to cheese. Season the meat with salt and pepper and a little oil, then roast it in the oven at 375°F for 45 minutes to an hour or until the meat has reached an internal temperature of at least 140°F.
Different seasonings:
You can use a variety of different seasonings when roasting tri tip in the oven.You can try garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also add some mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar to take the steak to the next level.
Cooking tips:
One common mistake is to not preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F before you start cooking tri tip roast. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently during cooking. Doing this will cause the oven temperature to decrease, and it will take longer for the meat to cook.
Smoking Techniques
Cold smoking:
Cold smoking tri tip can take up to 24 hours and requires a smoker, wood chunks, and a cold smoking attachment. Make a brine by adding salt, sugar, and spice to cold water, then soak the meat in the brine for a few hours. Rinse, then place the tri tip in the smoker and let it smoke over low heat for several hours until the desired flavor is achieved.
Hot smoking:
To hot smoke tri tip, you’ll need a smoker and wood chips. Heat the smoker to around 225°F and place the meat on the smoker rack. Let the tri tip cook for a few hours, maintaining a constant temperature, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Add wood chips according to the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the desired amount of smoke flavor.
Smoking with wood chips:
If you want to add a smoky flavor to your tri tip without a smoker, you can use a gas grill and wood chips. Heat the grill to high, then turn off half the burners and soak the wood chips in water for an hour. Add the soaked wood chips to a smoker box on the grill and place the tri tip on the cool side of the grill. Cook the tri tip for 20-30 minutes, then move it to the hot side of the grill to sear it for a few minutes on each side. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Sous Vide
Equipment needed:
To cook tri tip sous vide, you’ll need a sous vide machine and a vacuum sealer. A sous vide machine is a device that heats water to a precise temperature and maintains it for an extended period of time. You’ll also need a vacuum sealer or a plastic zip-lock bag to seal the meat.
Prepping the beef:
Before cooking, trim off the excess fat from the tri tip and season the meat with your favorite rub or marinade. Place the meat in a vacuum sealer bag or a zip-lock bag, and seal it tightly to remove as much air as possible.
Seasoning:
Try your favorite seasoning on your tri tip. You can use garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.A basic seasoning of salt and black pepper will work if you are in a rush.
Cooking time:
Cooking tri tip sous vide typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the thickness of the meat. Set your sous vide machine to your desired temperature, put the vacuum-sealed meat into the water bath, and let it cook. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, and remove it from the bag when it reaches your desired level of doneness. Finish the meat on a hot grill or pan to give it a nice crust.
Instant Pot
Different recipes:
You can cook tri tip in the Instant Pot in a variety of ways, such as roast, stew, or stir fry. For a roast, season the meat with your favorite seasoning, fry it for 3-5 minutes per side, then cook it in the Instant Pot with some vegetables and beef broth for about 40-60 minutes. For a stew, sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add the tri tip, beef broth, and vegetables and cook for about 30-45 minutes. For stir fry, stir-fry vegetables and tri tip in the Instant Pot with some oil and seasoning.
Cooking time:
The cooking time for tri tip in the Instant Pot varies depending on the recipe and the size of the meat. A general rule of thumb is to cook tri tip for 20-25 minutes per pound for a roast, or 10-15 minutes for stew or stir fry. Always check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure that it is cooked to your liking.
Seasoning:
You can use a variety of seasonings when cooking tri tip in the Instant Pot. From simple salt and pepper to your favorite spice blend.Choose according to your taste and preference. The key is to make sure the seasoning complements the meat.
Easy Recipes
Stir-fry:
For a simple, quick tri tip stir fry, slice the meat thinly and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables and seasoning for 3-4 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a healthy lunch option.
Skewers:
Grilling tri tip skewers is a fun and easy way to cook this cut. Cut the meat into small cubes, skewer them, season them, and grill them over high heat for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they are nicely browned. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Marination:
Marinating your tri tip before cooking can add flavor and keep the meat tender and juicy. You can use a variety of ingredients for the marinade, such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients together and let the meat marinate in the mixture for at least a few hours before cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking tri tip can seem intimidating, but with the right techniques and tips, anyone can cook it to perfection. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, roasting, or using an Instant Pot or sous vide machine, following the guidelines in this guide will result in perfectly cooked and delicious tri tip every time. Experiment with different seasonings, methods, and recipes to find your favorite way to cook tri tip. With practice, you’ll become a tri tip pro and impress your family and friends with your delicious and juicy tri tip meals.