Oven Tri Tip Roast – tender, juicy, rich beef roast soaked in a red wine-based aromatic marinade and roasted in the oven for scrumptious meat. This oven roasted tri tip steak makes an impressive holiday meal or family weekend dinner that won’t break the bank!
How are you coping up with all the hustle and bustle for this month?
I hope you’re still right on track with your to-do list and in the mood for steak dinner! ‘Cause today, I’m sharing with you California’s pride: the Tri Tip. A unique beef cut that is part roast and part steak that is 100% delicious whether grilled or roasted in the oven. And not to mention that it’s budget-friendly, too, compared to buying its equivalent steak cut.
Let me convince you on why you should have this on your holiday or regular dinner table!
What is Tri Tip?
If you haven’t tried tri tip, you’re missing out a ton! Also known as triangle roast, triangle steak, bottom sirloin steak and California cut, this kind of beef cut comes from the bottom sirloin which has less fat and very lean. It’s a boneless triangular (sort of) cut that pretty much resembles a boomerang (see PHOTO HERE) that usually weighs about 1 1/2- 2 pounds. Even with how lean it is, it has enough marbling or fat which makes up its flavor and tenderness.
What’s the difference between tri tip roast and sirloin tip roast?
While both of these cuts are delicious, they have their own differences. A sirloin tip roast comes from the top portion of the sirloin that is at the rear back area of a cow. The tri-tip roast, on the other hand, is from the bottom sirloin which is boneless. All these cuts might get you confused, so SEE THIS PICTURE HERE to better illustrate to you the different beef cuts.
Is Tri Tip the same with Flank Steak?
If you’ve seen the photo linked above, you’ll know that flank steak is also different from tri tip. Flank steak is from the bottom abdominal area of a cow which contains a lot of hard-working muscles, unlike tri tip. Although these two are lean, flank steak isn’t as tender as trip tip steak.
Tri Tip Marinade
Luckily, here in Los Angeles, California, we’re kinda spoiled with more sunshine. Although I love my tri tip steak over the coals, I do enjoy it from the oven, too. After all, it’s seriously packed with great flavors from the marinade. Letting the tri tip soaked in a marinade actually enhances its flavor. Below is my go-to tri-tip marinade recipe:
- garlic
- fresh thyme
- smoked paprika
- dried basil
- olive oil
- red wine
- onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Mix all of these and rub the meat with the wine marinade and give the beef a good 1-hour soak in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature 5 minutes before use. That amount of time would already be enough to elevate its flavor, but if you can soak it overnight, that’d be better.
If you have a favorite beef marinade, feel free to soak the meat with it instead.
How Long to Cook Tri Tip?
Before you roast the beef in the oven, I highly recommend that you brown it first over the stovetop using a cast-iron skillet. In this way, we can get that nice crispy exterior even without the grill. After browning the meat, transfer it to the pre-heated oven at 425°F and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the inserted meat thermometer reaches your preferred doneness.
For a medium-rare tri tip roast, remove it when the temperature reaches 135°F and 145°F for medium (about 10 minutes longer). Let it rest first for 5-10 minutes and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
And remember, start slicing the roast in half against the grain on the ends and again at the center point.
What to Serve with Oven Tri Tip Roast?
This oven roasted tri tip recipe makes an AWESOME Thanksgiving and Christmas main dish. Aside from serving it with the wine marinade itself, we also love it served with the following below:
- Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Sauteed Brussel Sprouts
- Homemade Gravy
- Cornbread Dressing
Got some leftovers? Don’t you worry! Thin slices of this incredible roast recipe make great sandwiches for lunch or diced them up and throw them into this hearty Beef Barley Soup.
More Delicious Roast Recipes
- Spiced Roast Turkey
- Prime Rib Roast
- Pork Tenderloin Roast
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Cajun Whole Roast Chicken
- Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)
How To Make Oven Tri Tip Roast
Make sure tri-tip is dry and score the fat layer with a knife, cutting through the fat, but not through the meat. Season it with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Mix together garlic, thyme, paprika, basil, 1 tbsp oil, red wine, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the wine marinade over meat and place in a resealable plastic bag, scraping in all the garlic paste and seal. Refrigerate for 1 hour and let it sit at room temperature 5 minutes before use. Reserve marinade and set aside.
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat and place tri-tip fat side down. Lower heat to medium-high and cook for 4-5 minutes or until thoroughly browned. Flip tri-tip and cook for 2 more minutes, then transfer to the pre-heated oven.
Roast for about 15-20 minutes or longer , depending on the weight of the tri- tip . It is best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness . The internal temperature is 135 degrees for medium-rare and 145° for medium. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Meanwhile, while the tri tip is roasting, place the reserved marinade in a small sauce-pan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened and reduced down. Adjust with salt and pepper.
Slice the roast in half against the grain on the ends and again at the center point.
Watch How To Make It
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Oven Tri Tip Roast
Ingredients
Oven Tri Tip Roast
- 2-2 ½ pounds (900-1125g) tri tip roast
- freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
Tri Tip Marinade
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons (0.80-1.6g) fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon (1g) smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon (0.42g) dried basil
- 1 tablespoon (14ml) olive oil
- 1/3 cup (78ml) red wine
- 2 teaspoons (4g) onion powder
- freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
- Make sure tri-tip is dry and score the fat layer with a knife, cutting through the fat, but not through the meat. Season it with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Mix together garlic, thyme, paprika, basil, 1 tbsp oil, red wine, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the wine marinade over meat and place in a resealable plastic bag, scraping in all the garlic paste and seal. Refrigerate for 1 hour and let it sit at room temperature 5 minutes before use. Reserve marinade and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat and place tri-tip fat side down. Lower heat to medium-high and cook for 4-5 minutes or until thoroughly browned. Flip tri-tip and cook for 2 more minutes, then transfer to the pre-heated oven.
- Roast for about 15-20 minutes or longer , depending on the weight of the tri- tip . It is best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness . The internal temperature is 135 degrees for medium-rare and 145° for medium. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Meanwhile, while the tri tip is roasting, place the reserved marinade in a small sauce-pan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened and reduced down. Adjust with salt and pepper.
- Slice the roast against the grain Serve with the marinade sauce.
Tips & Notes:
- For a medium-rare tri tip roast, remove it when the temperature reaches 135°F and 145°F for medium (about 10 minutes longer). Let it rest first for 5-10 minutes and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutrition Information:
POOKIE says
making it again tonight..this time i don’t have fresh herbs. last night i salted it & about 5 hrs ago i added evoo & assorted spices, no fresh garlic this time. added red wine 1 hr ago & will sear it on my stove top grill in about 2 hrs. i don’t have a cast iron pan but really like my non-stick stove grill by ROCK.. works great! can’t wait to roast my tri-tip.
pookie says
I only have ‘cheap’ red wine…would that be okay?
Immaculate Bites says
That’s okay, pookie.
Cresta H. says
Imma, I want to thank you for sharing this recipe. It was very delicious and my whole family loved it! One of the best I’ve tried!
Immaculate Bites says
It’s my pleasure, Cresta! And thank YOU for trying this recipe 🙂
Vicky Lopez says
I make this tri tip roast at least once a month. Leftovers make sandwiches or stroganoff
Immaculate Bites says
Yum! Thank you, Vicky! 🙂
Laurie says
I’m from Santa Maria California where Tri tip is famous for. And made this for the first time and I have to say it just as good as on the pit.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Laurie!
Al Do says
Your recipe worked perfectly. I did 17 minute in the oven for perfect medium rare. Wish I could upload a pic.
Immaculate Bites says
Glad it turned out perfect, Al! Thank you!
Karen says
I didn’t have fresh thyme, so I used dried. I also added extra red wine to the sauce since there wasn’t much left after marinating the roast. Served this with mashed potatoes and wow! This was sooooo delicious! Like something you’d order in a fine dining establishment! I’ve been trying different tri-tip recipes, and this is the best one I’ve ever found!
imma africanbites says
Awww. Thank you for the wonderful feedback, Karen.
Yvonne says
This was delicious. I didn’t have Ted wine so I used balsamic vinegar and a bit of chicken broth. Moist. Great sauce.
Kathleen Hermsmeyer says
I assume it’s OK to marinate the meat for more than 1 hour?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes it is.
RAQUEL Hernandez says
How long should I cook 4 tri tip im over if I want it medium cooked? I ask this because after it’s done, im transfering it to a buffet warmer. I dont want it dry before guests arrive and eat.
ImmaculateBites says
It’s difficult to say for sure. I would suggest cooking it to medium rare then transfer to the buffet warmer . Please do let us know how it works out for you. Thanks
Helene says
This was the first recipe I tried in my new Cast Iron skillet. It came out perfectly — except there was not enough marinade left to make the pan gravy. Next time I’ll set the oven at a lower temperature.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for the feedback. Next time add 1/2 cup more wine to the marinade.
Alex says
I’m assuming this recipe will work for brisket too?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Alex, The spices could work . However, the cooking times would not. Brisket is a tough cut of meat . It’s best prepared for a prolong period , on low heat .
Patricia Boster says
Do you have to marinade the tri-tip?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you do for best results
Jenn says
The marinade was delicious!! Glad to have found your site!
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome!!! I am so glad you loved it, Jenn!
Jake says
My house is filled with a delicious smell of meat searing in cast iron skillet. Can’t wait until dinner tonight. Thank you for sharing your recipe. Seems pretty simple.
imma africanbites says
Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Selena says
This recipe worked out GREAT! My boyfriend loved his tri tip roast, the searing on the outside and the juices from the meat. I left out the red wine, just using lots of seasonings. The cooking process really made this a winner for me. I’m a vegan, but I was pleased by how it turned out for him, who still wants his meat. Thanks for sharing!
imma africanbites says
Thank you for taking the time to let me know, Selena. I appreciate it. Glad it turned out great for him.
Tracy says
My Tri tip is already seasoned and mine says 325 degree oven and my cast iron pan isn’t big enough, what do I use instead???
ImmaculateBites says
Use a baking or cooking sheet.
Cheryl Parsons says
I am a recovering alcoholic. What can I use in place of red wine?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Cheryl,
Beef broth would work just fine.
Lorina says
You can use red wine vinegar just don’t use quite as much.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for sharing your tip.
Sydney says
I’ve made this recipe 3 times now and it always delivers. I leave a bit of the fat on because it tastes so good and looks amazing when I take it out of the oven. I’ve over cooked this cut of meat before, and this recipe helps prevent that. Follow the instructions to a T” and you won’t be disappointed.
imma africanbites says
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know. I’m so glad this has turned out amazing for you, Sydney.